Disturbing new information has come to light following the death of character actor Peter Greene, best known for his villainous roles in films like Pulp Fiction and The Mask.
Discovery and Initial Findings
Greene was found dead inside his apartment on New York City's Lower East Side in the late afternoon of Tuesday, December 12. Law enforcement sources confirmed to outlet TMZ that the actor had visible injuries on his body, though the exact cause of those injuries remains undetermined.
Authorities stated that the medical examiner's office is still working to establish both the cause and the manner of his death. It is currently unclear whether Greene died as a result of homicide, suicide, drugs, or another cause.
Police were initially contacted after neighbours reported loud music emanating from Greene's flat for several consecutive days. Officers performed a welfare check and, with the help of a locksmith, gained entry to the unit.
Scene Details and a Cryptic Note
One neighbour described the grim scene to the New York Daily News, stating, 'Peter was lying on the floor, facedown, facial injury, blood everywhere…'.
Sources also revealed that a handwritten note was discovered inside the apartment. The note reportedly read, 'I'm still a Westie,' which appears to be a reference to the Irish-American gang that operated out of Hell's Kitchen from the 1970s.
Remembering a 'Terrific Guy' and Talented Actor
Gregg Edwards, who managed Greene for over a decade, paid tribute to the actor, describing him as 'a terrific guy' and 'truly one of the great actors of our generation.'
'His heart was as big as there was. I'm going to miss him. He was a great friend,' Edwards said, adding that they had spoken earlier in the week.
Edwards acknowledged Greene's reputation for being difficult, attributing it to his perfectionism and desire for every performance to feel 'right.' He highlighted Greene's role as mobster Dorian Tyrell alongside Jim Carrey in 'The Mask' as 'arguably his best role.'
'Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter. But he also had, you know, a gentle side that most people never saw, and a heart as big as gold,' Edwards added.
Greene's prolific career included nearly 95 acting credits, with notable parts in Clean, Shaven, The Usual Suspects, Blue Streak, and Training Day. He was set to begin production on an independent thriller titled Mascots with Mickey Rourke in January and had another film, State of Confusion, scheduled for late 2026.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene had a troubled past, involving drug use and dealing, and a suicide attempt in 1996 for which he sought treatment. He is survived by a sister and a brother.
