Hollywood is mourning the loss of Michael Madsen, who died Thursday, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. He was 67.
The actor, known for his work in many Quentin Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, was found unresponsive by deputies responding to a 911 call at his home in Malibu. His rep told THR Madsen had “a cardiac arrest.”
Following the news, stars and family took to social media to share tributes to Madsen. His sister and Candyman actress Virginia Madsen posted a photo of them with her mom, writing partly in the caption, “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.” Sharon Stone wrote in the comments: “My sincere condolences to you and your family.”
The White Lotus actor Walton Goggins, who co-stared with Madsen in The Hateful Eight, shared photos with the actor on Instagram: “Michael Madsen… this man… this artist… this poet… this rascal…Fucking ICON…. Aura like no one else. Ain’t enough words so I’ll just say this…. I love you buddy. A H8TER forever,” he wrote.
Jennifer Tilly, Madsen’s The Getaway co-star, shared on X that he was “one of my favorite actors I ever worked with.”
Billy Baldwin wrote on X: “Fitting that Michael Madsen would pass away on 4th of July weekend. He was no firecracker… a total stick of dynamite on screen and in life. Rest easy my friend.”
Below, read on to see what else Hollywood is sharing about Madsen.
Michael was one of my favorite actors I ever worked with. “The Getaway” was very early in my career and he made me feel safe and supported. He was wildly audacious and rambunctious with his character choices, and had a wicked sense of humor. I don’t recall ever laughing so much… pic.twitter.com/stmTtDwXpo
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) July 3, 2025
Michael Madsen was a dream to work with.A truly gifted actor & gentleman who made every person on the set comfortable; generous with his stories & with his infectious laughter.I only wish we could have done more things together in this crazy business
My love to his kids & friends pic.twitter.com/JzrF4JmSKc
— Rob Schneider 🇺🇸 (@RobSchneider) July 3, 2025
Fitting that Michael Madsen would pass away on 4th of July weekend.He was no firecracker… a total stick of dynamite on screen and in life.
Rest easy my friend. pic.twitter.com/q4PsuCeCzx
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) July 3, 2025
Frank Miller and I have always loved telling the story how no one was allowed to improvise any dialogue on Sin City. (We wanted to have the movie be incredibly faithful to his graphic novel.) But we bent that rule every day Michael Madsen worked with us. Being a fantastic writer,… pic.twitter.com/ZpCBXWKWY7
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 3, 2025
