No autopsy to be performed on Michael Madsen as doctors confirm heart failure as cause of death

Michael Madsen, best known for his roles in films including Kill Bill: Volume 2, WarGames, and Reservoir Dogs, was found dead at his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

As per reports by NBC Los Angeles, Madsen's cardiologist stated that the cause of death was heart failure, with alcoholism and heart disease as contributing factors. An autopsy will also not be conducted, as Madsen's cardiologist has signed the death certificate and the case has been closed by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Michael was 67 years old at the time of his death.

More about Michael Madsen's death

Michael Madsen, who voiced games like Grand Theft Auto III and Crime Boss: Rockay City, died last week at his home. A 911 call was made early on Thursday, the deputies responded, and Madsen was found unresponsive and was then pronounced dead on the same day.

As per CBR, at the time of his death, the cause was not confirmed. Reports had, however, cited that he suffered from a cardiac arrest. Michael's manager, Ron Smith, had the following to say, according to People:

''Michael had a cardiac arrest and was found unresponsive in his Malibu home earlier this morning.''

It was only recently confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure. Authorities have cited natural causes as the cause of death, and no indication of foul play.

In a statement to The New York Times, Harvey Keitel, Madsen's co-star in the film Reservoir Dogs, expressed his sadness:

''We’ve lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend. I’ll never forget one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen on film — of you and Chris Penn fighting in ‘Reservoir Dogs. A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me.''

Madsen was married three times: first to Georganne LaPiere, then to Jeannine Bisignano, and finally to DeAnna Morgan in 1996. The couple remained married until Madsen filed for divorce in 2024, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind the divorce.

He had seven children from his marriages, and his youngest son, Hudson Madsen, had died by suicide in 2022. Madsen had expressed his shock and grief at the passing of his son in a statement to the LA Times. He had said:

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''I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy - my last text from him was ‘I love you dad,’... He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so it's mind-blowing. I just can’t grasp what happened.''

Madsen is also remembered for his performance in films like Die Another Day, Sin City, and The Hateful Eight.

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