Hollywood has lost one of its most enduring tough guys. Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced actor best known for his chilling portrayal of Mr. Blonde in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 67. His manager, Ron Smith, confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest.
Madsen was found unresponsive at his Malibu home early Thursday morning and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. No foul play is suspected.
Born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Madsen’s career spanned over four decades and more than 300 screen credits. He began his acting journey at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre under the mentorship of John Malkovich. His breakout role came in 1992 with Reservoir Dogs, where his infamous “Stuck in the Middle With You” torture scene became a defining moment in indie cinema.
He went on to collaborate with Tarantino on Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Beyond Tarantino’s universe, Madsen appeared in Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, Sin City, and Die Another Day. He also lent his voice to video games like Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored.
In recent years, Madsen had been working on several independent films and was preparing to release a poetry collection titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.
He is survived by six children, including actor Christian Madsen. Tributes have poured in from across the film industry, remembering him as a fearless performer who redefined the anti-hero archetype.
Michael Madsen’s legacy will live on in celluloid, poetry, and the unforgettable menace of Mr. Blonde.