Hollywood star Michael Madsen was found dead at his Malibu home on Thursday. His death was confirmed by the authorities and the actor’s representatives, with no foul play suspected. Madsen made a name for himself with iconic roles in Quentin Tarantino’s films like Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill Vol. 2, and more. Condolences from the industry and fans have been pouring in since. With a career spanning over 40 years and multiple accolades under his belt, Madsen leaves behind his sister, wife, and four sons, with whom he lived. One of his sons had tragically passed away in 2022.
Michael Madsen’s cause of death
According to Deadline, the cops have ruled Michael Madsen’s death as apparent cardiac arrest. The sheriff’s department confirmed the same after deputies responded to an emergency call in Los Angeles County on Thursday morning. The actor was found unresponsive by the paramedic team, and he was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. His rep, in a statement, said, “We understand Michael had a cardiac arrest.” Later, two of his managers and publicist Liz Rodriguez released a statement saying, “In the last two years, Michael Madsen had been doing some incredible work with independent film, including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life.” The statement further revealed that the actor was gearing up to release a new book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, which is currently in the editing phase. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Madsen has a legacy of performing some of the most iconic roles in Hollywood, including films like Free Willy, War Games, Another Day, Sin City, Thelma & Louise, and more. He was also an excellent voiceover artist and insanely popular among the newer generation, too—he voiced characters in video games like Grand Theft Auto III, Dishonoured, and Crime Boss. In one of his last interviews, Madsen called fame a two-edged sword and said that while it’s a blessing, it also comes with a heavy price. “I think I’ve been more believable than I should have been. I think people really fear me. They see me and go: ‘Holy shit, there’s that guy!’” he told The Hollywood Reporter, reflecting on his antagonist roles. Though he added, when he’s not working, he’s just a regular guy, “I’m just an actor. I’m a father. I’ve got seven children. I’m married, and I’ve been married for 20 years. When I’m not making a movie, I’m home, in pyjamas, watching The Rifleman on TV, hopefully with my 12-year-old making me a cheeseburger. I sure as hell had my rabble-rousing days, but sooner or later, you have to get over that and move on.”
“Madsen was one of my favorite actors I ever worked with,” Jennifer Tilly, who worked with the actor on The Getaway, wrote on X. “The Getaway was very early in my career and he made me feel safe and supported. He was wildly audacious and rambunctious with his character choices, and had a wicked sense of humor. I don’t recall ever laughing so much on a film set in my life. A huge talent. Gone too soon.”
Walton Goggins, who worked with the actor on The Hateful Eight, wrote, “Michael Madsen… this man… this artist… this poet… this rascal… Fucking ICON… Aura like no one else. Ain’t enough words so I’ll just say this… I love you, buddy. A H8TER forever.”
