The Latest on Beloved ‘Pulp Fiction’ Star’s Mysterious Passing

Peter Greene, the character actor best known for his chilling performances in some of the most iconic films of the 1990s, has died at age 60. The actor, who memorably played Zed in “Pulp Fiction” and the villain Dorian in “The Mask,” was found dead inside his New York City apartment, according to his longtime manager. As fans and friends mourn the loss, questions remain surrounding the circumstances of Greene’s death.

Peter Greene Found Dead in New York City Apartment

Greene was discovered inside his Lower East Side apartment on Friday, his manager Gregg Edwards confirmed. Police responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious man at a Clinton Street address around 3:25 p.m., and emergency responders pronounced Greene dead at the scene, according to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department. As of Wednesday, the cause of death had not been determined, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The New York Daily News was the first to report the actor’s death. Edwards said he had spoken with Greene earlier in the week and did not sense anything was wrong. He also shared that a wellness check was requested after music was reportedly heard playing in Greene’s apartment for more than 24 hours.

“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” Edwards told reporters, via NBC. “But he also had a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold.”

Friends Push Back on Suicide Speculation

In the days since Greene’s passing, speculation has swirled online, largely due to his past struggles with addiction and a suicide attempt in 1996. Those closest to him, however, told Page Six, the idea that Greene took his own life in 2025 does not align with his recent behavior.

“Not at all,” Edwards said when asked if he believed Greene was suicidal. He added that Greene was in “good spirits” just two days before he was found.

Greene’s friend of 27 years, New York actor and musician Skam Dust, echoed that sentiment, telling reporters that Greene had been making plans for New Year’s Eve. “He was going to rent a truck limousine,” Skam Dust said. “Peter’s vision was that we were going to go bar hopping and restaurant hopping. He wasn’t suicidal.”

Another friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said Greene’s longtime battle with drugs had always been a concern among those close to him.

“He would get clean, and he would try to get back to normal, and then couldn’t kick it,” the source alleged, adding that friends often performed welfare checks when they couldn’t reach him.

Skam Dust recalled one such instance when Greene had disappeared, only to learn he had traveled upstate. “He was in the Adirondack Mountains, reading scripts,” he said. “He goes in deep, shuts the phone off, and you won’t see him for a while, he read every script.”

Peter Greene: A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Quiet Generosity

Greene was born in Montclair, New Jersey, on Oct. 8, 1965, and began acting in his 20s after moving to New York City, according to his IMDb biography. While he became famous for portraying dangerous and unsettling characters, those who knew him personally describe a far different man.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back,” Edwards said, noting that Greene was looking forward to future projects, including a documentary titled

“From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID,” which he was set to narrate.

Skam Dust described the loss as profound. “It’s a deep hole in my heart,” he said. “He was very exceptional, with a caring heart. He was a warm, loving gangster.”

Greene is survived by his son, Ryder, and a sister and brother.

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