New York, NY – December 14, 2025 – Character actor Peter Greene, renowned for his chilling portrayals of villains in blockbuster films like Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has died at age 60. The news of Peter Greene‘s sudden passing emerged on December 13, after he was found unresponsive in his Lower East Side apartment in Manhattan.
Peter Greene‘s manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the tragic death to multiple outlets, describing him as one of the greatest character actors of his generation. “Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” Edwards told reporters, adding that Peter Greene had a “heart as big as gold” despite his on-screen menace.
Discovery and Details Surrounding Peter Greene’s Death
Authorities discovered Peter Greene during a wellness check prompted by neighbors who reported loud Christmas music playing continuously from his Clinton Street apartment for over 24 hours. According to reports from the New York Daily News, Peter Greene was found face down on the floor with visible facial injuries and blood at the scene.
The New York Police Department responded around 3:25 p.m. on December 12, pronouncing Peter Greene dead at the location. While initial reports noted the disturbing scene, no foul play is suspected at this time, and the medical examiner will determine the official cause of death. Edwards mentioned speaking with Peter Greene earlier in the week, expressing shock at the loss.
Peter Greene is survived by a brother, a sister, and his 16-year-old son, Ryder.
Peter Greene’s Memorable Career Highlights
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1965, Peter Greene built a four-decade career specializing in unforgettable antagonists. His breakout year was 1994, when he delivered two iconic villain roles:
- As Zed in Pulp Fiction, the sadistic security guard in one of cinema’s most infamous scenes—a character that paid homage to Deliverance and cemented Peter Greene‘s reputation for intensity.
- As Dorian Tyrell, the mobster foe opposite Jim Carrey in The Mask.
Critics and fans alike praised Peter Greene for turning limited screen time into lasting impressions.
Other notable credits include:
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Training Day (2001)
- Blue Streak (1999)
- Early indie films like Laws of Gravity (1992) and Clean, Shaven (1993), the latter earning him best actor at the Taormina Film Festival
More recently, Peter Greene appeared in the 2025 series Dope Thief and was working on projects including a documentary titled From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID, which he co-produced and narrated alongside stars like Jason Alexander and Kathleen Turner. He was also slated for an independent thriller Mascots with Mickey Rourke.
Edwards highlighted Peter Greene‘s passion for the USAID project, aimed at highlighting global humanitarian impacts.
Tributes Pour In for Peter Greene
The entertainment world mourned Peter Greene swiftly. Mickey Rourke posted a portrait on Instagram with a prayer emoji. Fans and colleagues on social media remembered him as “one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors” who could “play the scuzziest villain” with unmatched skill.
“Rest In Peace Peter Greene,” echoed across platforms, with many revisiting clips from Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Filmmakers noted his improvisational talent and gentle off-screen personality.
As investigations continue, Peter Greene‘s legacy endures through his gripping performances that defined 1990s cinema villains.
This article will be updated as more details emerge. For ongoing coverage, see reports from NBC News, Variety, and The New York Times.
