Peter Greene, the character actor who terrified audiences as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and charmed moviegoers as the menacing Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, was discovered dead inside his Lower East Side apartment on Friday afternoon. He was 60 years old.
Authorities responded to Greene’s Clinton Street residence around 3:25 PM on 12th December 2025 after the actor was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to his longtime manager Gregg Edwards, who had represented Greene for a decade.
“He was a terrific guy,” Edwards told reporters. “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.”
A Career Built on Memorable Villains
Born Peter Green on 8th October 1965 in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene didn’t pursue acting until his mid-20s. After training at Lee Strasberg’s prestigious acting studio in Manhattan, he quickly made his mark in independent cinema.
His breakthrough role came in 1993’s Clean, Shaven, where he delivered a harrowing performance as Peter Winter, a schizophrenic man suspected of murder. The New York Times praised Greene for turning the character “into a compellingly anguished, volatile character, someone who didn’t even have to slice himself up to get an audience’s attention.”
That performance caught the attention of Quentin Tarantino, who cast Greene as the sadistic security guard Zed in Pulp Fiction the following year. The role became one of cinema’s most disturbing villains in one of the decade’s most influential films.
Greene as the villain Dorian Tyrell in ‘The Mask’ (1994)
The Golden Year of 1994
Greene’s career peaked spectacularly in 1994 when he appeared in two of the year’s biggest films. Alongside Pulp Fiction, he played opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask, delivering a memorable performance as mob boss Dorian Tyrell.
His other notable roles included:
- Redfoot the fence in The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Corrupt detective Jeff in Training Day (2001) opposite Denzel Washington
- Martin Lawrence’s nemesis in Blue Streak (1999)
- Bad guys in Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) and Judgment Night (1993)
During the filming of The Usual Suspects, Greene improvised a memorable moment by flicking a lit cigarette into Stephen Baldwin’s face, prompting screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie to call him a “million-dollar day player.”
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Greene’s career wasn’t without challenges. He battled heroin and cocaine addiction throughout the 1990s, a struggle that was documented in a Premiere Magazine feature titled “Career High” in 1998. In 2007, he was arrested for possessing crack cocaine.
Despite these setbacks, Greene continued working steadily in film and television. His more recent appearances included the FX series Justified (2010), The Black Donnellys (2007), Life on Mars (2009), and the 2020 TV series For Life, where he played an Aryan Brother named “Wild Bill” Miller.
Industry Mourns a Character Actor Icon
News of Greene’s death spread rapidly across social media on Friday evening, with fans and colleagues sharing tributes to the late actor. Many remembered his ability to make even small roles unforgettable.
“One of the memorable actors from the 90s. RIP,” wrote one fan on X.
“A character actor masterclass. That Pulp Fiction and The Mask double-punch was iconic. RIP, Zed,” another posted.
“I used to be so scared of him when I was little watching the Mask… RIP King,” shared a third fan, highlighting Greene’s ability to terrify audiences whilst maintaining sympathy off-screen.
Several fans also referenced his work in Training Day, particularly his memorable scene where his character delivers the line “Kiss me, baby” to Denzel Washington’s corrupt detective Alonzo Harris before being shot twice in his bulletproof vest.
Greene’s chilling performance as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
Investigation Ongoing
The New York City Police Department confirmed they do not suspect foul play in Greene’s death. The city’s medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
A neighbour, who requested anonymity, told local media that residents had heard Christmas music playing continuously from Greene’s apartment for several days before his body was discovered.
Legacy of a Distinctive Performer
Peter Greene leaves behind a sister and a brother, according to his manager. His three-decade career in Hollywood showcased an actor who specialised in bringing depth and humanity to characters who could easily have been one-dimensional villains.
Whether playing the psychotic Zed, the ruthless Dorian Tyrell, or the mysterious Redfoot, Greene brought an intensity and commitment that made every performance memorable. His pale complexion, deep voice, and sinister sneer became his trademarks, but those who knew him personally remember a generous spirit and dedicated artist.
Greene’s death marks the loss of one of the 1990s’ most distinctive character actors, whose work in Pulp Fiction and The Mask alone secured his place in film history. His performances continue to resonate with audiences nearly three decades later.
FAQ
Q: What was Peter Greene’s most famous role?
A: Peter Greene was best known for playing Zed, the sadistic security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction, and Dorian Tyrell, the main villain in The Mask alongside Jim Carrey, also released in 1994.
Q: How did Peter Greene die?
A: Greene was found unresponsive in his Lower East Side apartment in Manhattan on 12th December 2025. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Police do not suspect foul play, and the medical examiner is conducting an investigation.
Q: What other films did Peter Greene appear in?
A: Beyond Pulp Fiction and The Mask, Greene appeared in notable films including The Usual Suspects (1995), Training Day (2001), Blue Streak (1999), Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995), and Judgment Night (1993).
Q: Where was Peter Greene from?
A: Greene was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on 8th October 1965. He trained at Lee Strasberg’s acting studio in New York before launching his film career in the early 1990s.
Q: Did Peter Greene win any awards?
A: While Greene never received major industry awards, he was widely respected as a character actor and earned critical acclaim for his performance in Clean, Shaven (1993), which led to his casting in Pulp Fiction.
