'Kill Bill' Actor Michael Madsen Found Dead – Details

Authorities released details on how the "Free Willy" actor was found, as his representative revealed a health condition he faced before his unexpected death.

Michael Madsen, the Hollywood actor best known for his intense roles in "Kill Bill" and "Reservoir Dogs," died early Thursday, July 3, 2025, at his home in Malibu.

According to TMZ, someone placed the emergency call that led Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies to the residence, where they found him unresponsive and called for emergency personnel, who pronounced him dead at the scene.

The actor's representative, Liz Rodriguez, confirmed he had suffered cardiac arrest. Authorities are treating his death as the result of natural causes.

In recent years, the Hollywood icon focused on independent film projects, including upcoming features such as "Resurrection Road," "Concessions," and "Cookbook for Southern Housewives." He had also been preparing to publish a book of poetry titled "Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems."

Michael's final public message came in March 2025 through an Instagram post announcing his new role as a brand ambassador. "I am the new face of @doncapa_cigars Thank you to @hollywoodtimesmag for this magazine cover!" he wrote, marking what would be his last statement to fans.

Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from loved ones and longtime colleagues. His sister, actress Virginia Madsen, shared a deeply emotional post on Facebook, "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."

Virginia reflected on the loss not just of a public figure but of the brother she knew personally, recalling the warmth, humor, and closeness they shared before fame shaped his image.

Actress Jennifer Tilly, who co-starred with Michael in "The Getaway," paid tribute on X, recalling how he made her feel welcomed and reassured early in her career. She described him as audacious, funny, and among the most unforgettable people she ever worked with.

Actor Walton Goggins also shared his remembrance on Instagram, calling Michael a unique presence and an icon. He described him as "this man… this artist… this poet… this rascal… ICON… aura like no one else," and ended with a heartfelt message, "I love you buddy. A H8TER forever."

Born on September 25, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois, Michael built a career spanning decades, defined by emotional depth, rugged charisma, and a commanding screen presence. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with standout roles in the sci-fi thriller "Species" (1995) and the crime drama "Donnie Brasco" (1997).

Michael became a frequent collaborator of director Quentin Tarantino, delivering memorable performances in films like "The Hateful Eight" (2015) and "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" (2019).

In his final years, he remained prolific with roles in "Outlaw Johnny Black" (2023), the creature thriller "DinoGator" (2024), and two 2025 releases: the crime drama "Cash Collectors" and the biographical film "Sinatra! Eternity."

Over his career, he received 26 awards and seven nominations. Beyond acting, Michael was also a published poet, known for writing that offered a candid, introspective contrast to his on-screen persona.

Michael was married three times. His first marriage, to Georganne LaPiere, did not result in children. He had two sons, Christian and Max, with his second wife, Jeannine Bisignano, and three sons—Luke, Calvin, and Hudson—with his third wife, DeAnna Madsen.

In September 2024, he filed for divorce from DeAnna after 28 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing followed the tragic death by suicide of their 26-year-old son, Hudson, in January 2022.

According to court documents, Michael claimed that DeAnna's drinking and neglect contributed to their son's death and described the relationship as abusive and toxic. He sought a domestic violence restraining order and denied counter-allegations made against him.

Despite the challenges he faced, Michael continued to work and create. His career and personal story left a lasting impression on colleagues, fans, and the film industry.

His death comes during a time of sadness for the entertainment world. Just last month, music icon Brian Wilson also passed away, marking another major loss.

Wilson, the co-founder of The Beach Boys and a musical genius whose innovations reshaped music history, died on June 11 at the age of 82. This news was announced through a heartfelt statement shared on his official Instagram account by his children.

Wilson's kids expressed their devastation in a post that read, "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving."

They also acknowledged the global impact of his work: "We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world."

This moment marks another profound chapter in a period of sorrow for the Wilson family. Just over a year ago, Wilson shared an emotional tribute following the passing of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, on January 30, 2024. She was 77.

In his message, he described her not only as a beloved wife but also as his "savior," crediting her with giving him the strength to pursue music. "She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her," he added.

Their children also shared a joint statement in the same social media post, honoring her for being "a force of nature" and "a woman empowered by her spirit."

"We will miss her but cherish everything she has taught us. How to take care of the person next to you with out [sic] expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest of places, and how to live life as your truest self with honesty and pride," they added.

For many fans, Wilson was more than a musician. He was a cultural icon whose songs like "God Only Knows" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice" defined a generation. Other notable titles include "Don't Worry Baby," "Good Vibrations," "Surfin' U.S.A.," "California Dreamin'," "Darlin'," and countless others.

The singer and his wife may both be gone now, but their love story is worth remembering. As previously reported, Wilson and Ledbetter met at a car dealership in the 80s when she sold him a Cadillac.

He was immediately attracted to her beauty and thought he would see her again. Meanwhile, Ledbetter his pleasant personality and felt a similar attraction.

Despite Wilson's personal issues and troubles, Ledbetter still fell in love with him. Soon, their on-again-off-again relationship began, which ultimately led to a breakup.

However, fate brought them back together in 1992, when they bumped into each other again and rekindled their romance. They have since been inseparable.

The couple tied the knot in 1995 and adopted five kids: Dash, Dylan, Delanie Rose, Daria Rose, and Dakota Rose, whom they loved and raised as their own.

Additionally, Wilson has two daughters, Wendy and Carnie Wilson, from his previous marriage to Marilyn Wilson.