Peter Greene, Character Actor Known for ‘Pulp Fiction’ Villain Zed, passed away at 60

Peter Greene, the American character actor best known for his disturbing and unforgettable role as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, has died at the age of 60.

Greene was found unresponsive inside his Lower East Side apartment in New York City following a wellness check after neighbors reported loud music playing for an extended period of time. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected.

As of now, an official cause of death has not been released. The New York City Medical Examiner is expected to determine the cause in the coming days.

Born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene had a difficult early life and experienced periods of homelessness before finding his way into acting in the early 1990s. His breakthrough came with intense performances in independent films, quickly establishing him as a powerful presence known for portraying complex and often dark characters.

Greene rose to widespread recognition in 1994 with two memorable villain roles: Zed in Pulp Fiction and Dorian Tyrell in The Mask. Both performances cemented his reputation as a standout character actor capable of leaving a lasting impression with limited screen time.

Throughout his career, Greene appeared in numerous films and television series, including The Usual Suspects, Training Day, and later television roles that showcased his continued versatility. His work spanned more than three decades in film and television.

Greene had previously spoken openly about struggles with substance abuse earlier in his life and his efforts toward recovery. In recent years, he continued acting and remained involved in multiple projects.

Peter Greene’s death marks the loss of a distinctive talent whose intense performances became a defining part of modern crime and thriller cinema. He is remembered by colleagues and fans for his fearless approach to challenging roles and his unforgettable on-screen presence.