Medical Examiner Confirms Accidental Gunshot Wound
Peter Greene, the character actor best known for his iconic role as the villain Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film “Pulp Fiction,” died from an accidental gunshot wound to the left armpit in his New York City apartment last December, according to the city’s medical examiner. Greene was 60 years old.
The gunshot damaged Greene’s brachial artery, which supplies blood to the arm, resulting in his death. The medical examiner ruled the incident an accident.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
Greene, born in Montclair, New Jersey, established himself as a skilled character actor with memorable roles in films and television. In “Pulp Fiction,” he played the unforgettable antagonist brought in to torture characters played by Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames—a performance that became one of his most recognizable moments on screen.
Beyond his role in Tarantino’s masterpiece, Greene landed leading roles in “Laws of Gravity” (1992) and “Clean, Shaven” (1993). He also appeared in “The Mask” alongside Jim Carrey, adding versatility to a career built on complex, often villainous characters.
Ongoing Projects and Legacy
At the time of his death, Greene was working on two projects, including a documentary examining the federal government’s withdrawal of funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development. His work showcased his range beyond acting into documentary filmmaking and social commentary.
Greene’s legacy remains defined by his powerful performances and the indelible mark he left on cinema, particularly through his standout role in one of the most celebrated films of the 1990s.
