Michael Madsen dead: Reservoir Dogs & Kill Bill star 'found unresponsive at home'

Hollywood actor Michael Madsen has died aged 67. The Reservoir Dogs star was found dead in his home in Malibu on Thursday (July 3) morning. The emergency services were called to the film star's home in the early hours, where they pronounced him dead.

The Los Angeles County deputies were called to his home in the city after a 911 call on Thursday morning. He appeared to have died from natural causes and no foul play is suspected, the sheriff's department told NBC News. According to the actor's manager, Ron Smith, he said that Madsen died from cardiac arrest. A statement from his reps said Madsen was working with independent filmmakers and "really looking forward to this next chapter in his life."

In the statement, his rep said: "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."

His managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez added: "Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently being edited.

"Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."

After landing his first notable film role in 1983's WarGames, Madsen enjoyed a career that spanned four decades, where he was best recognised for playing tough guy characters.

He starred in many Quentin Tarantino movies, including Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Reservoir Dogs, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Away from his work with the legendary director, Madsen also landed roles in Thelma & Louise, Donnie Brasco and Free Willy.

In addition to on-screen roles, the actor also did some voice work in video game series such as Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored.

Madsen's success continued away from film and TV as he wrote poetry and published several books before his death, and also had a line of hot sauces called American Badass.

The actor had six children. In 1979, he had a daughter, Jessica, with Dana Mechling. Then, during his four-year marriage to actress Jeannine Bisignano, he welcomed two sons, Christian and Max.

In 1996, Madsen married actress DeAnna Morgan and together they had three sons, Luke, Kalvin and Hudson. Hudson tragically died by suicide in January 2022.

Madsen filed for divorce from DeAnna in September 2024, and in court papers, he accused his estranged wife of driving their son to die by suicide "by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism."

One month later, the actor issued a public apology on Instagram and penned: "Losing a child is the hardest and most painful experience that can happen in this world. I deeply apologise for not correcting this earlier, but I love my wife and our other 4 children and have no desire for divorce or blame.

"She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son. It was a horrible loss and choice that was made for reasons that truly cannot ever be known because the person is gone, I don't think my son is dead, I think he escaped from a life that didn't make sense anymore."

Madsen is survived by his five children, mother Elaine and wife DeAnna.