Peter Greene, the character actor best known for playing Zed in Pulp Fiction and the mob boss Dorian Tyrell in The Mask, has died at age 60.
His manager confirmed Greene was found dead in his New York apartment; authorities say the cause of death has not yet been released.
This article explains the verified facts, summarizes Greene’s career and signature roles, addresses reporting about his personal struggles, and lists what to watch for next in the official record.
Quick facts you can rely on right now
Peter Greene (born October 8, 1965) was found deceased in his Lower East Side apartment on December 12, 2025.
His manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the death; police say no foul play is suspected while the medical examiner determines an official cause.
Multiple major outlets reporting the death describe Greene as 60 years old and note that the cause of death is pending the coroner’s findings.
We will update this report when the medical examiner releases a definitive cause or the family issues a statement.
From Montclair to memorable villains — a short biography
Greene grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, and arrived in film in the early 1990s after working in New York theatre.
Early breakthrough parts came in gritty indie features like Laws of Gravity (1992) and the intense Clean, Shaven (1993).
Directors noticed his capacity to play volatile, intimidating characters and cast him in a string of high-profile supporting roles through the 1990s.
That casting arc defined a long career as a memorable character actor rather than a traditional leading man.
The two signature 1994 roles that defined him
1994 was a watershed year: Greene played Dorian Tyrell, the charismatic villain opposite Jim Carrey in The Mask.
The same year he appeared as Zed, the menacing security guard in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, a role that lodged the actor permanently in popular-culture memory.
Those performances displayed two sides of the same gift — physical menace, a memorable voice and a capacity to make brief scenes feel indelible.
Fans still cite lines and moments from both films when discussing Greene’s on-screen presence.
Career highlights beyond the two classics
Greene’s resume includes The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, Under Siege 2 and television appearances across decades.
He continued to work steadily into the 2000s and 2010s, with credits on series and occasional film roles that reinforced his reputation as a dependable character actor.
In recent years he made guest appearances and was linked to a few smaller projects and a documentary that were in various stages of development.
Industry colleagues praised his commitment to difficult parts and his willingness to take unsettling, complex roles.
What reporting says about the circumstances of his death
News outlets report Greene was discovered at home in Manhattan after neighbours raised an alarm; emergency services pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Authorities told reporters there were no immediate signs of foul play, but a formal medical-examiner ruling is required to determine cause and manner of death.
Until the coroner’s report is released, public statements about an exact cause are premature; reputable outlets are accordingly cautious in their wording.
We will not speculate on medical causes; readers should expect an official finding in the coming days or weeks.
Reporting on Greene’s past struggles — the context
Greene’s life and career included publicly reported struggles with substance abuse in the 1990s and legal troubles that were documented in multiple profiles.
Those difficulties and later efforts at recovery are part of his story, and several obituaries note both the struggles and the acting work that followed.
When covering such history it’s important to balance truth-telling and respect for privacy; addiction and recovery are medical and social matters, not moral summaries.
Greene’s contributions to film and the nuance of his life deserve the same measured reporting applied to the circumstances of his death.
Reactions from colleagues, fans and social media
Tributes and remembrances began circulating within hours, with colleagues praising Greene’s ferocious work ethic and emotional generosity.
Social platforms quickly filled with clips of his best scenes, and fans recalled how he made small, often difficult roles linger in the public imagination.
Industry figures emphasised both his on-screen intensity and his off-screen warmth; managers and collaborators described him as a perfectionist who loved the craft.
We will update this section as formal tributes or statements from family, directors or unions are released.
Net worth and estate — what the reports show (and don’t)
Public estimates of Greene’s net worth vary and are unverified; many outlets cite modest figures reflecting a long career of supporting roles rather than blockbuster paydays.
Because private financial records are not public, such estimates should be treated as approximations until estate filings or family disclosures provide clarity.
Our approach: note that he worked consistently and maintained a decades-long career, but avoid presenting a single, uncertain net-worth number as fact.
Frequently asked questions (short answers)
Q: Has the cause of death been announced?
A: Not yet — the medical examiner must complete an investigation and issue a report.
Q: Was Peter Greene the same actor who played the villain in The Mask?
A: Yes; he played Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey in the 1994 film.
Q: How old was he?
A: He was 60 at the time of his death.
Which Peter Greene performance is your most unforgettable?
Final note — a life observed honestly
Peter Greene’s death ends a career built on memorable intensity and complex performances, not headline stardom.
He leaves roles that remain part of film history, and a community of artists and fans who will keep discussing his work for years to come.
Disclaimer: This article summarises verified reporting as of the update time.
We will update with the medical examiner’s findings and official family statements when they are released; this is not a medical or legal record.