Peter Greene Dies: ‘Pulp Fiction’ & ‘The Mask’ Actor Dead at 60

Peter Greene, the character actor best known for his chilling portrayal of Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction,” died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the armpit, according to the Novel York City medical examiner’s office. The determination was made public Wednesday, two months after Greene, 60, was found deceased on December 12 in his Manhattan apartment.

The medical examiner’s report stated the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the left axilla, with injury to the brachial artery. The manner of death was ruled an accident. Details beyond this finding were not immediately released by the office.

Greene frequently inhabited the roles of villains and unsettling characters throughout his three-decade career. He rose to prominence in 1994 alongside John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in “Pulp Fiction,” where his performance as Zed, a sadistic and menacing figure, left a lasting impression on audiences. That same year, he too appeared in Jim Carrey’s “The Mask,” playing the character Dorian.

Prior to his breakout year, Greene delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the 1993 independent film “Clean, Shaven,” portraying a man struggling with schizophrenia and suspected of murder. The role showcased his ability to embody complex and disturbed characters, often depicting individuals on the fringes of society.

His filmography also includes appearances in notable films such as “The Usual Suspects” and “Training Day,” demonstrating a consistent presence in prominent crime and thriller productions. Greene’s ability to portray both menacing and vulnerable characters contributed to a diverse and memorable body of work.