Peter Greene, the actor renowned for his memorable portrayals of villains in films such as “The Mask” and “Pulp Fiction,” has passed away at the age of 60. The news was confirmed on December 13 by his manager, Gregg Edwards. Greene was found dead in his New York City apartment on December 12, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement to NBC News, Edwards expressed profound sorrow over Greene’s passing, highlighting his exceptional talent for playing antagonistic roles. “Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” he remarked, while also noting Greene’s gentle nature that many people rarely witnessed. “He had a heart as big as gold.”
Throughout his career, Greene built an impressive portfolio with nearly 100 credits, including notable performances in series like Apple TV’s “Dope Thief,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Life on Mars.” In 1994, he made a significant impact with his role as Dorian, a gangster opposite Jim Carrey in “The Mask,” and he delivered a chilling performance as Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s iconic “Pulp Fiction.”
Edwards also shared that Greene was passionate about raising awareness surrounding global issues, particularly those influenced by America’s withdrawal from foreign aid initiatives. He was in the process of coproducing and narrating a documentary titled “From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID.” This project aims to provide insight into the far-reaching consequences of dismantling USAID through firsthand accounts and expert interviews, fostering a national dialogue on the United States’ role in humanitarian aid.
Greene is survived by a brother, a sister, and his 16-year-old son, Ryder. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his colleagues and fans, and he will be remembered not only for his remarkable contributions to film and television but also for his compassionate spirit and advocacy work.