Michael Madsen’s official cause of death revealed: doctor
By Alexandra Bellusci and Whitney Vasquez
The cause of death for Michael Madsen has been revealed.
His personal cardiologist has shared that the legendary actor died from heart failure.
He was 67.
Michael Madsen in "Reservoir Dogs."
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Michael Madsen in “Reservoir Dogs.”
©Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection
His doctor confirmed that heart failure will be listed as his cause of death, with heart disease and alcoholism also being contributing factors, according to NBCLA.
Madsen was discovered unresponsive by authorities in his Malibu, California, home on the morning of Thursday, July 3.
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A representative for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department confirmed to The Post that the “Donnie Brasco” alum was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:25 a.m. They also stated that no foul play was suspected.
While Madsen struggled with alcoholism for years, sources close to the star said he was sober before his sudden death.
Insiders told TMZ that the “Kill Bill” actor was making a “consistent and valiant effort” on his sobriety, noting he spent years in and out of rehab and was “constantly” working on getting his addiction under control.
Michael Madsen is seen during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival at on May 12, 2018.
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Michael Madsen during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival on May 12, 2018.
GC Images
Those closest to him said they “hoped and believed” he was still alcohol-free but were “uncertain about his state of mind” leading up to his death.
Another pal, who claimed they last spoke to the actor on June 10, told the Sun that he “was in bad shape.”
“He called me on June 10 and said, ‘I’m getting evicted from my house,’ and he was asking me for $10,000 to help him out,” the insider alleged. “He told me ‘I’m going to rehab,’ and all this kind of stuff.”
Michael Madsen during 1994 Oscar Post Party at Mondrian in Los Angeles.
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Michael Madsen during a 1994 post-Oscars party at the Mondrian in Los Angeles.
FilmMagic, Inc
“He really opened up to me. It was clear he had a lot going on in his life that was difficult for him to navigate,” the source added. “He was in bad shape, man.”
Representatives for Madsen released a statement following his sudden passing.
“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,” his managers, Smith and Susan Ferris, as well as his publicist, Liz Rodriguez, told The Post.
Michael Madsen placing his handprint and bootprint in cement to be displayed with other celebrity cement impressions in the rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel.
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Michael Madsen placing his handprints in cement to be displayed with other celebrity cement impressions in the rooms at the Roosevelt Hotel.
WireImage
“Michael was also preparing to release a new book called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,’ currently being edited,” his team concluded. “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
The late star first rose to fame in the 1983 sci-fi techno thriller “WarGames.” His sister, Virginia Madsen, 63, is also in the industry, starring in a slew of movies like the 2004 rom-com “Sideways.”
Madsen was best known for his portrayal of the tough guy in a series of Quentin Tarantino films.
The 1992 movie "Reservoir Dogs."
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The 1992 movie “Reservoir Dogs.”
Live Entertainment/Kobal/Shutterstock
He starred as the criminal Mr. Blonde in Tarantino’s 1992 directorial debut, “Reservoir Dogs,” before teaming up with the filmmaker again for “Kill Bill: Volume 1” in 2003 and “Kill Bill: Volume 2” in 2004.
Madsen and Tarantino also worked together in 2015’s “The Hateful Eight” and “Once Upon a Time in … Hollywood” (2019).
After news of his death broke, Madsen’s family, friends and former co-stars paid tribute to the fallen actor.
Michael Madsen in "Kill Bill."
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Michael Madsen in “Kill Bill.”
Kill Bill
“My brother Michael has left the stage,” Virginia told Variety in a statement. “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.”
One of Madsen’s sons called him a “hero,” concluding his emotional tribute, “I’ll See You Again Someday. Tell Hudson I Said Hi.” The actor’s son Hudson died by suicide in 2022 at age 26.
His “Reservoir Dogs” co-star Harvey Keitel also shared a touching message, telling The Post, “We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend.”
Michael Madsen and his wife DeAnna Madsen.
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Michael Madsen and his wife DeAnna Madsen.
Getty Images
The 86-year-old star added, “I’ll never forget one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen on film, of you and Chris Penn fighting in ‘Reservoir Dogs.’ A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me,” referring to their late co-star, Chris, Sean Penn’s brother, who died in 2006 from heart disease.
Meanwhile, fellow “Kill Bill” cast member Vivica A. Fox reminisced about working with Madsen.
“I had the pleasure of working with Michael Madsen on ‘Kill Bill’ & several other films!” the actress told The Post in a statement. “Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on screen presence! My deepest condolences & prayers to his family. #GoneToSoon #RestInParadise.”
Michael Madsen attends the Hand and Footprint Ceremony TCL Chinese Theatre on November 16, 2020.
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Michael Madsen attends the hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 16, 2020.
Getty Images
Pal Stephen Baldwin said to The Post, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Michael Madsen — a true original, fearless and unforgettable.”
The actor went on: “Honored to have known and worked with him. My prayers are with his wife DeAnna and the entire Madsen family. Rest easy, brother.”
The stars collaborated in the 2014 action thriller “2047: Sights of Death” and the 2016 horror movie “Magi.”
Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth attend the "Reservoir Dogs" Screening during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 28, 2017 in New York City.
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(From left) Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth attend the “Reservoir Dogs” screening during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 28, 2017, in New York City.
Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival
Madsen appeared on Baldwin’s “One Bad Movie” podcast in December to deep-dive into his four-decade career.
The pair had a lot to discuss, as Madsen has appeared in more than 325 projects.
The “Thelma & Louise” alum was last seen at the horror convention Chiller Theatre Expo on April 27.
Michael Madsen attends "Reservoir Dogs" 25th Anniversary Screening during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
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Michael Madsen attends the “Reservoir Dogs” 25th anniversary screening during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
George Pimentel
In September, Madsen made headlines after filing for divorce from his wife, DeAnna Madsen, after 28 years of marriage.
In his divorce filing, Madsen cited irreconcilable differences and included a statement in which he blamed DeAnna for their son’s tragic passing.
Madsen accused her of driving Hudson to suicide “by her neglect, drinking and alcoholism.”
A month later, the “Sin City” actor clarified his stance in an Instagram post.
Michael Madsen.
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Michael Madsen
FilmMagic
“To whom it may concern, A few recent articles have suggested my disillusionment with my marriage and a dark connection between my wife and the loss of our son. I was and not the writer of this story and wish my wife no harm or embarrassment,” Madsen wrote beneath a picture with DeAnna.
“Losing a child is the hardest and most painful experience that can happen in this world. I deeply apologize for not correcting this earlier but I love my wife and our other 4 children and have no desire for divorce or blame,” he continued. “She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son.”
Madsen elaborated, “It was a horrible loss and choice that was made for reasons that truly cannot ever be known because the person is gone, I don’t think my son is dead, I think he escaped from a life that didn’t make sense anymore.”
Baldwin showed his support, commenting beneath the post, “Love you bro praying for you and your family. God bless.”
Madsen is survived by his sisters, Virginia and Cheryl, and his remaining children, including his son, “Divergent” actor Christian Madsen, 35.
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