Michael Madsen, 'Reservoir Dogs' and 'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' actor, dies at 67
In an acting career spanning more than 40 years, Madsen racked up dozens of screen credits. He was best known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino.
nbcnews.com
Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced character actor famous for playing Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs and Budd in Kill Bill: Vol. 2, died July 3, 2025, at 67 of cardiac arrest. Over a 40-year career he racked up dozens of credits—from The Doors, Thelma & Louise and Donnie Brasco to Tarantino’s ensemble casts in The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood—and even voiced characters in video games like Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored.
Born in Chicago in 1957, Madsen got his start at Steppenwolf Theatre alongside John Malkovich, then popped up in ’80s films like WarGames and The Natural before his breakout role in Reservoir Dogs. He nearly landed a part in Pulp Fiction but opted for Wyatt Earp instead—a choice he later regretted. Survived by four children (including actor Christian Madsen) and sister Virginia Madsen, he leaves a legacy as one of cinema’s most menacing monsters and Tarantino’s go-to tough guy.
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