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Michael Madsen, known for his tough-guy roles in films like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill,” has died at 67. His manager confirmed that the cause was cardiac arrest.
Madsen’s sister, actress Virginia Madsen, shared a moving tribute on Instagram. She described her brother as “thunder and velvet,” a “poet disguised as an outlaw,” and someone who stormed through life “loud, brilliant, and half on fire.”
She emphasized the family’s grief for the man they knew, not just the public figure. Virginia and Michael acted together in several films in the 1990s, including “Blue Tiger” and “The Florentine.”
Many of Madsen’s former colleagues also shared their condolences. Vivica A.
Fox, who appeared with Madsen in the “Kill Bill” films and “Garlic & Gunpowder,” praised his talent and on-screen presence. Harvey Keitel, Madsen’s co-star in “Reservoir Dogs,” called him a “great American poet” and highlighted a scene between Madsen and Chris Penn as one of the best he’d ever witnessed on film.
James Woods remembered Madsen’s kindness and generosity. Director Robert Rodriguez recalled giving Madsen room to improvise in “Sin City” because of his writing talent and humor.
Billy Baldwin described Madsen as “a total stick of dynamite,” while Titus Welliver and Rob Schneider also offered their condolences and praise for the late actor.