Peter Greene, the character actor renowned for his menacing portrayals of villains and criminals in films including “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask,” has died at 60 years old.
Greene was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12, 2025. Police responded to a wellness check at his Clinton Street residence at 3:25 p.m. on Friday after music had been playing in the apartment for over 24 hours. EMS declared Greene dead at the scene.
His manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the death but did not disclose a cause.
Greene achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film “Pulp Fiction.” That same year, he delivered another memorable villainous performance as Dorian opposite Jim Carrey in “The Mask.”
His versatility as a character actor extended to numerous supporting roles in critically acclaimed films. In “The Usual Suspects,” Greene played Redfoot, a fence who connects the criminal crew with a deadly jewelry heist. He also appeared in “Training Day” alongside Denzel Washington.
Before his breakout villainous roles, Greene starred in the 1993 independent film “Clean Shaven,” delivering an acclaimed performance as a man with schizophrenia suspected in a murder investigation. The role showcased his dramatic range beyond the menacing characters that would define much of his career.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, on October 8, 1965, Greene began his acting career in his 20s while living in New York City. Over the course of his career, he accumulated nearly 100 film and television credits, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors for portraying criminals, mobsters and corrupt law enforcement officials.
At the time of his death, Greene was working on a documentary about USAID titled “From the American People.”
Greene is survived by his 16-year-old son, Ryder, as well as a sister and brother. The actor’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans who appreciated his distinctive contributions to cinema over more than three decades.
Throughout his career, Greene demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring depth and menace to supporting roles that might otherwise have been forgettable. His performances in major Hollywood productions of the 1990s cemented his status as a go-to actor for villainous roles.
His work extended beyond film into television, with appearances on various series that showcased his range as a performer. Greene’s ability to embody threatening characters while maintaining artistic credibility made him a valued collaborator for directors seeking authentic portrayals of society’s darker elements.
The actor’s contribution to American cinema, particularly in the realm of character acting, leaves a lasting legacy. His performances in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Usual Suspects” remain particularly notable for their intensity and authenticity, helping to elevate ensemble casts in films that have since achieved classic status.
Greene’s death marks the loss of a distinctive talent who brought complexity and credibility to roles that required both physical presence and psychological nuance. His work demonstrated that even supporting characters could leave indelible impressions on audiences when portrayed with skill and commitment.
