Michael Madsen, the veteran character actor renowned for iconic roles in Quentin Tarantino classics like Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, has died at age 67. His body was discovered at his Malibu, California home on July 3, 2025 following a 911 call, and authorities determined the cause to be cardiac arrest . Born on September 25, 1957 in Chicago, Madsen built a prolific career across more than 300 film and television credits, including memorable performances in The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Thelma & Louise, Free Willy, and Donnie Brasco . Colleague Jason James Richter, who starred opposite him in Free Willy, paid tribute to Madsen as a “truly special soul” who left a “profound effect” on him personally . Madsen is survived by his children—including actor Christian Madsen—and siblings, among them actress Virginia Madsen, who released a heartfelt statement after his passing .

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