Peter Greene, the actor memorably seen in 'The Mask' and 'Pulp Fiction,' was found dead Friday afternoon inside his Lower East Side apartment, according to confirmation from his longtime manager to FaqInsurances.
Greene, who carved out a reputation as a memorable screen villain throughout the 1990s, was 60.
Greene was found unresponsive inside his Clinton Street apartment around 3:25 p.m. — and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police and his longtime manager of more than 10 years, Gregg Edwards.
Peter Greene as one of the film’s unforgettable villains in “The Mask.” New Line Cinema
Investigators said no foul play is suspected, with the cause of death to be determined by the medical examiner.
“He was a terrific guy,” Edwards said Friday night.
“Truly one of the great actors of our generation. His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”
Greene’s devastated representative said the actor, who also appeared in “The Usual Suspects,” was set to begin production in January on an independent thriller called “Mascots” alongside Mickey Rourke.
California-based Edwards told the film’s writer-director, Kerry Mondragón, about Greene’s passing — and said he immediately broke down in tears.
“They were very upset,” the manager added, his voice heavy with emotion.
Peter Greene delivers a memorable performance as Zed in “Pulp Fiction.” Miramax
Greene was found unresponsive in his Clinton Street apartment at approximately 3:25 p.m. — and was pronounced dead at the scene. GoogleMaps
Edwards noted that, while Greene had a reputation for being difficult to work with, he was a perfectionist who gave every role his all and strived to get every performance just “right.”
“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards said, adding that his performance as ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in “The Mask” was “arguably his best role.”
“He fought his demons but overcame them.”
Greene, originally from Montclair, New Jersey, ran away from home at 15 and survived on the streets of New York City, where he turned to drugs and eventually began dealing, he revealed to Premier magazine in 1996.
Peter Greene on location for “Lowball” at Arturo’s Coal Oven Restaurant and Pizzeria in New York City, June 10, 1994. Getty Images
On the set of “Laws of Gravity” in September 1991, Peter Greene and Edie Falco were captured in a behind-the-scenes moment. Getty Images
After attempting to take his own life in March 1996, Greene sought treatment for his struggles with addiction, according to the profile.
Known for his striking blue eyes, Greene appeared in several of Hollywood’s most cherished films, most memorably as Zed — the sadistic security guard and serial killer in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 blockbuster “Pulp Fiction.”
Greene, who amassed about 95 credits over his career, also starred in a range of films, including “Laws of Gravity,” “Clean, Shaven,” “Blue Streak,” and “Training Day.”
