Actor Peter Greene, best known for his performances in films like Pulp Fiction and The Mask, was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment on Friday afternoon.
He was 60 years old.
Police discovered Greene unresponsive inside his Clinton Street home at approximately 3:25PM, where he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said there were no immediate signs of foul play, though the official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
News of Greene’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood, particularly among those who had recently been working with him.
Peter Greene has passed away. Credit: Craig Barritt / Getty
Discovered face down with handwritten note at the scene
Details surrounding the discovery of Greene’s body painted a grim picture. According to a neighbor who spoke with the New York Daily News, the actor was found in distressing circumstances.
“Peter was lying on the floor, facedown, facial injury, blood everywhere…” the neighbor said.
The outlet also reported that police found a handwritten note allegedly on his door. The message appeared cryptic and referenced a group from his past.
“I’m still a Westie,” the note read, referring to the 1970s Irish-American gang that once operated out of Hell’s Kitchen.
Greene starred in movies such as Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Credit: Al Pereira / Getty
Tributes pour in as manager confirms death
Edwards confirmed Greene’s death to multiple outlets and shared an emotional tribute to his client and close friend.
“He was a terrific guy,” Edwards said Friday night, per the New York Post.
“Truly one of the great actors of our generation. His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”
According to Edwards, Greene’s death came as a complete surprise. The actor had been preparing to begin work on an independent thriller titled Mascots, where he was set to star alongside Mickey Rourke. Production was scheduled to begin in January.
Edwards said he personally informed the film’s writer-director, Kerry Mondragón, about Greene’s passing, adding that the news deeply affected those involved with the project.
“They were very upset,” Edwards said.
Greene's sudden death has caused shock in the community. Credit: Shareif Ziyadat / Getty
A career defined by intense performances
Throughout the 1990s, Greene carved out a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most memorable villains, earning praise for his raw and intimidating screen presence.
Edwards acknowledged that Greene could be difficult at times on set, but said it stemmed from his commitment to his work.
According to his manager, Greene was a perfectionist who always wanted to get each performance right.
“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards said, pointing to Greene’s portrayal of mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask as “arguably his best role.”
Greene’s filmography included roughly 95 credits, with standout appearances in Pulp Fiction, Laws of Gravity, Clean, Shaven, Blue Streak, and Training Day.
One of his most infamous roles was Zed, the sadistic security guard and serial killer in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.