Veteran character actor Peter Greene, known for his unforgettable villainous turns in films such as Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has died at the age of 60. Greene was found unresponsive in his Manhattan home on Friday, December 12, 2025, and his passing was confirmed by his longtime manager, Gregg Edwards.
Greene, who built a three-decade career playing intense, often chilling antagonists, was discovered in his Lower East Side apartment. Authorities have said no foul play is suspected, and the medical examiner is expected to determine the cause of death.
Born October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene broke into film in the early 1990s and quickly became a memorable presence on screen. Audiences first recognized him for roles in Laws of Gravity (1992) and the acclaimed Clean, Shaven (1993), before breakout parts in 1994.
That year proved pivotal in Greene’s career. He portrayed Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless mob boss in the Jim Carrey comedy The Mask, and delivered a haunting performance as Zed, the sadistic security guard, in Quentin Tarantino’s cultural landmark Pulp Fiction. These roles cemented Greene’s reputation as a compelling character actor capable of commanding the screen.
Over the years, Greene amassed dozens of credits across film and television, including The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, and TV appearances on series such as The Black Donnellys and Life on Mars. His talent for layered, intense portrayals made him a go-to performer for gritty, complex parts.
Edwards remembered Greene as more than the villains he often played, calling him “just a terrific guy” and “arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet.” Colleagues and fans have echoed those sentiments, praising his dedication to his craft and his warm personality behind the scenes.
At the time of his death, Greene was attached to upcoming projects including the independent thriller Mascots alongside Mickey Rourke and a documentary exploring government policy.
Tributes have poured in across Hollywood and social media as admirers reflect on Greene’s unpredictable yet magnetic screen presence — a performer who brought nuance and intensity to every role, from cult classics to mainstream hits.
This is a developing story; details may be updated as more information becomes available.
