Peter Greene, a Distinctive Character Actor, Dies at 60
Peter Greene, the actor known for playing villains and criminals, including his role as Zed in “Pulp Fiction,” died at his New York City home Friday, his manager confirmed. He was 60. Greene was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment, manager Gregg Edwards confirmed. He did not disclose a cause of death. Greene’s death was first reported by the New York Daily News.
Early Life
Greene was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on Oct. 8, 1965. He began acting in his 20s while living in New York City, according to his biography on the website IMDB. His early years in the city shaped his future career as a character actor.
Breakthrough in Film
Greene first gained widespread recognition with his portrayal of Zed, a sadistic rapist security guard in the 1994 Quentin Tarantino film “Pulp Fiction.” The character’s brutality and charisma made Greene a memorable presence in the film. He also portrayed the villain Dorian in the 1994 Jim Carrey movie “The Mask.”
Early Supporting Roles
In 1993, Greene starred in the film “Clean, Shaven,” playing a man with schizophrenia who is suspected in a murder and who at times self‑mutilates. The New York Times review said Greene’s performance turned the role he played “into a compellingly anguished, volatile character, someone who didn’t even have to slice himself up to get an audience’s attention.”.
Notable Supporting Characters
In “The Usual Suspects,” Greene played the fence Redfoot, who informs the crime crew of an opportunity to rob a jeweler who ends up killed during the subsequent heist. His portrayal added tension to the film’s intricate plot. In “Training Day,” Greene played Jeff, a detective who is shot by Alonzo Harris—famously portrayed by Denzel Washington— as the corrupt group tries to concoct a story to cover up a cold‑blooded murder of a former narcotics officer.
Memorable Moments
After Harris kills the former narcotics officer in his home, Greene as the detective agrees to be shot in his bullet‑resistant vest to make it appear as though the police were fired upon first. “Kiss me, baby,” Greene says in a memorable line before Washington’s Harris shoots him twice. The scene remains a chilling highlight of the film.
Death and Aftermath
Greene was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment on Friday. Manager Gregg Edwards confirmed the death but did not disclose a cause. The New York Daily News was the first outlet to report the news. Greene was 60 years old at the time of his passing.
Legacy
Peter Greene’s career spanned nearly three decades, during which he carved a niche as a compelling villain. His performances in films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “The Mask,” “Clean, Shaven,” “The Usual Suspects,” and “Training Day” left an indelible mark on audiences. The industry mourns the loss of a distinctive talent whose portrayals continue to resonate.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Greene died at his New York City home at age 60.
- His death was confirmed by manager Gregg Edwards and first reported by the New York Daily News.
- Greene’s filmography includes iconic villain roles in “Pulp Fiction,” “The Mask,” “Clean, Shaven,” “The Usual Suspects,” and “Training Day.”
Peter Greene’s passing marks the end of a career defined by intense, memorable performances that left a lasting impact on contemporary cinema.
