Cause of Death for ‘Pulp Fiction’ Star Peter Greene Disclosed

Peter Greene’s untimely passing has been officially attributed to an accidental gunshot wound, according to recent findings. The 60-year-old was discovered lifeless in his New York City apartment two months ago, and authorities have now shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death.

The tragic incident occurred on December 12 in Greene’s residence on the Lower East Side. When authorities arrived, they found him with visible injuries. This week, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s office provided clarity, confirming that Greene’s death was caused by a gunshot wound to the left axilla, which subsequently damaged the brachial artery.

Interestingly, despite the nature of the injury, the case has been officially classified as an accident. This determination may puzzle some, given the severity and location of the wound.

The brachial artery, a crucial vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood to the upper arm, runs from just below the shoulder to the elbow, extending as a continuation of the axillary artery. The injury to this artery highlights the seriousness of the wound that led to Greene’s unexpected demise.

The brachial artery is where the gunshot wound as it is a major vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the upper arm starting below the shoulder and extends down the the elbow as a continuation of the axillary artery 

A rupture of the axillary artery is a life-threatening medical emergency that can cause death within minutes to a few hours if not treated immediately. 

The cause of death of Peter Greene (pictured in May 2006) has been revealed to be an ‘accident’ two months after he was found dead in his New York City apartment

Meanwhile, back in December, law enforcement sources told TMZ that Greene had ‘some injuries but it’s undetermined what caused the injuries.’

Authorities said at the time that the medical examiner was still working to determine the cause and manner of death, and it remains unclear whether Greene died as a result of homicide, suicide, drugs, or another cause.

Sources also told the outlet that police were contacted after neighbors reported loud music coming from inside Greene’s apartment for several days.

Officers then conducted a welfare check, used a locksmith to enter the unit, and one neighbor claimed Greene was found face down on the floor, with a handwritten note also discovered inside the apartment. 

The neighbor told the New York Daily News: ‘Peter was lying on the floor, facedown, facial injury, blood everywhere…’

The note reportedly said ‘I’m still a Westie,’ which appears to be a reference to the Irish-American gang who had operated out of Hell’s Kitchen from 1970.

Gregg Edwards, who was Greene’s manager for over 10 years, told the publication that Greene — who was known for playing iconic villains — ‘was a terrific guy’. 

‘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.’ 

New York’s Chief Medical Examiner office said on Wednesday that Green died of a ‘gunshot wound of left axilla with injury of brachial artery’ 

Meanwhile, back in December, law enforcement sources told TMZ that Greene had ‘some injuries but it’s undetermined what caused the injuries’ 

Sources also told the outlet that police were contacted after neighbors reported loud music coming from inside Greene’s apartment for several days; Seen in a still from Pulp Fiction

He added that he had spoken with Greene earlier that week. 

Edwards acknowledged that while Greene was sometimes seen as difficult to work with, he was a perfectionist who wanted each performance to feel ‘right’.

Edwards added that Greene’s performance as mobster Dorian Tyrell alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in ‘The Mask’ was ‘arguably his best role’.

‘He fought his demons but overcame them’ he added.

Greene also portrayed Zed, a sadistic security guard and serial killer, in Tarantino’s iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction. 

‘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 told New York Daily News. 

Peter, who also appeared in The Usual Suspects, was set to begin production in January alongside Mickey Rourke on an independent thriller titled Mascots.

Gregg said that when he informed the film’s writer-director, Kerry Mondragón, of the actor’s death he broke down in tears.

‘They were very upset,’ he shared.

Greene was also set to star in State of Confusion, a crime-drama written and directed by E.B. Hughes.

His agent Gregg Edwards said that his performance as mobster Dorian Tyrell alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in The Mask (1994) was ‘arguably his best role’; Greene seen in a still

Filming was scheduled for late fall 2026 in Cape May, New Jersey, and parts of New York. 

Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Peter ran away at 15 and lived on the streets of New York City.

He later turned to drug use and eventually dealing, he told Premiere magazine in 1996.

He didn’t begin acting until his mid 20s, and landed several film and television roles in the early 1990s.

After a suicide attempt in March 1996, he sought treatment for his addictions, according to the profile.

In 2007, Peter was arrested for possessing crack cocaine according to the New York Daily News.

With close to 95 acting credits, Greene’s roles also included Laws of Gravity (1992), Clean, Shaven (1993), Blue Streak (1999), and Training Day (2001).

He is survived by a sister and a brother.