Michael Madsen's Death Ruled Heart Failure, with Heart Disease and Alcoholism as Contributing Factors.

Michael Madsen, the actor known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, died from heart failure at the age of 67. His cardiologist confirmed the cause of death, with contributing factors including heart disease and alcoholism. An autopsy will not be conducted as the cardiologist signed the death certificate, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has closed its investigation, listing the cause of death as natural.

Michael Madsen, the actor renowned for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill," has passed away at the age of 67. His cause of death has been confirmed as heart failure, with contributing factors including heart disease and alcoholism. According to his cardiologist, heart failure will be listed as the cause of death, with heart disease and alcoholism named as contributing factors [1].

Madsen was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on July 3, 2025. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy will not be conducted as the cardiologist who treated Madsen signed the death certificate, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has closed its investigation, listing the cause of death as natural [1].

Madsen's manager, Ron Smith, initially stated that the actor died from cardiac arrest. In the last two years, Madsen had been involved in several independent film projects, including "Resurrection Road," "Concessions," and "Cookbook for Southern Housewives," and was preparing to release a new book titled "Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems" [4].

Throughout his career, Madsen appeared in more than 300 movies and TV shows, spanning four decades. He is best known for his roles as Mr. Blonde in "Reservoir Dogs" and Dominick "Sonny Black" Napolitano in "Donnie Brasco." Madsen was also an accomplished photographer and poet, having published several collections of poetry [4].

Madsen's death has sparked tributes from colleagues and fans alike. His sister, Academy Award-nominated actor Virginia Madsen, described him as "thunder and velvet" and a "poet disguised as an outlaw" [1].

References:
[1] https://people.com/michael-madsen-cause-of-death-revealed-11766506
[2] https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/michael-madsen-struggled-to-maintain-his-sobriety-before-death-says-lawyer/BEWEVKKWLVGQNMHQNJYJ2EP34A/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/KCTV5/posts/rest-in-peace-reservoir-dogs-kill-bill-actor-dies-at-67story-httpswwwkctv5com202/1144062504433380/
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-madsen-dies-age-67-actor-reservoir-dogs/
[5] https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/reservoir-dogs-actor-michael-madsen-died-heart-failure-doctor-says-rcna217665