Peter Greene, the character actor renowned for playing menacing villains in major Hollywood films, 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 911 call at a Clinton Street address at 3:25 PM Friday, and EMS declared Greene dead at the scene. The discovery followed a wellness check prompted by music playing in the apartment for over 24 hours. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Greene’s manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the actor’s death. “Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” Edwards said. “But he also had, you know, a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.”
The actor achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Zed, a sadistic security guard, in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. That same year, he delivered another memorable villainous performance as Dorian opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask. The dual roles in 1994 established Greene as one of Hollywood’s most compelling character actors specializing in criminal and menacing roles.
Greene’s range extended beyond blockbuster films. He starred in the 1993 film Clean Shaven, playing a man with schizophrenia suspected in a murder. His performance in the indie production demonstrated his dramatic capabilities and earned critical acclaim early in his career.
Throughout his career spanning nearly 100 film and TV credits, Greene appeared in several critically acclaimed productions. He played Redfoot, a fence who informs a crime crew of a jewelry heist opportunity, in The Usual Suspects. In Training Day, he portrayed a detective shot by Alonzo Harris, the corrupt officer played by Denzel Washington, as part of a scheme to cover up a murder.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, on October 8, 1965, Greene began his acting career with the 1992 film Laws of Gravity. He started performing in his 20s while living in New York City, gradually building a reputation for intense, memorable performances in supporting roles.
At the time of his death, Greene was working on a USAID documentary. The project focused on issues related to the federal government’s funding decisions for the U.S. Agency for International Development, reflecting Greene’s interests beyond acting.
Edwards described Greene as more than just a talented performer. “He was just a terrific guy,” Edwards said. “Arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet; Has worked with everybody.”
Greene’s ability to inhabit villainous characters while maintaining humanity in his performances made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. His collaborations with directors like Tarantino and his work alongside stars including Carrey and Washington demonstrated his versatility and professionalism on set.
The actor’s career demonstrated consistency and dedication to his craft. From his early independent film work to major studio productions, Greene brought intensity and authenticity to every role. His performances in films released in 1994 remain particularly iconic, with both Pulp Fiction and The Mask achieving cultural significance and enduring popularity.
Greene maintained his career over multiple decades, continuing to accept challenging roles in both film and television. His body of work reflects an actor committed to exploring the darker aspects of human nature through compelling character portrayals.
Greene is survived by his son Ryder, who is 16 years old, as well as a sister and a brother. The actor’s death marks the loss of a distinctive talent who brought memorable intensity to dozens of film and television productions throughout his career.
His legacy includes not only his celebrated villainous roles but also his contributions to independent cinema and his willingness to take on challenging, psychologically complex characters. Greene’s performances continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate character actors who fully commit to their craft.
The entertainment industry has lost an actor whose distinctive presence and commitment to authenticity made him instantly recognizable on screen. From security guards to mobsters to corrupt law enforcement officers, Greene’s portrayals elevated every production he joined, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
