Michael Madsen dies at 67: ‘Kill Bill’ star’s death linked to heart issues and alcoholism

Michael Madsen dies at 67: ‘Kill Bill’ star’s death linked to heart issues and alcoholism

Veteran actor Michael Madsen, best known for his intense roles in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classics such as Kill Bill, Reservoir Dogs, and The Hateful Eight, passed away earlier this month at the age of 67. Madsen was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on July 3. Despite the immediate response from emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial reports suggested that Madsen suffered a cardiac arrest. However, details from his official death certificate, according to TMZ, have revealed a more complex picture.

The actor was reportedly suffering from multiple serious health conditions, including thromboembolic disease, a condition involving dangerous blood clots, as well as cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. Chronic alcoholism was also listed as a significant contributing factor.

The death certificate, signed by his cardiologist, confirmed the presence of these conditions, and no autopsy was conducted.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner echoed these findings in their report.

Paramedics on the scene described the incident as a cardiac arrest, though it is now evident that the underlying health issues had been building over time and contributed heavily to Madsen’s untimely death.

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Despite his deteriorating health, Madsen remained active and optimistic about his career. According to his PR team, he had been deeply involved in the independent film circuit over the past two years and was looking forward to continuing this work. “Michael was doing some incredible work and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” they shared.

One of Madsen’s final creative pursuits was a deeply personal project — a poetry collection titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. The book, which was in the editing phase at the time of his passing, offered insight into the actor’s inner life and personal reflections.

With a career that spanned several decades, Michael Madsen’s gritty charm and raw screen presence made him a memorable figure in Hollywood, particularly in the crime and action genres. His work with Tarantino left a lasting impression, and his performances in Donnie Brasco, Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, and Reservoir Dogs remain iconic.