Greene was found dead on Friday in his New York City home, his manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed.
Authorities have not yet released a cause of death.
He first gained attention in the early 1990s with gritty independent films like Laws of Gravity (1992) and Clean, Shaven (1993).
But it was in 1994 that Greene cemented his place in film history.
That year, he portrayed Zed, the sadistic security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction — a role that became one of the most notorious villain performances of the decade.
In the same year, he also played Dorian Tyrell, the menacing antagonist opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask.
Beyond those signature roles, Greene appeared in a wide range of films and television shows over the years, including The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, Judgment Night, and series roles in The Black Donnellys and Life on Mars.
His work was often marked by a powerful screen presence and a willingness to dive into morally complex characters.
A Complex Career and Personal Journey
Greene’s path to Hollywood wasn’t typical. He ran away from home as a teenager and lived on the streets before discovering acting in his 20s.
Despite struggles with substance abuse earlier in his life, Greene built a body of work that showcased his range and earned him a reputation as one of the most compelling character actors of his generation.
In recent years, he continued acting, with credits that included roles in television and film up through 2025.
At the time of his death, Greene was reportedly attached to upcoming projects, including a documentary exploring the withdrawal of U.S. government funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Tributes and Legacy
Greene’s manager described him as “a terrific guy” and “arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet.”
Friends and colleagues are remembering him not only for his intense performances on screen but also for his generous spirit off camera.
Fans around the world will remember Greene’s chilling presence — whether as the unsettling Zed in Pulp Fiction or as the calculating villain in The Mask — roles that helped define 1990s cinema and solidified his place in pop culture history.
