Michael Madsen’s actor sister Virginia speaks out on his tragic death aged 67
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage via Getty Images
Michael Madsen's sister has issued a tribute following his death at the age of 67.
Madsen was primarily known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's cult classic films, including Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and The Hateful Eight. Outside his work with Tarantino, he also starred in Thelma & Louise, Free Willy and The Green Lantern.
On July 3, Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home after he had a cardiac arrest, with his publicist, Liz Rodriguez, confirming his passing to the media.
Rodriguez and Madsen's managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith also issued a joint statement, which read: "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.
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"Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems currently being edited.
"Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."
Madsen's younger sister and fellow actor, Virginia Madsen, reflected fondly on her brother and his influence in a statement to Variety.
She said: "My brother Michael has left the stage. 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," she continued. "We're not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby."
The Dune star got even more personal about her relationship with her brother, adding: "I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I'll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory.
"In time, we'll share how we plan to celebrate his life — but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can't."
Other tributes from Madsen's co-stars have also come flooding in, with his Reservoir Dogs co-star Harvey Keitel telling The New York Post: "We've lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend."
Meanwhile, White Lotus star Walton Goggins, who starred alongside Madsen in The Hateful 8, wrote on Instagram: "Michael Madsen… this man… this artist… this poet… this rascal…F***ing ICON…. Aura like no one else. Ain't enough words so I'll just say this…. I love you buddy. A H8TER forever."
Sgt. Jauregui, who is a watch commander for LASD Lost Hills Station, confirmed to CNN that the actor's death is not being considered suspicious.
He said: "Deputies responded to his home this morning where he was found unresponsive. LA county fire responded and he was pronounced deceased at 8:25 AM local time.
"No foul play, appeared to be natural causes."