The New York City Medical Examiner confirms the Pulp Fiction and The Mask star died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the armpit — ruled an accident. Peter Greene was known for his roles in several influential films.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Who: Peter Greene, actor — age 60 at time of death
- Found: December 12, 2025, in his Lower East Side apartment, Manhattan
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wound of left axilla (armpit) with injury to the brachial artery
- Manner of Death: Accidental — ruled by NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- COD Confirmed: February 18, 2026
- Known For: Zed in Pulp Fiction (1994); Dorian Tyrell in The Mask (1994)
More than two months after the body of character actor Peter Greene was discovered in his Manhattan apartment, New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially revealed his cause of death: a gunshot wound to the left armpit, resulting in fatal injury to the brachial artery. Furthermore, the manner of death has been ruled accidental.
Greene, best known for his chilling portrayal of the sadistic villain Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s landmark 1994 film Pulp Fiction, was 60 years old. He was also widely recognized for his role as the villain Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey in The Mask, released the same year.
How Peter Greene Was Found
Greene’s body was discovered on December 12, 2025, after neighbors grew concerned. Reports indicated that Christmas music had been playing continuously from his apartment for several days, prompting a neighbor to contact the landlord and police for a wellness check. As a result, authorities found Greene unresponsive inside his Lower East Side apartment.
At the time, his death was not immediately classified. The cause remained under investigation by the medical examiner’s office until this week’s announcement.
Cause of Death: What the Medical Examiner Found
The NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to Deadline Hollywood that Greene died from:
“A gunshot wound of left axilla with injury of brachial artery.”
The wound caused extensive internal bleeding. The manner of death was officially ruled accidental, indicating the shooting was self-inflicted but unintentional — consistent with a firearm discharging while being holstered, drawn, or handled.
Just as with other unexpected celebrity deaths, like Anunay Sood’s cause of death revealed, the circumstances surrounding Peter Greene’s passing shocked fans and prompted a closer look at his final days.
Peter Greene: A Career Defined by Iconic Villains
Born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, Peter Greene made his screen debut in the 1990 NBC crime drama Hardball before breaking into film with the 1992 indie Laws of Gravity. His career accelerated rapidly when he was cast in two of the biggest films of 1994:
- Pulp Fiction (1994) — Greene played Zed, the menacing pawnshop rapist whose fate became one of cinema’s most quoted moments (“Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.”).
- The Mask (1994) — He portrayed Dorian Tyrell, the gangster antagonist opposite Jim Carrey’s breakout comedic performance.
On television, Greene was a series regular on NBC’s The Black Donnellys and had recurring roles on ABC’s Life on Mars and NBC’s Chicago P.D. His final screen appearance was in an episode of The Continental, the John Wick prequel series on Peacock.
Struggles and Sobriety
Hollywood has recently mourned the loss of several beloved actors. These including Peter Greene and James Van Der Beek, who tragically passed away at 48 after a battle with cancer, highlighting the fragility of life in the spotlight.
Throughout his career, Greene was candid about his struggles with addiction. Friends and colleagues noted that he had reportedly been sober for at least a couple of years prior to his death. A testament to his personal resilience even as his Hollywood roles became more sporadic in later years.
Peter Greene’s Career Timeline
- 1990: Screen debut in NBC’s crime drama Hardball
- 1992: Feature film debut in Laws of Gravity
- 1994: Breakout year — villain roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask
- 2007: Series regular on NBC’s The Black Donnellys
- 2009: Recurring role on ABC’s Life on Mars
- 2014–2016: Recurring role on NBC’s Chicago P.D.
- 2023: Final appearance in The Continental (Peacock)
- Dec. 12, 2025: Found deceased in his Lower East Side apartment, Manhattan
- Feb. 18, 2026: NYC Medical Examiner releases official cause of death
Tributes & Reactions
Following the announcement, fans and colleagues across social media mourned the loss of the quietly influential character actor. Many pointed to his indelible presence as Zed, noting that even in a brief role, Greene made an impact that outlasted more prominent performances in the same film.
“A terrific actor.” — Fan comment, Deadline Hollywood
Peter Greene leaves behind a filmography that, while not headlined by starring roles, is punctuated by unforgettable moments — the mark of a true character actor. At 60, his legacy resonates with fans much like the recent support campaigns for other beloved actors, as seen in James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe final ranch deal.
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