New York City — December 2025.
Peter Greene, the acclaimed character actor best known for his chilling portrayal of Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, has died at the age of 60, according to his longtime manager. Greene passed away at his home in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances that shaped 1990s independent and mainstream cinema.
His death was confirmed Friday by manager Gregg Edwards, who described Greene as both a gifted actor and a genuinely kind human being. The cause of death has not yet been released.
What Happened
Peter Greene died at his New York City residence, Edwards confirmed. While details surrounding his passing remain limited, Greene was reportedly active and working on new projects at the time of his death, underscoring the suddenness of the loss.
“This is a devastating loss,” Edwards said. “He was just a terrific guy — arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet. He worked with everybody.”
Who Was Peter Greene?
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Peter Greene built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most intense and compelling character actors, particularly during the 1990s. Known for portraying morally complex and often disturbing figures, Greene had a rare ability to command attention even in limited screen time.
His breakout came through gritty independent films, where his performances were praised for their emotional rawness and psychological depth.
Career Highlights and Lasting Legacy
Greene earned early acclaim with leading roles in Laws of Gravity (1992) and Clean, Shaven (1993) — the latter widely regarded as one of the most unsettling and powerful portrayals of mental illness ever put to film.
In 1994, Greene cemented his place in film history with two iconic villain roles:
- Zed in Pulp Fiction, the sadistic pawnshop owner whose scenes remain among the film’s most disturbing
- Dorian Tyrell, the antagonist opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask
Despite often playing dark characters, Greene was widely respected in the industry for his professionalism, generosity, and collaborative spirit. According to Edwards, Greene was actively involved in two projects at the time of his death, including a documentary examining the U.S. government’s withdrawal of funding from USAID.
Public and Industry Reactions
Tributes from fans and industry peers have begun pouring in across social media, with many highlighting Greene’s ability to make even the most frightening characters feel disturbingly real.
“He scared you on screen, but off screen he was one of the kindest people you could meet,” one fan wrote online. Others praised his contributions to independent film and his willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles.
Edwards, who had been friends with Greene for over a decade, described him simply as “the nicest man.”
What Happens Next
At this time, no details have been released regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services. Representatives for Greene have asked for privacy for his loved ones as they grieve.
Peter Greene leaves behind a body of work that continues to influence actors, filmmakers, and audiences alike — a testament to a career built not on fame alone, but on fearless artistry and emotional truth.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
