Pulp Fiction Actor Peter Greene Dies in Accidental Shooting

The 60-year-old character actor was known for his villainous roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Mask.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Peter Greene, the character actor best known for his villainous roles in films like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Mask,' died on December 12, 2025, from an accidental gunshot wound, according to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. The 60-year-old actor was found dead in his apartment in New York City's Lower East Side, and police did not suspect foul play. The Medical Examiner's office determined Greene's death was an accident, caused by a gunshot wound to his left underarm that damaged a major artery.

Why it matters

Greene was a prolific character actor who rose to prominence playing the sadistic security guard Zed in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film 'Pulp Fiction.' His death at the age of 60 is a tragic loss for the entertainment industry, and his history of addiction and a previous suicide attempt in the 1990s highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many actors in Hollywood.

The details

Neighbors had reported hearing Christmas music playing continuously for several days from Greene's apartment, prompting a wellness check by the landlord and police. Greene had a history of addiction and a previous suicide attempt in the 1990s, and he was scheduled to undergo a procedure to remove a benign tumor near his lung on the day he was found. His manager, Gregg Edwards, stated he had spoken with Greene two days prior and the actor 'sounded OK.'

  • Peter Greene died on December 12, 2025.
  • Greene had a previous suicide attempt in the 1990s.

The players

Peter Greene

A character actor best known for his villainous roles in films like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Mask.' He died at the age of 60 from an accidental gunshot wound.

Gregg Edwards

Greene's manager, who stated he had spoken with Greene two days prior to his death and the actor 'sounded OK.'

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What they’re saying

“It was just a totally normal conversation. He was a little nervous about the operation going in, but he said it wasn't super serious. He was talking about that and hoping that I was going to be OK and wishing me well as I was wishing him well. We're good friends. I love the guy.”

— Gregg Edwards, Greene's manager (New York Post)

The takeaway

Greene's tragic death at the age of 60 serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many actors in Hollywood, including addiction and mental health issues. His prolific career and memorable performances in films like 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Mask' will ensure his legacy lives on, even as the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented character actor.