Michael Madsen

Michael Søren Madsen (born September 25, 1957) is an American actor, poet, and photographer. He has starred in central roles in such films as "Reservoir Dogs", Free Willy, Donnie Brasco and Kill Bill, in addition to a supporting role in Sin City. Madsen was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Elaine (née Melson), an Emmy-winning poet, television producer and playwright who often works for PBS, and Calvin Madsen, a firefighter. Madsen's mother left a career in corporate business to pursue a writing career. Madsen's paternal grandparents were Danish and his mother has Irish and Native American ancestry. His sister is actress Virginia Madsen, and he also has an older sister, Cheri. Madsen's acting career began at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, where he served as an apprentice under actor John Malkovich. In 1982, Madsen was cast by Edward McDougal for the lead in a small independent film, Against All Hope, his first movie. He then played a small role in the studio picture WarGames in 1983. That same year, he appeared in a small cameo bit part in the 1983 television movie Special Bulletin. Soon after, Madsen was cast as a psychopathic gunman who took Mary Beth hostage in the Cagney and Lacey episode "Heat", which aired October 22, 1984. He moved to Los Angeles and appeared in other films, including as arrogant baseball player Bump Bailey in The Natural (1984), a deranged killer in Kill Me Again (1989) and as the tough but touching boyfriend of Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise (1991).

LATEST STORIES
  
Michael Madsen -- Off the Hook in Child Endangerment Case

Michael Madsen
Off the Hook In Child Endangerment Case

"Kill Bill" star Michael Madsen won't face any charges stemming from his child endangerment arrest last week -- this according to the L.A. County District Attorney.A rep for the D.A.'s office… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice, Exclusive - 76 days ago
Michael Madsen -- Arrested in Malibu for Child Endangerment

Michael Madsen
ARRESTED IN MALIBU

"Kill Bill" star Michael Madsen was arrested in L.A. today on suspicion of felony child endangerment ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement tells us ... Madsen was arrested in Malibu at 3:55 PM PT… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice, Exclusive - 81 days ago
Arrest Warrant Issued for 'Kill Bill' Star

Arrest Warrant Issued for 'Kill Bill' Star

Cops are on the hunt for "Kill Bill" star Michael Madsen ... who allegedly owes around $570,000 in child and spousal support debts ... TMZ has learned.  According to court documents, Madsen… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice, Deadline - 444 days ago
Michael Madsen Sued for Bailing on Movie

Michael Madsen Sued for Bailing on Movie

A Hollywood director thought he had Michael Madsen lined up to do his movie -- on the cheap -- but now the director's suing ...  claiming Madsen took his money and ran. According to the… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice - 532 days ago
Michael Madsen: Little Crazy? Yes. Suicidal? No!

Michael Madsen: Little Crazy? Yes. Suicidal? No!

Michael Madsen was taken to the hospital in London after a night of drinking -- but reports of him being placed on suicide watch are "not even close" ... sources tell TMZ. We're told Madsen did… READ MORE >

Nurse! - 738 days ago
Michael Madsen Allegedly Screwed the Pool Boy

Michael Madsen Allegedly Screwed the Pool Boy

Michael Madsen's swimming in some serious hot water -- all because he allegedly stiffed the guy who cleans his pool. According to a lawsuit just filed in small claims court, the "Kill Bill" star… READ MORE >

Exclusives, Celebrity Justice - 850 days ago
Michael Madsen -- Go Big or Go Homeless

Michael Madsen -- Go Big or Go Homeless

Being broke usually means it's time to make sacrifices, but not for Michael Madsen -- dude declared bankruptcy, then allegedly racked up $80,000 in unpaid rent on a mansion ... and now faces… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice, Developing Stories, Exclusives - 946 days ago
Brad Pitt Slammed by Former Co-Star

Brad Pitt Slammed by Former Co-Star

We didn't think it was possible -- but there's someone in the world who doesn't think Brad Pitt is perfect, and it's one of his former co-stars.Michael Madsen, who was also in "Thelma &… READ MORE >

Brad & Angelina, Celebrity Feuds, Exclusives - 1016 days ago
Michael Madsen -- In Debt to the Rich & Famous

Michael Madsen -- In Debt to the Rich & Famous

Nothing ruins a good friendship like money -- so it's safe to say Pierce Brosnan and Quentin Tarantino won't be talking to Michael Madsen anytime soon.Seems Madsen is in debt to both guys big… READ MORE >

Celebrity Justice - 1072 days ago
Brett Favre Hater Gets Destroyed in Madsen '08

Brett Favre Hater Gets Destroyed in Madsen '08

It is the sworn duty of any legitimate football fan to defend the honor of NY Jets QB/living god Brett Favre -- even if it means going ballistic on some poor smacktalking schmuck at LAX.Yesterday,… READ MORE >

Paparazzi Video - 1345 days ago