EntertainmentcelebritiesCelebrity News
Peter Greene, Actor Who Brought Memorable Menace to 'Pulp Fiction' and 'The Mask,' Dies at 60
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 counterpointâa 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 presenceâpiercing eyes and a mercurial energy that could flip from charming to threateningâlent 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.
#Peter Greene
#Pulp Fiction
#The Mask
#actor death
#obituary
#featured
Stay Informed. Act Smarter.
Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights â then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.