Left: Peter Greene is seen on the set of “Lowball” at Arturo’s Coal Oven Restaurant & Pizzeria on West Houston Street on June 10, 1994 in New York City. Right: Peter Greene attends the premiere of “The Bounty Hunter” at the Ziegfeld Theatre on March 16, 2010 in New York, New York City.

...

Jordan King

By Jordan King

Reporter

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.


Actor Peter Greene was found dead in his New York apartment at the age of 60 on Friday, his manager Gregg Edwards told the New York Post.

Greene, best known for his roles in the 1990s films "The Mask" and "Pulp Fiction," was pronounced dead at the scene after he was discovered in the Lower East Side apartment at around 3:25 p.m.

The NYPD told The Post that no foul play is suspected, and the cause of death is yet to be determined by a medical examiner.

Read More on News

Newsweek has contacted the NYPD, via email outside of normal working hours, for comment.

Why It Matters

Peter Greene's death marks the loss of a notable figure in American film and television, whose performances have remained influential in pop culture. Greene was widely regarded for his roles in major films that shaped the cinematic landscape of the 1990s. His life story, which was marked by personal struggles, resonates with fans and industry peers alike.

What To Know

Greene was from Montclair, New Jersey, ran away from home at the age of 15, to New York City, where he became wrapped up in drug use and dealing, he told Premier magazine in a 1996 interview, according to his tvinsider’s profile on him.

He said he only just escaped from dealers who tried to kill him and would sometimes hide out in theatres.

Greene would often play villains or complicated actors once he moved into acting, including in "Laws of Gravity," "Clean, Shaven," "Judgment Night" and "The Rich Man's Wife." He sought treatment for his drug use after he attempted suicide in 1996.

The actor was set to start production on an independent thriller called "Mascots" in January, Edwards said.

What People Are Saying

Manager Gregg Edwards said: "He worked with so many amazing actors and directors…He fought his demons but overcame them."

Filmmaker Cody Clarke said in a post on X: "RIP Peter Greene, a wonderful actor who among other things starred in one of the most important low-budget independent films ever made, LAWS OF GRAVITY. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and do so. It inspired many of your favorite filmmakers to make their own movie."

View this post on X

Writer Eric Pellinen said in a post on X: "Rest in Peace Peter Greene. One of Hollywood’s most memorable actors."

View this post on X

What Happens Next

As the film community mourns Greene’s passing, the official cause of his death remains to be determined by the medical examiner.

"Truly one of the great actors of our generation," Edward said. "His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend."

Left: Peter Greene is seen on the set of "Lowball" at Arturo's Coal Oven Restaurant & Pizzeria on West Houston Street on June 10, 1994 in New York City. Right: Peter Greene attends the premiere of "The Bounty Hunter" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on March 16, 2010 in New York, New York City.

...

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines