Michael Madsen, known for roles in 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Kill Bill' films, dies at 67

MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- Actor Michael Madsen, known for roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and the "Kill Bill" films, died Thursday. He was 67.

Madsen was found unresponsive by deputies who responded to his home in Malibu, California, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m.

The sheriff's department said no foul play is suspected in his death and it appears to be from natural causes.

"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. Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems currently being edited," read a statement from his managers and publicist.

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

Madsen's career spanned more than 300 credits stretching back to the early 1980s, many in low-budget films. But his most memorable screen moment may have been the sadistic torture of a captured police officer - while dancing to Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle with You" - as Mr. Blonde in 1992's "Reservoir Dogs."

He would become a regular in Quentin Tarantino films, appearing in the "Kill Bill" films, "The Hateful Eight" and "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood."

Madsen was not really known for making family films, but he did pick a hit when he starred in 1993's "Free Willy" and its sequel.

In 2020, Madsen left his hand and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where he reflected on his career.

"I could have been a bricklayer. I could have been an architect. I could have been a garbage man. I could have been nothing. But I got lucky. I got lucky as an actor," Madsen said.

His sister, actress Virginia Madsen, told Variety that Michael "was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.