Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen’s cause of death revealed after actor found dead at home

He sadly passed away at the age of 67 last week

Best recognised for his collaborations with filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, the actor memorably played Mr Blonde in Reservoir Dogs; Budd in the Kill Bill duology, Joe Gage in The Hateful Eight, and Sheriff Hackett in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

The actor was found dead at his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3 by Los Angeles police, with heart disease and alcoholism listed as contributing factors.

After an investigation, the LA Sheriff's Department closed the case and listed Madsen's passing under natural causes.

When the terrible news first broke, his managers Susan Ferris and Ron Smith, and publicist Liz Rodriguez released a joint statement.

"In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life," they wrote.

"Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently being edited. Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many."

An emotional tribute was also penned by his Oscar-nominated sister Virginia Madsen on Instagram, whose credits include Sideways and Frasier.

"My brother Michael has left the stage," it began. "He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother—etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.

"We're not mourning a public figure. We're not mourning a myth— but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes—gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable—half legend, half lullaby.

"I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I'll miss the boy he was before the legend. I miss my big brother."