Kill Bill legend Michael Madsen’s heartbroken sister Virginia admits his sudden death at 67 didn’t ‘surprise’ her

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Virginia Madsen has recently shared her feelings about the passing of her brother, Michael Madsen, who died six months ago.

In a recent interview, the 64-year-old actress spoke about the late actor, recalling his charismatic personality, the suffering he experienced near the end of his life, and her belief that he eventually found tranquility.

Virginia fondly remembered her brother to People magazine as a larger-than-life figure – over six feet tall with a powerful build. She said you always knew when he entered a room because you could hear his cowboy boots approaching.

She went on to admit she once imagined a very different ending for the charismatic actor.

‘I thought he was going to be one of those old guys telling stories with a big cigar,’ she said.

Uma Thurman’s promising future was sadly cut short on July 3, 2025, when she passed away from a heart attack at the age of 67. She had battled alcoholism for many years.

The loss came after years of profound family tragedy.

In January 2022, Michael’s 26-year-old son, Hudson Madsen, tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hudson was an Army sergeant and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

After her nephew passed away, Virginia was motivated to create the film Sheepdog, which focuses on the difficulties veterans experience when they return home from service.

Virginia, 64, explained she created the film as a tribute to her nephew, saying he was constantly in her thoughts.

She said it was heartbreaking that he couldn’t have been home to receive care. The loss was incredibly painful for his mother, Deanna Madsen, Michael, his brothers, and everyone affected, especially considering how final it was.

By that point, she said, communicating with Michael had become increasingly difficult. 

I couldn’t talk to my brother about what was happening. He’d completely withdrawn. Communicating with Michael became incredibly difficult in his final years because he wasn’t really connecting with anyone. Addiction does that – it isolates people who are struggling from the people they care about.

She explained that he repeatedly pushed himself until he became increasingly distant. It’s heartbreaking, she added, because you experience their loss while they are still alive.

As painful as his death was, Virginia says there was also a quiet truth that brought some comfort.

She said his death wasn’t unexpected, and the only comfort was knowing he wasn’t suffering anymore. It happened peacefully, not in a hospital or due to an accident.

Their mother, now 94, felt that peace as well.

‘She felt a really strong sense that he was at peace,’ Virginia shared.

Since then, Virginia has been comforted by spending time with Michael’s children. They visited her and her husband, Nick Holmes, at their home over the holidays.

She recalls that the storytelling shifted beyond just funny anecdotes about her brother Michael, and began to include heartwarming memories like their family trip to Hawaii. These stories, about their childhoods, brought everyone closer together, creating a strong sense of family connection.

She fondly remembers her brother’s love for Christmas. Despite being known for a dramatic and somewhat gloomy personality, he was hilariously fun when playing Santa Claus.

Virginia recognized that no one could ever take her father’s place, but she shared that the family was finding solace in remembering and honoring him together. She explained, ‘We can simply be as close and supportive as possible.’

Amid her grief, she stressed that she sees Michael’s legacy living on through his sons. 

She explained that his sons carry on his best qualities. They share his appreciation for simple things, like watching the sunset, and through them, a part of him will always remain.

After Michael passed away, his representatives stated he was discovered not responding at his home in Malibu. Emergency services were called and arrived early that morning.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, with his manager later stating the cause was cardiac arrest. 

His lawyer also confirmed the actor had been battling alcohol addiction prior to his death.

I’ve been so excited to hear that Michael’s been pouring himself into some really interesting projects! His team told DailyMail.com he’s been working on a bunch of independent films and is even releasing a new book soon – it’s called ‘Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems,’ and I can’t wait to read it. It sounds like he’s really rediscovering his creative side.

According to a statement, Michael Madsen was a beloved and unforgettable Hollywood actor who will be deeply missed.

Michael is well-known for working often with director Quentin Tarantino, and he’s been in films like The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Donnie Brasco.

He is survived by his five children, his estranged wife DeAnna and sister.

Following his death, Virginia paid tribute to her brother in a statement to Variety.

My brother, Michael, is gone. He was a captivating mix of power and gentleness, playful yet kind. He seemed like a rebel, but at heart, he was a poet. I’ll cherish the memories of our private jokes, his unexpected laughter, and just the way he was. I’m going to miss my older brother so much.

I truly believe that if you or anyone you care about is going through a difficult time, there’s support available whenever you need it. I’ve learned about 988 – you can call or text that number, or even chat online at 988lifeline.org, and they’re there 24/7 to help. It’s a resource I feel good about sharing, because no one should struggle alone.

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2026-01-15 20:09