Peter Greene Cause of Death Revealed: Accidental Gunshot Wound
NEW YORK – Peter Greene cause of death has been confirmed as an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left armpit that severed the brachial artery, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced Wednesday. The “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask” actor, aged 60, was found dead in his Lower East Side apartment on December 12, 2025.
The ruling ends two months of speculation surrounding the sudden passing of the character actor best known for menacing villain roles in 1990s classics.
Fast Facts
- Actor: Peter Greene, 60, iconic for villain roles in “Pulp Fiction” (Zed) and “The Mask” (Dorian Tyrell).
- Date of Death: December 12, 2025; body discovered in Manhattan apartment.
- Peter Greene Cause of Death: Accidental gunshot wound to left axilla with brachial artery injury.
- Discovery Details: Found face down with facial injuries, blood, and a note reading “I’m still a Westie.”
The revelation provides closure to fans and industry colleagues who mourned Greene’s death in December without an official explanation. His passing highlights the private struggles of a performer whose intense on-screen presence often mirrored personal battles with addiction.
Why This Matters Now
Greene’s death at 60 cuts short a career that spanned over three decades and nearly 100 credits. Known for portraying unforgettable antagonists during Hollywood’s 1990s golden era, his loss resonates amid renewed interest in classic films through streaming platforms. The accidental nature of his death underscores ongoing conversations about mental health, substance recovery, and firearm safety among public figures.
Official Medical Examiner Findings
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death accidental. The gunshot entered Greene’s left armpit, severing the brachial artery and causing fatal blood loss. No evidence suggests foul play or suicide.
Authorities discovered Greene on the floor of his Lower East Side residence after a neighbor alerted the landlord. Blood surrounded the body, and facial injuries were noted, though the primary cause was the undetected gunshot wound.
Discovery and Initial Response
A neighbor found Greene face down on December 12. A handwritten note nearby read “I’m still a Westie,” referencing the notorious Irish-American gang from Hell’s Kitchen, possibly nodding to Greene’s tough persona or New York roots.
Greene’s manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the death to media outlets that day but provided no cause. The actor had upcoming projects, including a posthumous role in the 2026 film “Clika.”
Greene’s Health Context
Reports indicate Greene was scheduled for surgery to remove a benign tumor near his lung on the day he died. It remains unclear if this procedure related to the incident.
Background and Career Timeline
Peter Greene, born Peter Green on May 10, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, overcame a turbulent early life to become one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors.
Greene ran away from home at 15 and experienced homelessness for several years. He had two siblings and did not pursue acting until his mid-20s, breaking into cinema and television in the early 1990s.
Standing 6 feet 2.5 inches tall, Greene specialized in villains, delivering performances that combined menace with psychological depth.
Early Breakthroughs (1992–1994)
Greene debuted in Nick Gomez’s independent drama “Laws of Gravity” (1992), earning praise for his raw intensity. He followed with “Clean, Shaven” (1993), playing a schizophrenic man in a critically acclaimed role that showcased his range beyond genre fare.
In 1994, Greene exploded into mainstream consciousness with two iconic villain portrayals. In Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” he played Zed, the sadistic pawn shop security guard whose scene remains one of the film’s most disturbing. That same year, in “The Mask,” he embodied Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless gangster opposite Jim Carrey’s comedic hero.
Mid-1990s Peak
Greene maintained momentum with roles in “The Usual Suspects” (1995, uncredited as fence Redfoot), “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” (1995, as mercenary), and “The Rich Man’s Wife” (1996). His ability to convey quiet threat made him a go-to for directors seeking authentic danger.
Personal Struggles and Impact on Career
Greene openly battled heroin and cocaine addiction throughout the 1990s. Arrests for drug possession in 1998 disrupted his trajectory, leading to rehab with support from director Jordan Alan.
Despite setbacks, Greene rebounded with roles in “Blue Streak” (1999, as Deacon) and an uncredited turn in “Training Day” (2001) as corrupt officer Jeff.
Later Career and Television Work
The 2000s saw Greene transition to television, starring as Irish mobster “Dokey” Farrell in NBC’s short-lived “The Black Donnellys” (2007). He recurred in “Life on Mars” (2009) and appeared in music videos for artists including Prodigy, Necro, and Jadakiss.
Later film credits included “The Bounty Hunter” (2010), indie projects like “Exit 0” (2019), and a role in the Peacock miniseries “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” (2023) as Uncle Charlie.
At his death, Greene had completed work on upcoming films including “Mascots” with Mickey Rourke and “Clika” (2026).
Greene’s career exemplified resilience. His intense performances influenced a generation of character actors specializing in villains. From indie darlings to blockbuster antagonists, he brought authenticity rooted in personal experience.
His struggles with addiction mirrored those of many in the industry, yet he continued working steadily, amassing credits into his 60s. Greene leaves behind one son.
What’s Next
The medical examiner’s ruling closes the investigation into Greene’s death. No criminal charges are expected given the accidental determination.
Posthumous releases, including “Clika,” will likely draw renewed attention to his body of work. Streaming revivals of 1990s classics may introduce Greene’s performances to younger audiences searching for “Pulp Fiction villains” or “The Mask cast.”
Fans and colleagues continue to pay tribute online, highlighting his underappreciated talent.
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
What was Peter Greene’s cause of death?
Peter Greene cause of death was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the left armpit that injured the brachial artery, leading to fatal blood loss.
How old was Peter Greene when he died?
Peter Greene was 60 years old at the time of his death on December 12, 2025.
What was Peter Greene best known for?
Greene was best known for playing Zed in “Pulp Fiction” (1994) and Dorian Tyrell in “The Mask” (1994), along with villain roles in “The Usual Suspects” and “Training Day.”
Was Peter Greene’s death ruled a suicide?
No, the New York City medical examiner ruled it accidental.
Did Peter Greene have any upcoming projects?
Yes, Greene had completed roles in films including “Clika” (2026) and was attached to projects with Mickey Rourke.
Where was Peter Greene found dead?
He was found in his apartment on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Did Peter Greene struggle with addiction?
Yes, Greene battled heroin and cocaine addiction in the 1990s and faced drug-related arrests in 1998 and 2007.
The entertainment world remembers Peter Greene as a fiercely talented actor whose villains left indelible marks on cinema. His accidental death serves as a somber reminder of life’s fragility.
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