Peter Greene

Peter Greene, the veteran American character actor best known for his intense and memorable roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Mask, died at the age of 60. His unexpected passing in late 2025 shocked fans and colleagues alike and sparked many questions about what happened and what the official cause of death was. Here’s what’s been confirmed by authorities and reliable sources.
A Beloved Character Actor
Peter Greene built a career portraying gritty, compelling characters—often on the darker side of cinema. His breakout role as the villainous Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction earned him wide recognition, and he continued to appear in notable films throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Alongside The Mask, his filmography includes Clean, Shaven, The Usual Suspects, Blue Streak, and Training Day, among others. Beyond film, he also appeared in television series like Chicago P.D. and The Continental.
When and Where He Was Found
Greene was found deceased in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12, 2025. Neighbors had reportedly heard music playing from his residence for more than a day, prompting a wellness check when there was no response at the door. His manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed Greene’s death shortly afterward, though early reports did not immediately disclose a cause.
The Cause of Death: Accidental Shooting
In February 2026, authorities released the official cause of death after completing an investigation. According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner:
Greene died from a gunshot wound to the left axilla (the armpit area).
The bullet injured the brachial artery, a major blood vessel supplying blood to the arm.
The manner of death was classified as accidental—there was no evidence of foul play.
In simpler terms, Greene was accidentally shot in the armpit area, and the injury caused fatal bleeding. Officials ruled the incident an accident rather than intentional harm.
Community Reaction and Legacy
News of Greene’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and those who admired his work. While many remember him for playing villains, colleagues and friends often emphasized his warmth and generosity off-screen. His manager described him as having “a heart as big as gold,” noting that behind his intimidating on-screen persona was a thoughtful, kind person.
Greene was also involved in several projects at the time of his death, including work on a socially conscious documentary intended to raise awareness about changes to international aid funding.
What This Means
There was significant public curiosity and speculation about “Peter Greene cause of death,” especially given the initial lack of information. With the official findings now released, it’s clear that his death was a tragic accident. Rumors or misinformation surrounding celebrity deaths can spread quickly, underscoring the importance of waiting for confirmed reports from medical examiners and credible news outlets.
The Bottom Line
Peter Greene died on December 12, 2025,
The official cause of death was an accidental gunshot wound to the armpit, which damaged a major arter.

Greene was found deceased in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12, 2025. Neighbors had reportedly heard music playing from his residence for more than a day, prompting a wellness check when there was no response at the door. His manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed Greene’s death shortly afterward, though early reports did not immediately disclose a cause.
His death was ruled accidental, with no evidence of foul play.
Greene’s work left a lasting impact on film fans around the world, especially those who remember his roles in some of the most iconic movies of the 1990s and beyond. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of his talents and the unpredictable fragility of life.

Peter Greene died on December 12, 2025