Actor Peter Greene, best known for portraying chilling villains in 1990s cult classics, died from an accidental gunshot wound, according to New York City officials. He was 60.
The New York City medical examiner determined that Greene died from a gunshot wound to the left axilla — the area under the shoulder — which injured his brachial artery. The manner of death was ruled an accident. Authorities released the cause of death two months after Greene was found dead in his Lower East Side Manhattan apartment on Dec. 12.
No additional details were provided by the medical examiner’s office.
Career Defined by Memorable Villains
Greene became widely recognized for his role as the sadistic security guard Zed in Pulp Fiction, directed by Quentin Tarantino. The performance cemented his reputation for playing intense and often unsettling antagonists.
That same year, he appeared as Dorian Tyrell in The Mask alongside Jim Carrey, delivering another standout portrayal of a morally corrupt character.
Earlier in his career, Greene earned critical attention for his lead role in Clean, Shaven, an independent drama in which he portrayed a man with schizophrenia suspected of murder. The role showcased his range and willingness to take on psychologically complex characters.
He also appeared in notable films such as The Usual Suspects and Training Day, contributing to a filmography that spanned decades and genres.
A Lasting Screen Presence
Throughout his career, Greene specialized in playing morally ambiguous and menacing figures, bringing intensity and unpredictability to each role. His performances helped define a wave of gritty 1990s cinema that continues to influence filmmakers today.
Greene’s death marks the loss of a distinctive character actor whose work left a lasting impression on audiences and the film industry alike.
