Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced actor known for his menacing calm in Quentin Tarantino’s films, has died at 67. He was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on July 3 and pronounced dead at the scene. His manager confirmed cardiac arrest as the cause, with no foul play suspected.

Although Madsen appeared in more than 300 projects, his most iconic role was Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs (1992). The film’s infamous dance scene cemented his reputation as a chilling screen presence and made him a lasting figure in modern cinema.

He became a regular in Tarantino’s work, appearing in Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Beyond those films, he delivered memorable performances in Donnie Brasco, Thelma & Louise, and Sin City, often playing tough, dangerous characters with surprising depth.

Shortly before his death, his team said he was enthusiastic about a new creative phase and independent film projects. After the news broke, his 19-year-old son Luke shared a tribute, calling him his hero and “a damn good father.”

His sister, actress Virginia Madsen, remembered him as “thunder and velvet… a poet disguised as an outlaw.” Michael Madsen leaves behind his wife, children, and a powerful legacy as one of Hollywood’s most intense and recognizable actors.