Michael Madsen‘s son shared an emotional tribute after his father’s sudden death.
Luke, 19, shared a photo of himself and Madsen on Friday, July 4, writing via Instagram, “Some Peoples Hero’s Wear Capes. And Fly Shooting Lasers Out Of Their Eyes. Some peoples Hero’s Can Fight Off Armies And Overcome Anything.”
Madsen’s son honored the late actor with a moving message.
“My Hero Wore A Cowboy Hat. My Hero Stood Taller And Stronger Than Any Man I’ve Ever Met. My Hero Understood Me Better Than Anyone,” Luke continued. “My Hero Is The Coolest Most Badass Human Being I Know. Not Only Was My Hero A Famous Tough Guy Movie Star. My Hero Was My Father. And He Was. Damn Good One. Love You Pops. I’ll See You Again Someday.”
From filmmakers to artists, Hollywood lost many stars in 2025. News broke on January 4 that Aubrey Plaza’s estranged husband, Jeff Baena, died one day earlier at the age of 47. Per medical examiner records viewed by Us Weekly, Baena died by suicide. “This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Plaza’s rep said in a statement to […]
Madsen, who was known for roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died on Thursday, July 3, at age 67. After Madsen was found unresponsive at his home in Malibu, California, deputies arrived and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected in Madsen’s death, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Authorities believe Madsen died from natural causes.
“In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film including upcoming feature films Resurrection Road, Concessions and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” Madsen’s managers Smith and Susan Ferris and publicist Liz Rodriguez told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday. “Michael was also preparing to release a new book called Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, currently being edited.”
The statement concluded: “Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”
Michael’s sister, Virginia Madsen, also broke her silence.
“My brother Michael has left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw,” Virginia, 63, wrote via Instagram on Thursday. “A father, a son, a brother — etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.”
Virginia praised Michael for the legacy he left behind.
“We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth — but flesh and blood and ferocious heart,” she noted. “Who stormed through life loud, brilliant and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.”
Virginia added: “I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend. I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we’ll share how we plan to celebrate his life. But for now — we stay close, and let the silence say what words can’t.”
