A veteran film actor known for portraying some of the most unsettling villains of 1990s cinema was found dead Friday afternoon inside his Lower East Side apartment, authorities confirmed. He was 60 years old.
Police responded to a call at a residential building on Clinton Street at approximately 3:25 p.m., where the actor was discovered unresponsive. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Law enforcement officials said there were no immediate signs of foul play, and the New York City Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
News of the actor’s passing sent shockwaves through the film community, particularly among colleagues who worked with him during the height of his career. His longtime manager, who had represented him for more than a decade, confirmed the death and described him as a deeply committed performer and a loyal friend.
“He was a terrific guy,” the manager said Friday night. “One of the great actors of his generation. He had a huge heart, and he cared deeply about his work and the people around him.”
The actor built a reputation during the 1990s as a formidable screen presence, often cast in dark, volatile roles that left lasting impressions on audiences. Though he was rarely the lead, his performances frequently became among the most memorable elements of the films he appeared in, earning him a cult following among movie fans.
At the time of his death, he was preparing for a professional comeback. He was scheduled to begin filming an independent thriller in January alongside Mickey Rourke, a project his manager said he was excited about and deeply invested in. The film’s director was notified shortly after the news broke and was reportedly devastated.
Behind the scenes, the actor’s life was marked by significant personal struggles. Born in New Jersey, he ran away from home at just 15 years old and spent time living on the streets of New York City. In interviews during the 1990s, he spoke candidly about battling drug addiction and surviving a suicide attempt in 1996, after which he sought treatment and worked to rebuild his life.
Those close to him acknowledged that he had a reputation for being difficult at times on set, but insisted it stemmed from perfectionism rather than temperament. He demanded a great deal from himself and wanted every performance to feel authentic and complete.
Peter Greene was best known for his chilling portrayal of Zed, the sadistic security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, and for playing ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. Over the course of his career, he amassed roughly 95 film and television credits, including roles in The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, Clean, Shaven, and Laws of Gravity.
Despite personal demons that at times derailed his career, Greene was widely respected for his raw talent and intensity. Those who worked with him remember an actor who brought uncommon realism to every role he touched.
As investigators await the medical examiner’s findings, tributes continue to pour in for a performer whose career left an indelible mark on modern cinema—one shaped by hardship, resilience, and unforgettable performances.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
