Michael Madsen's Sudden Death Leaves Close Pal Shocked Due To Clean Bill Of Health Days Before His Passing

Michael Madsen, known for gritty roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill," has died at 67.

However, days before his sudden death, he was reportedly given a clean bill of health after a hospital check-up.

Found unresponsive by his friend Dougie Smith, Michael Madsen had recently expressed excitement about upcoming projects, including a book and Comic-Con.

According to law enforcement, Madsen's death is currently being treated as due to natural causes.

But just days before his unexpected passing, Madsen had reportedly been given a clean bill of health by doctors, according to his longtime friend and assistant, Dougie Smith.

Speaking to TMZ, Smith shared that Madsen had visited UCLA Medical Center the previous Friday for a check-up on a lingering shoulder injury from a horseback riding accident two years ago.

Though he had been considering surgery for his damaged rotator cuff, Madsen opted instead to use a brace due to his busy upcoming schedule.

The same accident had also caused a minor brain bleed, prompting a PET scan to rule out complications. Smith said Madsen received full medical clearance after the scan, making his death all the more shocking.

"He looked like he had been in the best health he had been in all year!" Smith said.

Smith also revealed he was the one who discovered Madsen's body on Thursday morning. After not hearing from the actor all day Wednesday, he went to check on him at his Malibu home—only to find the 67-year-old unresponsive in bed around 8:30 a.m.

Smith said their last conversation took place Tuesday night, and the "Reservoir Dogs" actor had sounded "great." He was reportedly excited about attending the upcoming Nashville Comic-Con and had been preparing to release a new book titled "Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems."

Before his passing, Madsen had built a career that spanned four decades. He carved out a memorable niche with his gritty, intense performances, especially in films by Quentin Tarantino.

Madsen was best known for portraying the infamous Mr. Blonde in "Reservoir Dogs," a role that cemented his legacy with a chilling scene in which he cuts off a cop's ear.

The Blast reported in September 2024 that Madsen had filed for divorce from his wife, DeAnna, claiming that he was a victim of her abuse for years, as well as accusing her of being the cause of their son's suicide.

At the time, the actor cited "irreconcilable differences" as the cause of their split while also noting that he'd been separated from her since January 2022.

In his divorce petition, obtained by TMZ, Madsen said he separated from DeAnna because he believed "her neglect, drinking, and alcoholism" caused Hudson to take his own life.

However, Madsen eventually retracted these claims in a statement on Instagram a month later.

"Losing a child is the hardest and most painful experience that can happen in this world," the actor said at the time, per the Daily Mail. "I deeply apologize for not correcting this earlier, but I love my wife and our other 4 children and have no desire for divorce or blame."

Madsen continued, "She had absolutely nothing to do with what happened to our son. It was a horrible loss and choice that was made for reasons that truly cannot ever be known because the person is gone, I don't think my son is dead, I think he escaped from a life that didn't make sense anymore."

Madsen continued to collaborate with Tarantino on films like "Kill Bill: Vol. 2," where he played a weary hitman, as well as "The Hateful Eight" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

Whether portraying sheriffs or outlaws, Madsen's ability to command the screen made him a reliable and compelling presence.

Beyond film, Madsen had a strong presence on television and lent his distinctive voice to popular video games like "Grand Theft Auto III" and the "Dishonored" series.

Born in Chicago in September 1957, Madsen came from a working-class background. His father, a Navy veteran of World War II, later worked as a firefighter, while his mother pursued a career in filmmaking.

He was the older brother of acclaimed actress Virginia Madsen, best known for her Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated performance in "Sideways. Madsen was married three times and is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen.

Following the news of Madsen's passing, tributes poured in across social media from friends, collaborators, and admirers who reflected on his immense talent and distinctive screen presence.

One filmmaker shared a personal connection: "Sad day. Michael Madsen was going to play in a film I produced. Our production pushed the start date. He had another film schedule and bowed out-hit happens. I wasn't able to work with him. A nice person, pro, natural actor."

Another fan recalled his impact, writing, "One of my favorite character actors and Virginia's big brother. My childhood greats keep leavin' this world."

Actor Vincent D'Onofrio remembered their time together on set, writing: "Michael Madsen, a gem. Straight up in his performances. Honest as can be in his execution. Played brothers in the indie film The Winner. Dir by Alex Cox. We got along wonderfully. I remember appreciating every moment with him. His confidence was inspiring. I'll never forget him."

A final tribute echoed the sentiments of many in Hollywood: "Madsen is the type of actor who they really don't make anymore, he's one of the biggest what-ifs in Hollywood history of an actor who had it but for reasons personal and professional never got there RIP."