Truth Comes To Light as Cause of Death Is Revealed for Pulp Fiction Star Peter Greene

The film world is reacting with sadness after news confirmed the death of Peter Greene, an actor best known for playing some of the most unsettling villains of the 1990s. Greene was found dead inside his Manhattan apartment on December 12, 2025. He was 60 years old at the time of his death.

According to information shared by New York City police, concern grew when a neighbor noticed loud music playing from Greene’s apartment for several days without any sign of movement. The neighbor contacted the building’s management, who then reached out to local authorities. Officers entered the Lower East Side apartment and discovered Greene unresponsive on the floor.

At first, details were limited, and much of the attention focused on the unusual situation involving the nonstop music. This week, however, the New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office released official findings regarding his death. Authorities confirmed that Greene died as a result of an accidental gunshot wound.

The medical examiner reported that the gunshot entered Greene’s left armpit and struck a major artery. This caused rapid and severe blood loss, which proved fatal. Officials have stated that there are no signs of foul play based on the investigation and medical findings.

Greene spent much of his career portraying characters who felt dangerous, unstable, or intimidating. One of his most remembered performances came in 1994, when he played Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s crime film Pulp Fiction. Though the role was brief, it left a lasting impact and became one of the film’s most disturbing moments.

The character of Zed was part of a trio inspired by the dark tone of the 1972 film Deliverance. Greene’s quiet intensity and unsettling presence helped make the character unforgettable. That performance helped define how audiences and filmmakers viewed him moving forward.

That same year, Greene showed another side of his villain work in the comedy film The Mask, starring Jim Carrey. He played Dorian Tyrell, a powerful crime boss who becomes a monstrous figure after using the Mask of Loki. His physical transformation, deep voice, and aggressive energy made the character stand out.

The success of those two films, released close together, shaped the rest of Greene’s career. He quickly became known as a reliable actor for roles that required menace and unpredictability. Over roughly three decades, he appeared in nearly 100 films and television projects.

Movie fans may also recognize him from films such as The Usual Suspects, Blue Streak, and Training Day. On television, he appeared in popular series including Justified and Chicago P.D., often playing criminals, authority figures, or morally complex characters.

Despite his intimidating screen image, people who worked closely with Greene described him very differently. His manager, Gregg Edwards, once said he was a terrific guy with a heart as big as gold. Many colleagues have shared similar memories since his passing.

In the years leading up to his death, Greene remained active, especially within the independent film scene. He was interested in projects that allowed him to explore new creative directions rather than repeating familiar roles. Acting remained a central part of his life.

Before his passing, Greene was working on a documentary titled From the American People alongside Jason Alexander and Kathleen Turner. The project focused on the topic of international aid and its global impact. Greene was involved in both narration and production.

Fans will still be able to see Greene one last time on screen in the drama film Clika, which premiered in late January. In the movie, he appears posthumously as Lieutenant Jones. The film stars Eric Roberts and Jay Dee and follows an aspiring musician dealing with ambition, family struggles, and life in a small California town.

While Greene faced personal challenges throughout his life, his body of work remains strong and memorable. His performances continue to stand as proof of his talent and lasting influence as a character actor.

What role or performance of Peter Greene stands out to you most? Share your thoughts in the comments.