This Thursday, the death of legendary actor Michael Madsen was announced. He was best known for his roles in films such as Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill: Vol. 2. The news was confirmed by his manager, Ron Smith. Here’s everything we know about his passing.
What did Michael Madsen die of?
According to his representative, the actor died this morning due to cardiac arrest. So far, it has not been disclosed whether he had any preexisting medical conditions.
How old was Michael Madsen?
At the time of his death, the actor was 67 years old.
ALSO READ Who will be the new villain in Stranger Things 5? Netflix gives this clue
What was Michael Madsen’s net worth?
Michael Madsen’s net worth was estimated at $500,000. Throughout his career, Madsen faced serious financial difficulties. In 2009, he filed for bankruptcy, reporting a monthly income of just $3,300 and millions in debt—including $1 million owed to Quentin Tarantino and $25,000 to Pierce Brosnan. He was sued for owing $80,000 in rent in Malibu and appeared multiple times on California’s list of top tax delinquents.
In 2013, he settled a $640,000 debt with the IRS, though as of 2021, he still owed more than $509,000. To recover financially, he accepted numerous roles in low-budget films, remaining active in the industry until his final days.
Who was Michael Madsen?
Michael Søren Madsen, born September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American actor known for his powerful screen presence and a long-standing career in both film and television. He was the son of Elaine, a writer and filmmaker, and Calvin, a World War II veteran and firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department. Michael grew up surrounded by discipline and creativity. He had two sisters: Cheryl, a businesswoman, and Virginia Madsen, an Oscar-nominated actress for Sideways.
ALSO READ Which restaurants will be open on July 4th? We’ll tell you
With Danish ancestry on his father’s side and German, English, Irish, Scottish, and Native American roots on his mother’s, Madsen began his artistic journey at Chicago’s acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre, where he apprenticed under actor John Malkovich. During the 1980s, he began acting in films, appearing in titles such as WarGames and The Killing Time. His first notable role came in Thelma & Louise (1991), but he rose to fame in 1992 with Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, portraying the iconic Mr. Blonde.
Throughout the 1990s, he expanded his filmography with titles like Free Willy, Wyatt Earp, Species, Donnie Brasco, and The Florentine, the latter featuring his sister Virginia. In the 2000s, he appeared in films such as Die Another Day and Kill Bill (Volumes 1 & 2), also directed by Tarantino. His versatility kept him active across various genres, including action and westerns, such as The Hateful Eight (2015) and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019).
On television, he made his debut in 1983 and was part of numerous productions, including Miami Vice, Quantum Leap, 24, Hawaii Five-0, and CSI: Miami. He starred in the series Vengeance Unlimited and participated in several TV movies such as Montana, High Noon, and Frankenstein.
Beyond his work as an actor, Madsen was also a talented poet and photographer. He began writing poetry in the 1990s and published several works, including Beer, Blood and Ashes and Expecting Rain, influenced by authors such as Charles Bukowski and Jack Kerouac. In 2006, he published the photography book Signs of Life, dedicated to his friend Chris Penn, which also included his poetry.
On a personal level, he was married three times and was the father of five children, including actor Christian Madsen. He was known for his commitment to charitable causes, especially his work with Shriners Hospitals for Children and his support of initiatives against childhood cancer.
