Cause of death revealed for Peter Greene, 'Pulp Fiction' villain - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Christie D'ZurillaFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The cause of death for Peter Greene, a well-known character actor recognized for his villainous roles in films like *Pulp Fiction* and *The Mask*, has been revealed. According to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Greene’s death was ruled an accident due to a gunshot wound to the left underarm that injured the brachial artery. He was discovered in his Lower East Side apartment on December 12 after neighbors reported hearing Christmas music playing for several days, prompting authorities to conduct a wellness check.
Greene, who was 60 at the time of his death, had a history of addiction and had attempted suicide in the 1990s. His manager described him as sounding “OK” during their last conversation two days before he was found dead. Greene had also been scheduled to undergo a procedure to remove a benign tumor near his lung on the day he was discovered. His passing has deeply saddened friends, family, and fans, particularly those familiar with his groundbreaking roles in 1990s cinema.
Known for his memorable performances as Zed in *Pulp Fiction* and Dorian Tyrell in *The Mask*, Greene had an extensive career spanning nearly 100 TV and film roles. His acting journey began after running away from home at age 15, living on the streets, and eventually finding solace in theater while struggling with drug use and dealing drugs. After a suicide attempt in 1996, he sought treatment for addiction and managed to turn his life around. Despite his personal struggles, Greene went on to become a respected character actor, known for bringing intensity and
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/19/2026