Peter Greene, iconic character actor from Pulp Fiction and The Mask, dies at 60
- Dec 13
- 4 min read
13 December 2025
Peter Greene, the American character actor whose career was marked by unforgettable villainous roles in some of Hollywood’s most beloved films, has died at the age of 60. Greene was found unresponsive on December 12, 2025 in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City after neighbors reported Christmas music blaring from inside for more than a day.
His longtime manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the actor’s death and described Greene as not only a mesmerizing performer but also a generous, warm-hearted friend whose presence will be deeply missed by colleagues and fans alike. No official cause of death has yet been released, and authorities do not suspect foul play as they await medical examiner results.
Born Peter Green on October 8, 1965 in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene’s early life was unconventional and marked by struggle. He ran away from home as a teenager and lived on the streets of New York, where he was exposed to hardship and adversity before eventually finding direction in acting. He did not begin his professional career until his mid-20s, but once he entered the industry his talent and magnetic intensity quickly set him apart.
Greene first garnered notice with strong performances in independent films such as Laws of Gravity (1992) and Clean, Shaven (1993), the latter of which earned critical acclaim and helped launch his film career. But it was the year 1994 that sealed his place in cinematic memory. In that year he appeared in two major motion pictures that would define his legacy.
In Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino’s cultural phenomenon that reshaped modern cinema, Greene delivered a chilling portrayal of Zed, a sadistic security guard whose scene remains one of the film’s most harrowing and discussed moments. In the same year he also appeared as the ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, a hit comedy-fantasy starring Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. Greene’s ability to imbue these antagonists with depth, menace and unexpected vulnerability marked him as one of the standout character actors of his generation.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Greene continued to work steadily, appearing in acclaimed projects that showcased his range. He played memorable roles in The Usual Suspects (1995), Blue Streak (1999), and Training Day (2001). His filmography expanded beyond villainous characters to complex, textured parts that demonstrated his versatility. He also carved out a notable presence on television, with appearances on series such as The Black Donnellys, Life on Mars and Chicago P.D., further solidifying his reputation as a compelling force on screen.
Despite his professional success, Greene’s life was also shaped by personal battles. He struggled with addiction earlier in his career and spoke openly about those challenges in interviews, including a recovery journey that began after a suicide attempt in the mid-1990s and subsequent commitment to overcoming substance dependence. These struggles, while painful, informed his empathetic depth as an actor and brought nuance to the troubled characters he portrayed.
Greene’s commitment to his craft remained evident later in life. He appeared in the 2023 series The Continental, a prequel within the John Wick universe, and continued to take on roles that intrigued him. At the time of his passing he was attached to multiple upcoming projects, including an independent thriller titled Mascots, set to co-star Mickey Rourke, and a documentary titled From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID that he had narrated and was deeply passionate about. His involvement in these works spoke to his enduring drive to contribute meaningfully to film and storytelling, even decades into his career.
Friends and colleagues remember Greene as a dedicated artist who brought intensity and verve to every role, but also as a generous spirit off camera. Edwards has repeatedly emphasized that while Greene was often cast as a villain, in real life he was affectionate, loyal and caring, with a “heart as big as gold.” These personal qualities made him beloved by those who knew him well and earned him lasting respect within the industry.
Fans around the world responded with tributes and reflections on social media and in entertainment circles, recalling how his performances in Pulp Fiction, The Mask, The Usual Suspects and other films shaped their experiences of watching movies and television. Many noted how Greene’s presence, even in smaller roles, brought a distinctive energy that elevated the material and lingered long after the credits rolled.
Greene’s story, from a tumultuous early life to a celebrated career in film and television stands as a reminder of the transformative power of art and resilience. He leaves behind a legacy of complex, unforgettable characters and a body of work that will continue to be rediscovered by future generations of viewers. He is survived by his sister and brother, who remain the private keepers of his family’s grief and pride in all he achieved.
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