Peter Greene, Actor Known for "Pulp Fiction" and "The Mask," Passes Away at 60

Renowned for his portrayal of some of the most unsettling and unforgettable villains of the 1990s cinema, Peter Greene, the American actor best remembered for his role as Zed in "Pulp Fiction," has died at the age of 60 in his New York City apartment.

Greene's passing occurred on Friday, as confirmed by his long-time friend and representative, Gregg Edwards, who had managed his career for over ten years.

The actor's body was discovered in his Manhattan residence, located in the Lower East Side. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death, and police have stated that there are no indications of foul play.

"He was an incredible guy, possibly one of the finest supporting actors in the world; he's worked with everyone," expressed Edwards, visibly emotional. "We've been friends for over a decade. Just a genuinely kind man."

An Iconic Face of 90s Cinema

Born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Peter Greene established himself as one of Hollywood's premier character actors, known for his portrayals of villains, criminals, and morally ambiguous figures.

Even when his screen time was limited, his performances were impactful and unforgettable. His most iconic role came in 1994 when he played Zed, the sadistic security guard and sexual predator in Quentin Tarantino's classic "Pulp Fiction."

In the same year, Greene appeared as Dorian Tyrell, the mobster antagonist to Jim Carrey in "The Mask," providing a stark contrast to the film's comedic tone.

Throughout the decade, Greene was featured in notable films such as "The Usual Suspects," alongside Kevin Spacey and Chazz Palminteri; "Blue Streak," a comedy with Martin Lawrence; "Training Day," with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke; and "Under Siege 2," with Steven Seagal.

From New York Theater to Independent Film

Greene began his acting career at the age of 25, after honing his craft in New York theater. His first on-screen appearance was in the 1990 series "Hardball," and he made his film debut with "Laws of Gravity" in 1992.

A year later, he impressed critics with his performance in "Clean, Shaven" (1993), portraying a man with schizophrenia attempting to reunite with his daughter. This role is regarded as one of the most raw and realistic depictions of mental illness in cinema.

Over his career, Greene appeared in more than 40 films and series, working with renowned directors. In recent decades, he remained active in the independent film scene and took on small TV roles, including appearances in series like "Life on Mars," "The Black Donnellys," "Chicago P.D.," and "The Continental."

A Life Marked by Personal Struggles

Behind his formidable on-screen presence, Greene carried a challenging personal history. In interviews, he shared that he left home at 15 and spent time living on the streets of New York.

His rising career was accompanied by a prolonged struggle with addiction. In 1996, he attempted suicide and subsequently entered rehabilitation. More than a decade later, in 2007, he was arrested for crack possession.

Despite these hardships, those close to him remember him as a big-hearted, perfectionist individual deeply dedicated to his craft. His representative acknowledged that he could be considered "difficult" on some sets, but emphasized that his demands stemmed from an obsession with authenticity and truth in every scene.

Ongoing Projects and Legacy

At the time of his death, Peter Greene was still involved in several projects, including a documentary about the federal government's withdrawal of funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as other projects slated for 2026.

He is survived by a brother and a sister. Greene's death leaves a void for those who appreciate films featuring intense, unsettling, and complex characters, confirming the loss of an actor who, without the need for leading roles, managed to leave a lasting mark on generations of viewers with his brief yet unforgettable performances.