Peter Greene, known for his iconic roles in films such as Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has unfortunately died. He died at the young age of only 60 years old. He was found dead in his Manhattan apartment. In truth, his dynamic turns on the big screen will always be remembered as with some of the most influential films of our lifetime. Early life Greene was born in Montclair, New Jersey. During his decades-long career, he delighted audiences with his intense interpretations of troubled figures and ultimately walked away with at least 13 Academy Awards.
Greene’s on-screen presence was often associated with villainous roles, gaining particular notoriety for playing Zed, a rapist security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. His portrayal of Zed was one of the film’s most chilling performances, solidifying Greene’s reputation as an actor capable of delivering intense and unsettling characters. Greene had actually rejected the part in Pulp Fiction at first, worried about the material. Director Tarantino never took no for an answer and chased him down until Greene finally agreed to the role.
Greene dazzled viewers with his outstanding performance as Dorian in The Mask, starring alongside Jim Carrey. He’s of course most-famed for his legendary role in Pulp Fiction. His versatility as an actor allowed him to navigate various genres, appearing in films like Judgment Night, The Rich Man’s Wife, Blue Streak, and The Bounty Hunter. Greene delivered such an extraordinary performance as Clean, Shaven. His intense and sympathetic portrayal of a man struggling with schizophrenia earned him the Best Actor award at the 1994 Taormina Film Festival.
Greene is survived by his sister and brother. They love and miss him, remembering his amazing prowess and his loving spirit. A fellow actor and friend, Gregg Edwards recounts Greene’s craftsmanship and the beauty of his heart.
“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter. But he also had a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.” – Gregg Edwards
Greene is adept at playing morally ambiguous characters. His genius continues to inspire those he worked with, as well as the many fans who now discover and experience his art from afar. Edwards further reflected on their friendship, stating:
“He was a terrific guy. 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.” – Gregg Edwards