ADVERTISEMENTLast week, we learned of the tragic death of American actor Michael Madsen, a regular collaborator with Quentin Tarantino on films like Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Volumes 1 & 2.
The beloved actor was founded dead at his home on 3 July. He was 67.
Now, Madsen’s cardiologist has announced that the actor died from heart failure, telling NBC Los Angeles that the official cause of the death will be listed as occurring from natural causes – with heart disease and alcoholism named as contributing factors.
Madsen struggled with alcoholism for years, spending time in and out of rehabilitation programs for addiction.
Sources told TMZ that the star was sober before his sudden death.
Representatives for Madsen released the following statement following his sudden death: “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.”
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,’ currently being edited,” his team said. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Born on 25 September 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Madsen’s breakthrough came in Tarantino’s directorial debut Reservoir Dogs, in which he starred as the sadistic Mr. Blonde, who tortured a policeman by slicing off his ear.
That role marked the beginning of a long collaboration between Madsen and Tarantino – with Madsen starring in Kill Bill: Volumes 1 & 2 (2003–2004), The Hateful Eight (2015), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019).
His other notable acting credits include 1991’s Thelma & Louise, 1997’s Donnie Brasco, and 2005’s Sin City.
Following his death, Madsen’s family and friends paid tribute to the actor.
“My brother Michael has left the stage,” Madsen’s sister Virginia said in a statement. “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.”
Madsen’s The Hateful Eight co-star Walton Goggins wrote: “Michael Madsen… this man… this artist… this poet… this rascal…Fucking ICON…. Aura like no one else. Ain’t enough words so I’ll just say this…. I love you buddy. A H8TER forever.”
His Reservoir Dogs co-star Harvey Keitel also shared a touching message, telling The New York Post: “We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend.”
The 86-year-old star added: “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” – referring to their late co-star Chris Penn, Sean Penn’s brother, who died in 2006 from heart disease.
