The Famous “Donnie Brasco 1997” Actor Michael Madsen Found Dead In His Home

Michael Madsen the actor — famous for roles like Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs 1992, Sonny Black in Donnie Brasco 1997 and Budd in Kill Bill 2003-2004 — passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 67. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu, California home and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to his manager, the cause was a cardiac arrest, with no suspicion of foul play.

He leaves behind a storied career with over 300 film and TV credits, multiple poetry collections, and an upcoming anthology titled Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems.

Here are 10 of Michael Madsen’s most famous and iconic movies, based on critical acclaim, box office success, and his standout performances:

1. Reservoir Dogs 1992 – Mr. Blonde (Vic Vega) – His most iconic role — the ear-cutting scene is legendary.
2. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2 2003–2004 – Budd – Played the weary, tragic brother of Bill in Tarantino’s revenge saga.
3. Donnie Brasco 1997 – Sonny Black – Supporting role in the crime drama with Al Pacino and Johnny Depp.
4. The Hateful Eight 2015 – Joe Gage – Returned to Tarantino’s ensemble cast for this snowy Western mystery.
5. Sin City 2005 – Bob – Brief but memorable noir role in Robert Rodriguez’s graphic novel adaptation.
6. Species 1995 – Preston Lennox – Played a government assassin in this sci-fi thriller.
7. Free Willy 1993 – Glen Greenwood – Played the foster father in this family classic.
8. Wyatt Earp 1994 – Virgil Earp – Starred alongside Kevin Costner in this historical Western.
9. The Getaway 1994 – Rudy Travis – Co-starred with Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger in this action remake.
10. Thelma & Louise 1991 – Jimmy Lennox – Played Susan Sarandon’s on-again-off-again boyfriend in a supporting role.