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Peter Greene

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Peter Greene, the talented character actor best known for his unforgettable villain roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask.

Greene was found dead in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12, 2025.

He was just 60 years old.

His longtime manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the heartbreaking news, describing Greene as “truly one of the great actors of our generation” with “a heart as big as there was.”

Police have stated that no foul play is suspected, and the medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.

Neighbors reported hearing Christmas music playing loudly from his apartment for days, which prompted a welfare check that led to the discovery.

Greene’s sudden passing has shocked fans and colleagues alike.

He was reportedly in good shape, often riding his bike around the city, and had exciting projects lined up, including an independent thriller called Mascots with Mickey Rourke.

Early Life

Peter Greene was born Peter Green on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey.

He did not discover his passion for acting until his mid-20s, when he moved to New York City and trained at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute.

His tall, pale frame, deep voice, and intense presence quickly made him stand out as a natural for complex, often dark characters.

Greene’s early struggles included a strict upbringing; he ran away from home at 15 and faced challenges with addiction in his younger years.

However, he channeled those experiences into powerful performances, turning personal demons into on-screen intensity that captivated audiences.

Trivia

Did you know that Peter Greene initially turned down the role of Zed in Pulp Fiction because he was uncomfortable with the script’s content? He later accepted, delivering one of the most chilling performances in cinema history, and it became one of his most iconic parts.

Breakthrough

1994 was a landmark year for Peter Greene, catapulting him to fame with roles in two massive hits: Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and the blockbuster comedy The Mask.

In Pulp Fiction, Greene played Zed, the sadistic pawn shop security guard whose brief but terrifying scene with Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames remains one of the film’s most talked-about moments.

His cold delivery of lines like “Bring out the Gimp” sent shivers down spines and cemented his reputation as Hollywood’s go-to villain.

That same year, in The Mask, he portrayed Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless mobster antagonist opposite Jim Carrey’s wild, green-faced hero.

Greene’s menacing performance as the club-owning gangster who schemes to take over the city provided the perfect foil to Carrey’s over-the-top energy.

Many consider this his finest villain role, blending menace with charisma.

These performances showcased Greene’s range; he could be quietly terrifying or explosively volatile, always leaving a lasting impression even in supporting parts.

Notable Filmography

Peter Greene built a steady career as a character actor, appearing in over 50 films and TV shows.

He specialized in villains but brought depth and humanity to every part.

Here is a table highlighting some of his key movies and roles for easy reference:

Year	Movie	Role	Notes
1992	Laws of Gravity	Jimmy	Early leading role
1993	Clean, Shaven	Peter Winter	Critically acclaimed lead as a schizophrenic man; won Best Actor at Taormina Film Festival
1994	Pulp Fiction	Zed	Iconic sadistic villain
1994	The Mask	Dorian Tyrell	Main antagonist
1995	The Usual Suspects	Redfoot	Memorable fence in the crime crew
1995	Under Siege 2	Mercenary	Action villain
1999	Blue Streak	Deacon	Comedic antagonist opposite Martin Lawrence
2001	Training Day	Jeff	A corrupt detective alongside Denzel Washington
2010	The Bounty Hunter	Earl Mahler	Supporting role
Various	TV Shows (e.g., Justified, Chicago P.D., The Black Donnellys)	Guest/Recurring	Brought intensity to small-screen roles

Greene’s ability to steal scenes made him a favorite among directors looking for an authentic edge.

Films like Judgment Night (1993) and End Game (2006) further showcased his tough-guy persona.

Personal Life

Behind the tough exterior on screen, those who knew Peter Greene described him as warm, generous, and kind-hearted, a stark contrast to his villainous characters.

Manager Gregg Edwards emphasized his “gentle side” and big heart.

Greene openly discussed his past battles with addiction, including heroin and cocaine in the 1990s, which led to arrests and setbacks.

He sought treatment, overcame much of it, and continued working steadily.

His resilience inspired many, proving that recovery and a meaningful career were possible.

His estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $1.5 million, earned through decades of consistent work in film and television.

He lived modestly in New York, staying close to his roots.

Legacy

Peter Greene may not have been a household name like some leading men, but his impact on 90s cinema is undeniable.

Anytime he appeared on screen, audiences knew something intense was coming.

From the basement horror of Pulp Fiction to the gangster flair in The Mask, Greene brought authenticity and fear factor that elevated every project.

Fans have flooded social media with tributes, calling him “one of Hollywood’s most memorable villains” and praising his magnetic presence.

His work continues to influence new generations, discovering classics like Pulp Fiction.

Fact

Greene was set to narrate a documentary about global aid efforts, showing his passion for causes beyond acting; he cared deeply about real-world issues.