Michael Madsen in Kill Bill
Actor Michael Madsen died last week of heart failure after a cardiac arrest, it has been confirmed.
The 67-year-old died last Thursday (July 3) at his home in Malibu, California after being found unresponsive.
Madsen was known for his frequent collaborations with acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino, appearing in Kill Bill: Vol 2, Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, as well as films such as Donnie Brasco, Free Willy and Die Another Day.
The star’s cardiologist has now confirmed his cause of death as heart failure, with contributing factors listed as heart failure and alcoholism.
Madsen’s sister Virginia said in a statement: “My brother Michael has left the stage. 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.
“We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth – but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes – gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable – half legend, half lullaby.”
Madsen is survived by six living children and third wife DeAnna Morgan. His son Hudson died by suicide at the age of 26 in 2022.
