A Hollywood legend has died. Michael Madsen was 67 when he passed away. Michael Madsen died on July 3, 2025. He was famous for his roles in Quentin Tarantino movies, including Kill Bill: Vol. 2 and Reservoir Dogs. According to his manager Ron Smith, he died of cardiac arrest after being found unresponsive in his Malibu, California home.
Michael had a 40 year career. He was in over 300 TV shows and movies. He became an overnight sensation because of his Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs. People still can’t forget one of his scenes in that movie where he tortures a cop. And his Bud in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 was unforgettable. Hollywood loved him for his raspy voice and tough, menacing demeanor.
In addition to Tarantino’s movies, Michael worked on many other big projects. He was in James Bond’s Die Another Day, Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco and Free Willy. Because of his range, he could play everything from a tough gangster to a cool killer. He also voiced characters in video games like Dishonored and Grand Theft Auto III.
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Michael had a tough life. He was married three times and his last marriage to DeAnna Morgan ended in 2024. Michael was devastated by Hudson, one of their six kids, who killed himself in 2022 at 26. His sister, Virginia Madsen, an Oscar nominated actress, said of her brother: “He was a poet who looked like an outlaw, but had a very soft heart.”
In addition to being an actor Michael Madsen was a poet and photographer. His book Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems was due out next year. Quentin Tarantino said in the book that Michael’s style was a unique blend of emotion and masculinity. Michael’s poetry and photography showed his vulnerability which was the opposite of what he was on screen.
Hollywood and his fans were devastated. Harvey Keitel his co-star remembered a moment from Reservoir Dogs and said the Michael and Chris Penn scene was the one that stuck in his head the most. And outside his father’s house Michael’s sons said their goodbyes. After he passed many fans and celebrities paid their respects on social media.
In the last few years Michael Madsen had been in a number of indie films including Concessions and Resurrection Road. His manager said he was excited about those projects. He was also working on his new book. All of that is now ended but his legacy will live on in the public’s heart.
Michael Madsen at 67 is a sad loss for his fans around the world and Hollywood. His poems, his voice and his movies will never be forgotten. Michael Madsen’s art and persona will inspire future generations.
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