Peter Greene, ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Mask’ Actor, Dies at 60

Peter Greene, a character actor best known for his roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask,” died on December 12, 2025, in New York City. He was 60 years old.

A Career Spanning Decades

Greene’s career spanned nearly 35 years, encompassing almost 100 film and television projects. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film, “Pulp Fiction,” where he played a security guard who assaults Marsellus Wallace. That same year, he appeared as the villainous Dorian Tyrell in “The Mask,” alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz.

Early Life and Struggles

Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene left home at the age of 15 and experienced life on the streets of New York City. He openly discussed his past struggles with drug use, including dealing drugs, before finding success as an actor. He sought treatment for addiction after a suicide attempt in March 1996, as detailed in a 1996 Premier magazine interview.

Other Notable Roles

Beyond his iconic roles in “Pulp Fiction” and “The Mask,” Greene appeared in a diverse range of films and television series, including “The Usual Suspects” (1995), “Training Day” (2001), “For Life,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Justified,” “Life on Mars,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Tesla,” “City of Lies,” “Once Fallen,” and “Permanent Midnight.”

Cause of Death

The New York City medical examiner’s office confirmed that Greene died of an accidental gunshot wound to his left armpit, which damaged the brachial artery. The New York Daily News reported the ruling on February 18, 2026.

Final Projects and Legacy

At the time of his death, Greene was preparing to begin production on an independent thriller titled “Mascots,” alongside Mickey Rourke. His manager, Gregg Edward, described Greene as a perfectionist deeply committed to his craft and “one of the most brilliant character actors” in the industry. Edward also noted Greene’s gentle side and generous heart. Greene will also appear posthumously in the upcoming drama “Clika.”

A Reputation for Intensity

Edward acknowledged that Greene had a reputation for being challenging to operate with, attributing it to his dedication to achieving perfection and his penchant for improvisation.