Actor Peter Greene, the familiar onscreen villain known for memorable turns in blockbuster films like The Mask and Pulp Fiction, was discovered dead inside his Lower East Side apartment on Friday afternoon.
The shocking news was confirmed to The New York Post by his longtime manager.
Greene, 60, made a name for himself throughout the 1990s as a standout bad guy in Hollywood, earning fans for his chilling and intense character portrayals.
Greene Found Unresponsive In Clinton Street Home
According to police and Gregg Edwards, Greene’s manager of more than 10 years, the actor was found unresponsive in his Clinton Street residence at around 3:25PM.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say there were no signs of foul play, but a final cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
Edwards shared his grief Friday night, offering a heartfelt tribute to his client and friend.
“He was a terrific guy,” Edwards said Friday night.
“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.”
Peter Greene has passed away. Credit: Craig Barritt / Getty
Upcoming Project With Mickey Rourke Canceled
The devastated manager also revealed that Greene was poised to begin production on a new independent thriller titled Mascots, starring alongside Mickey Rourke.
The film was scheduled to start shooting in January.
Edwards, who works out of California, informed the film’s writer‑director, Kerry Mondragón, about Greene’s death. The news reportedly reduced those close to the project to tears.
“They were very upset,” the manager added.
Reputation For Perfectionism On Set
While Greene was known in Hollywood circles for being difficult at times, Edwards said this stemmed from his dedication to his craft.
According to his manager, Greene was a perfectionist who always worked to make every performance “right.”
“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards said, adding that his performance as ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask was “arguably his best role.”
“He fought his demons but overcame them.”
Greene starred in movies such as Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Credit: Al Pereira / Getty
Troubled Youth And Personal Struggles
Greene’s rough upbringing was a formative part of his life story. A native of Montclair, New Jersey, he ran away from home at age 15 and survived by living on the streets of New York City, where he later turned to drug use and dealing, he told Premier magazine in 1996.
After a suicide attempt in March 1996, Greene sought treatment for his addictions, according to the profile.
With about 95 credits to his name, Greene carved out a niche as a compelling character actor in some of Hollywood’s most loved films.
Among his standout roles were Zed, the sadistic security guard and serial killer in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.
He also had roles in Laws of Gravity, Clean, Shaven, Blue Streak, and Training Day
Greene’s intense performances and unforgettable characters made him one of the era’s most recognizable villains in film.