Disturbing new details have surfaced following the death of actor Peter Greene, best known for his roles in the iconic films Pulp Fiction and The Mask. The 60-year-old was found unresponsive in his New York apartment last week.
A Tragic Discovery in New York
Police were called to Greene's apartment on December 12 for a wellness check after his manager reported music had been playing continuously for over 24 hours. Officers arrived at around 3:25pm and discovered the actor unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ, Greene had 'some injuries' on his body. A neighbour told the New York Daily News that the actor was found lying facedown on the floor with a facial injury, alleging there was 'blood everywhere'. However, authorities have stated the cause and manner of his death remain undetermined, with the medical examiner's investigation ongoing. The New York Post reported that police do not currently suspect foul play.
Remembering a Talented Actor and Friend
Greene's death was confirmed by his long-time manager, Gregg Edwards, who paid a heartfelt tribute. 'His heart was as big as there was. I'm going to miss him. He was a great friend,' Edwards told the New York Post. He described Greene as 'truly one of the great actors of our generation'.
Edwards recalled speaking to Greene just two days before his death, on December 10. Both men were preparing for surgery; Edwards for a hernia and Greene for an operation to remove a benign lung tumour. 'He sounded OK,' Edwards said. 'He was a little nervous about the operation going in, but he said it wasn't super serious.' The manager emphasised their decade-long friendship, stating, 'We're good friends. I love the guy.'
A Life of Struggle and Resilience
Peter Greene's life story was one of remarkable turbulence and resilience. He ran away from home at the age of 15 and lived on the streets of New York City, where he developed addictions to heroin and cocaine. He eventually began dealing drugs himself.
In 1996, after a suicide attempt, Greene sought treatment for his addictions. He later told Premiere magazine that he had to hide in theatres to escape drug dealers, an experience that serendipitously led him to discover acting. Greene, who is survived by a brother and a sister, never married and had no children.
His notable film career included memorable performances as the villainous Niko in The Mask alongside Jim Carrey, Redfoot in The Usual Suspects, and Zed in Quentin Tarantino's cult classic Pulp Fiction.
