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| Peter Greene |
Peter Greene: Pulp Fiction & The Mask Star Dies at 60 (Tribute & Career Bio)
Peter Greene, the intense character actor who terrified and captivated audiences as some of the 90s' most iconic villains, has died. He was 60 years old.
Best known for his chilling portrayal of Zed in [Pulp Fiction] and the smooth-talking gangster Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, Greene was found dead in his New York City apartment on Friday, December 12, 2025.
While fans often confused him with the late Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green, this news confirms the passing of the Hollywood actor who made an art form out of playing the "bad guy."
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| Peter Greene |
Breaking News: Peter Greene Found Dead in NYC
The news broke late Friday after a wellness check was conducted at Greene’s Lower East Side apartment. According to his manager, Gregg Edwards, neighbors grew concerned when music was heard playing from his unit for over 24 hours without interruption.
Cause of Death
As of now, Peter Greene's cause of death has not been officially released by the medical examiner.
- Circumstances: He was found unresponsive by authorities.
- Foul Play: Police currently do not suspect foul play.
- Manager's Statement: Gregg Edwards described Greene as a "terrific guy" with a "heart of gold," contrasting sharply with his on-screen personas.
Greene had been active recently, appearing in the John Wick prequel series The Continental (2023), proving his screen presence remained undiminished.
The Ultimate "Bad Guy": Iconic Roles
Peter Greene had a unique face—angular, intense, and haunting—that made him the perfect antagonist. He didn't just play villains; he made them unforgettable.
Zed in Pulp Fiction (1994)
"Zed's dead, baby." This line, delivered by Bruce Willis, is one of the most famous in cinema history. But it was Peter Greene who brought the terrifying security guard, Zed, to life.
- The Scene: The pawnshop basement sequence is one of the darkest moments in Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece.
- The Impact: despite limited screen time, Greene's menacing energy anchored the film's most controversial segment.
Dorian Tyrell in The Mask (1994)
In the same year, Greene switched gears to play the suave, high-rolling mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey.
- The Look: Slicked-back hair, expensive suits, and a cigarette always in hand.
- The Vibe: He was the perfect straight man to Carrey's manic cartoon energy, grounding the movie with actual stakes.
Redfoot in The Usual Suspects (1995)
Greene continued his streak of classics with The Usual Suspects. As Redfoot, the fence who sets the crew up with a "jewel heist," he delivered lines with a casual, cool detachment that stole the scene.
Early Life & Personal Struggles
Behind the intimidating stare was a man who overcame significant personal demons.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1965, Greene's road to Hollywood was not paved with gold. He reportedly ran away from home at age 15 and spent time living on the streets of New York City.
battling Addiction
In the mid-90s, at the height of his fame, Greene struggled openly with heroin addiction. He admitted in interviews (notably with Premiere magazine) that his rapid rise to fame in 1994-1995 coincided with severe personal battles.
Despite these hurdles, he maintained a steady career for over 30 years, transitioning from blockbuster movies to gritty TV dramas like Chicago P.D. and The Black Donnellys.
Peter Greene Net Worth
At the time of his passing in late 2025, Peter Greene's net worth was estimated to be approximately $1.5 million.
While he starred in massive box office hits, Greene was primarily a character actor rather than a leading man. His wealth came from:
- Steady Residuals: Pulp Fiction and The Mask remain global staples.
- TV Roles: Recurring spots on network procedurals.
- Indie Films: He was a favorite in the independent crime thriller circuit.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Intensity
Peter Greene was more than just a "that guy" actor. He was a performer who could change the temperature of a room just by walking into the frame. Whether he was terrorizing Marsellus Wallace or plotting against The Mask, he gave 100%.
He is survived by his siblings and a legion of fans who will ensure that, unlike his character Zed, his legacy will never truly die.
