About Michael Madsen
Michael Madsen was a prolific American actor, poet, and photographer. He was known for his rugged persona and extensive filmography, with a career spanning over four decades and including more than 300 film and television productions. He frequently collaborated with director Quentin Tarantino, starring in iconic films like Reservoir Dogs (1992), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004), and The Hateful Eight (2015).
Madsen had many fondly remembered roles, including Ridley Scott's Thelma & Louise (1991), Free Willy (1993), Wyatt Earp (1994), and Donnie Brasco (1997). He was also recognized for his parts in Species (1995), Sin City (2005), and the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002).
In addition to his acting career, Michael Madsen was a published poet, and his book Burning In Paradise won a Firecracker Alternative Book Award. His distinctive voice also led to voice work in several video games, such as Grand Theft Auto III. Madsen's ability to play menacing tough-guy roles while also showing a more sensitive side made him a versatile and memorable character actor.
Poem of the Month
Rain
Chicago, July 2, 1992,
I stuck my head out the window
into a beautiful rainstorm
and got my face and hair wet;
it was a nice welcome home.
The rain I mean.
The weathermen grumbled
like groutheaded goat snappers
so I turned the TV off.
The American flag wet
and flapping in the wind below me
reminded me of my father
who was born on July 4th
and named after the president of his day.
I saw a parking lot attendant walking across his lot in
yellow rain slickers,
then a big fat guy in a white shirt,
black tie and black pants,
you could tell he wanted to run,
but he knew he'd look stupid
with his fat bubbling up and down
so he kept walking and getting wetter.
I was wet now as were my boots
by the window, and I felt like
a seed in Death Valley waiting
for my gut to sprout.
Career Highlights
Memorable Roles
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Mr. Blonde
Portrayed the enigmatic and chilling character of Mr. Blonde, showcasing his mesmerizing presence on screen.
Kill Bill (2003)
Budd
Delivered a powerful performance as Budd, displaying a complex and multi-dimensional portrayal of the character.
Sin City (2005)
Bob
Brought depth and intensity to the character of Bob, captivating audiences with his compelling interpretation.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Joe Gage
Contributed to the gripping narrative with a nuanced portrayal of Joe Gage, leaving a memorable impression on viewers.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Sonny Black
Embraced the challenges of portraying Sonny Black, immersing himself in the complexities of the character and the storyline.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Jimmy
Added layers to the narrative with a compelling performance as Jimmy, resonating with the audience through his impactful portrayal.
The Getaway (1994)
Rudy Travis
An ex-con and his devoted wife must flee from danger when a heist doesn't go as planned.
Species (1995)
Press
A group of scientists try to track down and trap a killer alien seductress before she successfully mates with a human.
Among many, many more
Awards
Legacy of Impact
Career Achievement Award, Temecula Valley International Film Festival (2007)
Feature Film Award, Best Actor, and Jury Award for Strength and Honour (2008)
Hollywood Film Award, Ensemble of the Year for The Hateful Eight (2015)
Film and Television
This award honors an individual's lifetime contributions to the film industry, rather than a single project.
IFS Award, Best Male Actor - Dramatic Feature for Along the Roadside Independent Filmmakers Showcase (IFS) Film Festival, US (2013)
Film
Recognized for his profound influence on theater, Michael Madsen's legacy extends to the realm of stage productions and live performances.
Outstanding Achievement Award, Documentary Films for The Jewels of the Salton Sea (2021)
Film
The Hollywood Film Awards were a prestigious American awards ceremony that ran from 1997 to 2019, recognizing excellence in cinematic achievements. This award highlights a collective performance in a major film.
Best Documentary Film Feature for American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective (2023)
Artistic Immortality
Michael Madsen's artistic immortality is reflected in the timeless nature of his work, which continues to inspire and captivate audiences.
Documentary
This award from the World Film Carnival in Singapore is a significant honor. The festival gives out an "Outstanding Achievement Award" in addition to its main prizes, recognizing exceptional work in all categories.
Documentary
This award from the Mammoth Film Festival is a significant win that recognizes the high quality of a feature-length documentary film.