Michael Madsen, star of ESPN’s ‘Tilt,’ dead at 67

Michael Madsen was best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films, including Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Older sports fans might also remember him as the star of ESPN’s ill-fated poker scripted series Tilt.

The Hollywood actor was found dead Thursday morning of an apparent cardiac arrest at his Malibu home, according to his managers and publicist. He was 67.

Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Madsen began acting at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1980. Soon after, he was appearing in minor roles in television shows such as St. Elsewhere and movies like WarGames. He became a notable character actor in the 1980s and early 1990s, thanks to appearances in films such as Diner, The Natural, The Doors, and Thelma & Louise.

His career took off after a memorable turn in Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, in which he played the sadistic “Mr. Blonde.” From there, he was seemingly inescapable for the rest of the decade, showing up in several films every year.

In 2005, ESPN debuted Tilt, a scripted series set against the backdrop of a Las Vegas poker tournament. Created by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who co-wrote Rounders, it starred Madsen as legendary gambler Don “The Matador” Everest, the antagonist that the main characters are attempting to take down. 

This was the Worldwide Leader’s second foray into scripted dramas following Playmakers, which was lauded by audiences but ultimately canceled in deference to the NFL. Tilt, similarly, didn’t make it out of its first season, though it was due more to a lack of interest from audiences. 

Madsen continued acting through his death and even has several projects yet to be released.

He is survived by his wife, DeAnna, and six children.