Peter Greene, Actor Who Brought Memorable Menace to 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Mask,' Dies at 60

4 hours ago7 min read

Character actor Peter Greene, renowned for his chilling portrayals of villains in two defining 1990s films, has died at 60. Greene specialized in a brand of unsettling authenticity that turned supporting roles into iconic moments of cinematic menace.His death marks the loss of a performer who could conjure profound dread with remarkable economy. Greene's breakthrough came in 1994 with two starkly different yet equally formidable antagonists.In Quentin Tarantino's *Pulp Fiction*, he was Zed, the sadistic pawn shop owner whose leering, sweaty brutality provided one of the film's most visceral and harrowing sequences. With minimal dialogue, Greene embodied a primal, almost mythological terror that became shorthand for depravity.That same year, he demonstrated his range as Dorian Tyrell, the coldly corporate gangster in *The Mask*. Opposite Jim Carrey's hyper-elastic hero, Greene offered a grounded, ruthless counterpoint—a man of slick, calculated evil whose calm demeanor was as threatening as any outburst.Beyond these signature roles, Greene's career was a testament to the power of the character actor. His distinctive presence—piercing eyes and a mercurial energy that could flip from charming to threatening—lent instant credibility and tension to films like *The Usual Suspects*, *Training Day*, and countless others.He was a director's secret weapon for crafting a believable, often dangerous world. Greene's passing invites reflection on the essential artisans of film.These actors build the foundation of a story, providing the textured reality that allows protagonists to shine. In an era where nuanced villainy can feel scarce, Greene's legacy endures as a masterclass in compelling antagonism.He achieved memorability not through grand schemes, but through subtle gesture, immersive commitment, and a haunting humanity within the darkness. His work remains a potent reminder of the unforgettable impact a skilled character actor can make.

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