RIP: Michael Madsen

It was announced that Michael Madsen died today from cardiac arrest. Mr. Madsen was 67.

Michael Madsen’s mother Elaine Madsen was an author and Emmy-winning filmmaker. Michael and one of his sisters, Virginia went into showbusiness.  Virginia Madsen became an award-winning actress.  Mr. Madsen’s other sister, Cheryl became a business woman.

Michael began his career at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.  There he appeared in a a production of Of Mice and Men.  In 1982, Mr. Madsen began to get roles in television and feature films.  The roles kept coming for the rest of his career which was still going strong at the time of his death.  Michael Madsen had over 325 roles on his acting resume.

Some of the television projects that feature Michael Madsen include: St. Elsewhere (2 episodes); Special Bulletin; Diner; Cagney & Lacey; Miami Vice; The Hitchhiker; Our Family Honor (13 episodes); Crime Story (2 episodes); War and Remembrance; Almost Grown; Tour of Duty; Jake and the Fatman; Quantum Leap; The Outsiders; Gabriel’s Fire; Vengeance Unlimited (16 episodes); 44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shootout; Tilt (9 episodes); Big Bug Man; CSI: Miami; 24 (4 episodes); Bob’s Burgers; Blue Bloods; The Mob Doctor (3 episodes); Golden Boy (2 episodes); Axe Cop; Hawaii Five-O;  Telltale’s the Walking Dead (3 episodes); Big Time in Hollywood, FL. (5 episodes); Real Detective; Those Who Can’t; Powers (10 episodes) and Explosion Jones.

Some of Michael Madsen’s feature film appearances include: Against All Hope; War Games; Racing with the Moon; The Natural; Kill Me Again; The Doors; Thelma & Louise; Reservoir Dogs; Free Willy; The Getaway; Wyatt Earp; Species; Free Willy 2; Mulholland Falls; Donnie Brasco; Species 2; Die Another Day; Kill Bill Vol. 1; Kill Bill Vol. 2; Sin City; Scary Movie 4; Hell Ride; Desperate Endeavors; The Hateful Eight; Papa; Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood; Outlaw Johnny Black and A Christmas Gamble.

I probably first saw Michael Madsen when he appeared on St.  Elsewhere.  If not there, then it would have been Miami Vice.  My favorite Michael Madsen roles were in Reservoir Dogs; The Getaway and both Sin City movies.  I loved seeing Mr. Madsen’s name in the credits of any movie or television show.  With well over 300 acting credits on Michael Madsen’s resume, I wasn’t the only one who felt that way.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Madsen’s family, friends and fans.