Michael Madsen is being remembered by his Hollywood peers. The actor, who collaborated with Quentin Tarantino ever since his directorial debut “Reservoir Dogs,” died at age 67 after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
Madsen’s team confirmed his death to IndieWire, stating that he had been found unresponsive at his Malibu home. Madsen starred in both “Kill Bill” films, “The Hateful Eight,” and “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood,” and almost appeared in “Pulp Fiction” as Vincent Vega, the character that was later played by John Travolta. Outside of his work with Tarantino, Madsen acted in “Donnie Brasco,” “The Natural,” “The Doors,” “Thelma & Louise,” “Die Another Day,” “Sin City,” “Boarding Gate,” and “Free Willy,” among many other films. His representatives cited that he had more projects in the works, too.
“Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many. […] In the last two years Michael Madsen has 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,” Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a joint statement obtained by IndieWire. “Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems’ [which is] currently being edited.”
Madsen’s family, former co-stars, and directors took to social media to remember the late actor.
“My brother Michael has left the stage,” his sister, actress Virginia Madsen, wrote in a statement to Variety. “He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother — etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.”
She continued, “We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby. I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we’ll share how we plan to celebrate his life — but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can’t.”
The duo worked together in director Michael Mongillo’s 2007 mockumentary “Being Michael Madsen,” starring as comedic versions of themselves.
Madsen’s fellow “Kill Bill” actor Vivica A. Fox told The Post that he was a “talented” co-star. “I had the pleasure of working with Michael Madsen on ‘Kill Bill’ & several other films!” Fox said. “Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on screen presence! My deepest condolences & prayers to his family.”
Harvey Keitel, who worked with Madsen on “Reservoir Dogs,” told The Post, “We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend. I’ll never forget one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen on film — of you and Chris Penn fighting in ‘Reservoir Dogs.’ A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me.” (Chris Penn died in 2006 at age 40.)
James Woods wrote to remember Madsen, “Oh man, this is a hard one. Michael and I did ‘The Getaway’ together. We did ‘Straight Talk’ together. I was always touched by his sweet nature and generosity, the absolute opposite of the ‘tough guys’ he portrayed so brilliantly. Rest in Peace, dear friend.”
Rob Schneider also wrote, “Michael Madsen was a dream to work with.A truly gifted actor & gentleman who made every person on the set comfortable; generous with his stories & with his infectious laughter.I only wish we could have done more things together in this crazy business. My love to his kids & friends.”