Ruled the screen with a gravel‑edged voice and a heart of velvet. A poet, a father, a legend

Michael Madsen, born September 25, 1957, in Chicago, was the quintessential tough‑guy actor whose career spanned over four decades and more than 300 film, television, and video‑game roles. The son of filmmaker Elaine Madsen and Navy veteran/firefighter Calvin Madsen, he grew up alongside his sister, actress Virginia Madsen, after completing his education at New Trier High School.

He began his artistic journey apprenticing at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre under John Malkovich, before making his film debut in WarGames (1983.) Madsen broke into Hollywood’s consciousness with Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992), delivering a chilling performance as Mr. Blonde that became one of cinema’s most infamous moments. Although he declined the role of Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, he maintained a lasting friendship with Tarantino, appearing in Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Madsen showcased range beyond his tough‑guy persona—playing a devoted father in Free Willy, a mobster in Donnie Brasco, and lending his distinct voice to video‑game characters like Toni Cipriani in GTA III. Off‑camera, he was an avid poet and photographer, with a published collection, Burning in Paradise, and an upcoming book, Tears for My Father.

He fathered seven children, including actor Christian Madsen; his son Hudson tragically died in 2022. Michael devoted himself to his craft, his family, and philanthropic efforts like pediatric cancer fundraisers and the Shriners Hospitals.

Madsen passed away from cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu on July 3, 2025, at age 67. He is survived by his mother, four sons, and two sisters, leaving behind a legacy defined by raw intensity, unexpected tenderness, and unforgettable roles.