Actor Michael Madsen died from heart failure, his cardiologist has confirmed.
The Reservoir Dogs star’s doctor told NBC4 Los Angeles that heart disease and alcoholism will be named as contributing factors on the death certificate.
The 67-year-old performer was found unresponsive at his California home on July 3. His manager had initially stated the cause of death was thought to be cardiac arrest.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has closed the case, with no foul play indicated.
The actor’s cardiologist, who was already treating Madsen, will sign the death certificate, making an autopsy unnecessary. The death has been classified as occurring from natural causes.
Madsen’s breakthrough came in 1992 when Quentin Tarantino cast him as the sadistic Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs.
The role, which featured the infamous ear-slicing torture scene, launched a decades-long collaboration between the actor and director.
Despite opposition from Harvey Weinstein, who “never liked me” according to Madsen’s 2020 interview with The Independent, Tarantino continued casting him in major roles.
“I think I’m only in them because Quentin stood up for me every single time and said I’m going to use Michael whether you like it or not,” Madsen revealed.
The Chicago-born actor went on to appear in multiple Tarantino projects, including playing Budd in both Kill Bill films, Joe Gage in The Hateful Eight, and Sheriff Hackett in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Madsen’s career spanned over four decades, with more than 70 film and television credits.
Beyond his Tarantino collaborations, he appeared in notable films including Thelma & Louise, Free Willy, The Doors, Sin City and the James Bond film Die Another Day.
in 1957 to filmmaker Elaine and World War II veteran Calvin, Madsen came from an acting family. His sister, Virginia, received an Oscar nomination for her role in the 2004 film Sideways
Madsen’s final on-screen credits included the sci-fi thriller Every Last One Of Them, the comedy Western Outlaw Johnny Black and the drama Max Dagan, released in 2024.
UK audiences knew him from his 2012 Celebrity Big Brother appearance, where he finished fourth behind Gareth Thomas, Frankie Cocozza and winner Denise Welch.
The actor also appeared in music videos for Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Rita Ora and Sky Ferreira throughout his career.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues including Walton Goggins, Harvey Keitel and Jennifer Tilly.
“The type of character I think I play really well is somebody who’s not perfect, who’s a little rough around the edges not out of a GQ magazine, and might have a cigarette now and then or need a shave,” Madsen told The Independent in 2020, “but you can bet your ass I’m gonna do the right thing.”
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The actor leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances, particularly his collaborations with Tarantino that helped define independent American cinema in the 1990s.
