Actor Peter Greene, best known for his memorable roles in films such as Pulp Fiction and The Mask, was found dead in his apartment on Friday afternoon, according to multiple reports.
Greene, who was 60 years old, was discovered unresponsive inside his Lower East Side residence in New York City. Authorities responded to the scene at approximately 3:25 p.m. on Friday, December 12, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Law enforcement officials have stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play, though a medical examiner is expected to determine the official cause of death in the coming days.
The actor’s manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed Greene’s passing and expressed deep sadness over the loss.
“He was just a terrific guy,” Edwards said. “Arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet. He worked with everybody.”
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene built a career defined by intense, often unsettling performances that left a lasting impression on audiences. Some of his early leading roles included Laws of Gravity in 1992 and Clean, Shaven in 1993, the latter earning particular praise for its raw and psychologically complex portrayal.
In 1994, Greene reached a global audience when he portrayed Zed, the menacing antagonist in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. The film’s massive success made Greene instantly recognizable, and his performance remains one of the most frequently cited by fans of the cult classic.
Despite his fame, Greene continued to gravitate toward challenging roles, often in independent films. According to his representatives, his death came as a shock. He had recently been preparing to begin work on an upcoming independent project titled Mascots, in which he was set to appear alongside Mickey Rourke.
A neighbor who spoke to the New York Daily News described finding Greene in distressing circumstances inside his apartment on Clinton Street. The outlet reported that police also discovered a handwritten note posted on his door. The message was described as cryptic and appeared to reference a group from his past.
“I’m still a Westie,” the note reportedly read, a phrase believed to allude to the Irish-American gang active in Hell’s Kitchen during the 1970s.
Greene’s career spanned decades, and while he may not always have been in the spotlight, his work left a deep mark on film and television. Known for his intensity, authenticity, and ability to inhabit complex characters, he earned respect throughout the industry and loyalty from fans who admired his uncompromising performances.
Peter Greene is remembered as a singular presence on screen and a formidable character actor whose work continues to resonate.
Rest in peace.
