Peter Greene, ‘Pulp Fiction’ Actor, Dies at 60 in Accidental Shooting
Peter Greene, the character actor best known for his chilling portrayal of the sadistic security guard Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” has died at the age of 60. The Latest York City medical examiner confirmed Greene’s death was the result of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident occurred at his Manhattan apartment on December 12, 2025, but was only recently determined to be accidental. The cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound to the left armpit, injuring the brachial artery.
A Career Defined by Villains
Greene carved out a successful career playing memorable villains and unsettling characters. Beyond “Pulp Fiction” (1994), he also starred as Dorian Tyrell in the same year’s “The Mask,” alongside Jim Carrey. His ability to embody menace made him a sought-after actor for roles requiring a dark edge.
His filmography includes appearances in other notable films such as “The Usual Suspects” (1995), “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” (1995), and “Training Day” (2001). He also took on complex roles, like the schizophrenic Peter Winter in “Clean, Shaven” (1993), showcasing his range as an actor.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Peter Green on May 10, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene experienced a period of homelessness after running away from home at age 15. He didn’t pursue acting until his mid-20s, initially landing roles in cinema and television in the early 1990s with his debut in “Laws of Gravity” (1992).
Later Roles and Legacy
Greene continued to work steadily in film and television throughout his career, with later appearances including “Kiss & Notify” (1997), “Blue Streak” (1999), “The Black Donnellys” (2007), “Life on Mars” (2009), “New York New York” (2016), and “The Continental” (2023).
Even as often playing antagonists, Greene’s performances were consistently praised for their intensity and nuance. His contributions to iconic films like “Pulp Fiction” have cemented his place in cinematic history.
Did you know?
Peter Greene had one child.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Peter Greene’s cause of death? His death was ruled an accident caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the armpit.
- What was Peter Greene best known for? He was best known for playing villains, particularly Zed in “Pulp Fiction” and Dorian Tyrell in “The Mask.”
- When did Peter Greene die? He died on December 12, 2025.
