The film world is mourning the sudden and unsettling loss of Peter Greene, the character actor best remembered for his intense portrayal of Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Greene, 60, was found dead inside his ground-floor apartment in Manhattan’s Lower East Side on Friday, according to a police source and a neighbor who spoke with local media.
Greene’s longtime manager, Gregg Edward, confirmed that the actor’s family has been notified. As of now, the city’s medical examiner is expected to determine the official cause of death, with no immediate indication of foul play.
According to a neighbor who requested anonymity, residents in the building on Clinton Street near Stanton Street had reported hearing loud Christmas music coming from Greene’s apartment for several days. Concern grew as the music continued uninterrupted. On Friday, building management sent a locksmith to access the apartment, where Greene was discovered unresponsive on the floor.
The neighbor described a disturbing scene, saying Greene was found face down with visible injuries. Authorities have not publicly confirmed further details, and investigators are continuing their review.
No Immediate Answers as Investigation Continues
At this time, officials have not announced whether Greene’s death is being treated as suspicious. His manager emphasized that the actor had been in regular contact and was preparing for upcoming medical care and professional work.
Greene had openly discussed his struggles with addiction in the past, particularly during the 1990s, in interviews with Premier magazine. However, those close to him stressed that he had remained resilient and committed to his health in recent years.
“He was in pretty good shape for his age,” Edward said. “He rode his bike everywhere around New York and stayed active. This came as a complete shock.”
Greene was reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days to remove a benign tumor near his lungs, a procedure his manager described as precautionary rather than life-threatening.
A Complicated, Brilliant Career in Film
Peter Greene carved out a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood’s most memorable character actors. In addition to Pulp Fiction, he appeared in The Mask, The Usual Suspects, and a range of gritty films that showcased his intense screen presence.
Edward described Greene as both demanding and deeply passionate about his craft.
“He was a perfectionist,” Edward said. “He wanted it right. He believed strongly in improvisation. Some directors loved that. Others didn’t.”
Despite a reputation for being difficult at times, Greene was respected for his commitment to authenticity and emotional depth. Behind the scenes, those who knew him personally describe a man with a generous spirit and deep empathy.
“He had a really good heart,” Edward added. “He cared about people.”
New Projects and an Unfinished Story
At the time of his death, Greene was far from retired. He had recently been selected for a role in an upcoming film titled Mascots, starring Mickey Rourke and scheduled to begin filming next year. He was also being considered for at least two additional projects, signaling a potential career resurgence.
A handwritten note found posted on the door of Greene’s apartment included the phrase, “I’m still a Westie,” a reference believed to allude to the Irish-American gang once active in Hell’s Kitchen. The meaning and timing of the note remain unclear.
Edward shared that he had been encouraging Greene to write his autobiography, believing the actor’s life experiences—both personal and professional—deserved to be preserved.
“He’s got stories after stories,” Edward said. “It’s heartbreaking we may never get to hear them in his own words.”
Remembering Peter Greene
As tributes begin to emerge, Peter Greene is being remembered not just for his unforgettable roles, but for his resilience, complexity, and raw talent. His passing marks a significant loss for fans of American cinema and for New York City’s creative community.
AffaiesTime will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available from authorities.
For now, the question remains one many are asking across the country: what truly happened with Peter Greene?