Character actor Peter Greene, known for his performances in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask,” died from an accidental gunshot wound, the New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Wednesday, People reported.
Greene, 60, died from a gunshot wound to his left armpit that damaged the brachial artery. The artery supplies blood to the arm, elbow, forearm and hand, and the injury caused severe bleeding.
His death was first reported by the New York Daily News, and his manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed that Greene was found in his apartment on Dec. 13.
Edwards told NBC News that a wellness check had been conducted after music was heard playing in Greene’s apartment for more than 24 hours. He had spoken with the actor earlier in the week.
“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” Edwards said. “But he also had a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.”
Greene’s career spanned nearly 35 years, appearing in nearly 100 film and television projects. He became widely known for his role as Zed, a security guard who assaults crime boss Marsellus Wallace, played by Ving Rhames, in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction.”
That same year, he played the villainous Dorian Tyrell in “The Mask,” opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. He also appeared in 1995’s “The Usual Suspects” and 2001’s “Training Day” alongside Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.
“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter”
Other credits include appearances in “For Life,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Justified,” “Life on Mars,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Tesla,” “City of Lies,” “Once Fallen” and “Permanent Midnight.” His will also appear posthumously in the upcoming drama “Clika,” according to People.
While Greene had a reputation at times for being difficult to work with, Edwards described him as a perfectionist who was deeply committed to his craft.
“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards said. “He fought his demons but overcame them.”
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene left home at age 15 and lived on the streets of New York City. In a 1996 interview with Premier magazine, he said he struggled with drug use and later dealt drugs before finding success as an actor.
After a suicide attempt in March 1996, he sought treatment for addiction, according to that profile.
Edwards said Greene was preparing to begin production in January on an independent thriller “Mascots,” in which he was set to star alongside Mickey Rourke.