Peter Greene, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Mask’ Star, Dies at 60
Peter Greene, Iconic Character Actor From ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Mask,’ Passes Away at 60
Peter Greene, the acclaimed character actor best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ and the cult classic ‘The Mask’, has died at the age of 60. Greene was found dead in his apartment on New York City’s Lower East Side on Friday. At the time of reporting, no official cause of death has been disclosed.A Career Defined by Unforgettable Villains
Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Greene became widely recognized for his ability to portray intense, unsettling, and memorable antagonists. In Tarantino’s 1994 Oscar-winning film Pulp Fiction, he played Zed, the sadistic security guard whose character remains one of the film’s most disturbing figures.In 1994’s The Mask, Greene took on the role of Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless gangster who serves as the primary antagonist opposite Jim Carrey’s Stanley Ipkiss. The performance further cemented Greene’s reputation as a go-to actor for dark, commanding roles in both independent and studio films.
From New Jersey Roots to Hollywood Recognition
A native of New Jersey, Greene began his acting career in his mid-20s. His first credited appearance came in a 1990 episode of Hardball, followed by his film debut in 1992’s ‘Laws of Gravity’, where he starred alongside Edie Falco. From there, his career steadily expanded across film and television.An Extensive Film and Television Legacy
Greene’s filmography reflects a wide-ranging and prolific career. His credits include ‘Judgment Night’ (1993), ‘Clean, Shaven’ (1993), ‘The Usual Suspects’ (1995), ‘Kiss & Tell’ (1997), ‘Blue Streak’ (1999), and ‘Training Day’ (2001).On television, he appeared in a 2001 episode of Law & Order, played a key role in the opening scene of the pilot episode of ‘Justified’ (2010), and starred in series such as The Black Donnellys (2007). More recently, Greene appeared in ‘The Continental’, the 2023 prequel series to John Wick, and in a 2025 episode of Dope Thief, underscoring his continued presence in major productions.
Upcoming Projects and Creative Commitment
At the time of his passing, Greene had multiple projects in development. These included the film ‘Mascots’, starring Mickey Rourke, and the documentary ‘From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID’, which he was narrating and associate producing. The documentary also involved Jason Alexander and Kathleen Turner.According to his manager, Gregg Edwards, Greene was deeply committed to the documentary’s message. “He was passionate about shedding light on all the deaths that have happened around the world as a result of America dismantling USAID,” Edwards told The Hollywood Reporter, describing Greene as “one of the best character actors on the planet.”
