Actor Michael Madsen, known for 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Kill Bill,' dies at 67, sheriff says

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FILE - Michael Madsen attends the 25th Annual Arpa International Film Festival Awards Gala held at The Beverly Hilton on Nov. 20, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - Actor Michael Madsen, known for his roles in "Reservoir Dogs," "Kill Bill: Vol. 1," and other films, has died, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

He was 67 years old.

The actor died from cardiac arrest, his representatives told Fox News Digital. Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home earlier this morning, they added.

The "Donnie Brasco" star is survived by his four children. 

What they're saying:

"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 Smith and Susan Ferris and publicist Liz Rodriguez said in a statement. They added that he "was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."

Michael Madsen: Not just an actor

Known for wearing Ray Ban sunglasses and his husky voice, Madsen has had an eclectic acting career, having more than 340 acting credits to his name, according to IMDB.

The backstory:

Madsen first began his acting journey in the 1980s. 

One of his most iconic roles was as Mr. Blonde in "Reservoir Dogs" (1992). Madsen's portrayal of a truly sadistic criminal who proceeds to cut off an officer's ear while dancing to "Stuck in the Middle With You" by Stealer Wheel is a scene that stuck with audiences, even now. 

Madsen would go on to work with Tarantino in several memorable films, including the "Kill Bill" movies and "The Hateful Eight." 

Not only was Madsen an actor, but he was a published poet. 

"Burning in Paradise" and "Expecting Rain" were written by Madsen, as well as his forthcoming book, "Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems," according to Variety. 

Turbulent life off-screen

Dig deeper:

Madsen was married twice. Once to Cher’s half-sister Georganne LaPiere and then to DeAnna Morgan in 1996.

He was arrested for misdemeanor spousal battery in August 2024 and by September of that same year, Madsen and Morgan filed for divorce. 

Just two years before their split, their son, Hudson, died by suicide in 2022. 

Madsen, 66, cited "irreconcilable differences" as his reason for the split but added a written statement to his court document with explosive allegations against his ex, claiming "her neglect, drinking and alcoholism" led to their son's death. 

Nearly five years ago, Madsen pleaded no contest to misdemeanor drunk driving stemming from a 2019 arrest after he crashed his Land Rover into a pole in Malibu.

At the time, he was sentenced to four days in jail and five years probation.