Hollywood Mourns Loss of Iconic Character Actor
Peter Greene, the American actor best known for his memorable villainous roles in 1990s classics including Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has died at age 60. He was found unresponsive in his Lower East Side Manhattan apartment on Friday afternoon, December 12, 2025, and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have confirmed no foul play is suspected, and the medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
A Career Defined by Memorable Villains
Greene's breakthrough came in 1994 with two iconic roles that would define his career. He played the sadistic security guard Zed in Quentin Tarantino's groundbreaking film Pulp Fiction, a character involved in one of the film's most disturbing scenes. In the same year, he portrayed the main antagonist Dorian Tyrell in the action-comedy The Mask opposite Jim Carrey, establishing himself as one of Hollywood's go-to villains.
His manager, Gregg Edwards, told the New York Post, 'He was a terrific guy and truly one of the great actors of our generation. He had a heart as big as there was.'
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Born on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene had a difficult upbringing. He ran away from home at age 15 and lived on the streets of New York City, where he became involved with drugs and drug dealing. In a 1996 interview with Premier magazine, he openly discussed his struggles with heroin and cocaine addiction.
In 1996, Greene attempted suicide but subsequently sought treatment and worked to overcome his addictions. Despite these challenges, he maintained an active career with approximately 103 acting credits according to IMDb, including notable roles in The Usual Suspects (1995), Training Day (2001), and Blue Streak (1999).
Industry Tributes and Legacy
The entertainment industry has been quick to pay tribute to the actor. Greene was described by colleagues as having a 'gentle side' despite his reputation for playing intimidating characters. He was reportedly about to begin production on an independent thriller with Mickey Rourke in January 2026.
Greene's performance in Clean, Shaven (1994) earned him the Best Actor award at the Taormina International Film Festival. Interestingly, he initially turned down the role of Zed in Pulp Fiction due to its graphic content but was persuaded by director Quentin Tarantino, who allowed him to alter the scene.
As one industry insider noted, 'Peter Greene had that rare ability to make villains both terrifying and strangely compelling. His performances in Pulp Fiction and The Mask are etched into cinematic history.'
Survivors and Final Projects
Greene is survived by a brother and sister. According to his manager, he had eight upcoming projects listed on IMDb, including the thriller with Rourke. His death comes just months after he reportedly underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor near his lungs, though he was said to be in good health and active, often seen riding his bicycle around New York City.
The actor's passing marks the loss of one of Hollywood's most distinctive character actors, whose contributions to 1990s cinema remain influential decades later. As fans and colleagues remember him, his most famous line from Pulp Fiction - delivered by Bruce Willis's character Butch - seems particularly poignant: 'Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.'