Legendary actor Michael Madsen has died aged 67

Actor Michael Madsen has died at the age of 67, his publicist Liz Rodriguez has confirmed.

Madsen had a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on Thursday, the Rodriguez confirmed to CNN.

Madsen’s managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, as well as Rodriguez said in a joint statement: "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.

"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."

Michael Madsen has died aged 67 (Daniele Venturelli/Daniele Venturelli / Getty Images)

The legendary actor was best known for his longtime partnership with Quentin Tarantino in a number of movies, including Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

While Reservoir Dogs may have received a mix reaction among critics upon its release, it's Madsen's acting in the movie that was a real stand out.

"One of the discoveries in the movie is Madsen, who has done a lot of acting over the years ... but here emerges with the kind of really menacing screen presence only a few actors achieve; he can hold his own with the fearsome Tierney, and reminds me a little of a very mean Robert De Niro," Roger Ebert said in his review.

Madsen also had screen credits in the likes of Thelma and Louise, Free Willy, and Sin City.

Quentin Tarantino and Michael Madsen pictured together in 2017 (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for 1 Hotel)

Alongside a number of other TV roles, Madsen offered his expertise to the video game industry, including voicing characters in the Grand Theft Auto and Dishonoured franchises.

Tributes have been flooding in for Madsen, including some from the biggest names in Hollywood.

Captain America co-director Joe Russo said on Twitter: "Michael Madsen ALWAYS had bite. RIP."

Sgt. Jauregui, who is a watch commander for LASD Lost Hills Station, confirmed to CNN that first responders attended Madsen's home earlier today, where they found him deceased.

Jauregui told CNN: "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."