‘Pulp Fiction’ Actor Peter Greene Died From Accidental Gunshot Wound

Veteran character actor Peter Greene, best known for his chilling portrayal of the sadistic pawn shop owner Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 masterpiece Pulp Fiction, died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Wednesday.

The medical examiner ruled Greene’s cause of death as a “gunshot wound of left axilla with injury of brachial artery,” classifying the manner as accidental. The axilla refers to the armpit, and the brachial artery is the major blood vessel supplying the upper arm, elbow, forearm and hand. The injury led to extensive, fatal bleeding.

Greene, 60, was found dead Dec. 12, 2025, inside his Lower East Side apartment in Manhattan following a wellness check prompted by a neighbor who reported music playing continuously overnight. Authorities discovered the scene with no signs of foul play at the time. The actor had been scheduled for surgery that same day to remove a benign tumor near his lung.

The revelation came more than two months after his death, as the medical examiner completed autopsy and toxicology reviews. No additional details about the circumstances—such as how the firearm was handled—have been released publicly.

Greene’s manager, Gregg Edwards, announced the initial news of his passing in December, describing him as a “talented actor” whose work left a lasting impact. Tributes from colleagues and fans highlighted his intense screen presence and versatility in villainous roles.

Born Peter Green on May 10, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, he adopted the professional name Peter Greene to avoid confusion with another actor. He began his career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, appearing in independent films before breaking through with memorable supporting parts.

His role as Zed in Pulp Fiction—the menacing figure who, alongside accomplice Maynard, subjects Butch Coolidge (Bruce Willis) and Marsellus Wallace (Ving Rhames) to horrific ordeals—became one of the film’s most iconic and disturbing sequences. The performance cemented Greene’s reputation for portraying dangerous, unpredictable characters.

That same year, he played the villainous Dorian Tyrell in The Mask opposite Jim Carrey, a role that showcased his ability to blend menace with dark humor. Other notable credits include The Usual Suspects (1995), where he appeared as a key figure in the ensemble crime drama; Cleaner (2007) with Samuel L. Jackson; and television episodes of The Blacklist, Hawaii Five-0 and Law & Order.

Greene’s career spanned more than three decades, with over 80 film and TV credits. He often gravitated toward gritty, independent projects and was praised for his commitment to authentic, intense performances.

Friends and industry insiders described Greene as private yet generous, with a deep passion for acting. He maintained a low public profile in recent years, focusing on select roles and personal health matters.

The accidental nature of his death has prompted renewed discussions about firearm safety, even in private settings. Accidental shootings remain a leading cause of preventable gun-related fatalities in the United States, according to public health data.

No public memorial service details have been announced. Greene is survived by family members, though they have not issued statements following the cause-of-death ruling.

His work continues to resonate with audiences. Pulp Fiction, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, remains a cultural touchstone, and Greene’s Zed is frequently cited in discussions of Tarantino’s most unforgettable antagonists.

Fans have taken to social media to share clips and memories. One post read, “Peter Greene’s Zed still gives me chills—RIP to a true scene-stealer.” Others expressed shock at the tragic circumstances.

As Hollywood mourns another loss from the 1990s era, Greene’s legacy endures through his powerful on-screen moments. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional whose intensity elevated every project.

The medical examiner’s findings close the investigation into his death, providing clarity after months of speculation. Authorities emphasized that the ruling underscores the importance of safe firearm handling.

Peter Greene’s contributions to cinema, particularly in defining memorable villains, ensure his place in film history.