Peter Greene, an actor recognized for his role as Zed in the film “Pulp Fiction,” passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60. The New York Chief Medical Examiner’s office has determined the cause of death to be an accidental gunshot wound. The injury involved a gunshot to the left axilla, or armpit, which caused damage to the brachial artery, resulting in significant bleeding. The artery is crucial as it supplies blood to the arm, elbow, forearm, and hand.
Greene was discovered deceased in his apartment located in New York City’s Lower East Side. The well-being check was initiated after a neighbor notified the police and landlord due to continuous music playing in Greene’s apartment for several days.
In Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 crime film “Pulp Fiction,” Greene portrayed Zed, one of three security guards involved in a violent scene with the character Marsellus Wallace, played by Ving Rhames. The trio, including characters played by Duane Whitaker and Stephen Hibbert, were described as “psycho hillbillies,” a nod to the 1972 film “Deliverance.”
That same year, Greene appeared as the antagonist Dorian Tyrell in “The Mask,” starring opposite Jim Carrey. His character sought to overthrow his boss using the powerful Mask of Loki, which changed his physical appearance and voice.
Throughout his career, Greene acted in nearly 100 film and television productions, including notable TV series such as “For Life,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Justified,” and “The Black Donnellys.” His film work also comprised titles like “Tesla,” “City of Lies,” “Once Fallen,” and “Permanent Midnight.”
A posthumous role featuring Greene is set to appear in the upcoming drama “Clika.”
Peter Greene’s death has been officially ruled accidental following the medical examiner’s assessment. No further details regarding the circumstances of the gunshot have been released.