Peter Greene: The world of cinema recently dimmed a little with the passing of Peter Greene, an American actor whose powerful and often chilling portrayals of villains left an indelible mark on 1990s filmmaking.
Known primarily for his defining roles in two major 1994 blockbusters, Peter Greene carved out a successful niche as a character actor who brought a compelling intensity and gritty realism to every part he played.
His unexpected death at the age of 60 has brought a wave of reflection on his unique contribution to Hollywood.
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Actor Peter Greene
Born Peter Green on October 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, the actor later changed the spelling of his last name to Greene.
His path to acting was unconventional; he did not pursue a career in the field until his mid-20s.
Having reportedly run away from home as a teenager and experienced life on the streets of New York City.
These difficult early experiences are often cited as fueling the raw, edgy quality he brought to his on-screen personas.
Greene’s career breakthrough came in the mid-1990s, where his distinctive look and intense gaze made him the perfect fit for dark, villainous roles.
He became a recognizable face almost overnight due to his parts in two highly successful films released in the same year, solidifying his reputation as a master of cinematic menace.
The work of Peter Greene during this period cemented his legacy.
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Peter Greene Movies and Pulp Fiction
Peter Greene’s filmography is diverse, spanning over 60 movie and television credits, but his most iconic performances are arguably concentrated in the 1990s.
His memorable roles were typically antagonist-heavy and often featured him stealing scenes from A-list stars.
The talent of Peter Greene was undeniable.
Peter Greene: The year 1994 proved to be his breakout year, featuring his most recognizable work. First, in the Jim Carrey comedy The Mask.
He played the primary villain,Dorian Tyrell, a ruthless gang leader who attempts to steal the mystical mask for his own sinister purposes.
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His performance provided a dark contrast to Carrey’s cartoonish antics and was instrumental in establishing the film’s conflict.
However, it was his shocking and unforgettable role in Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, Pulp Fiction, that truly etched Peter Greene into film history.
As the sadistic security guard Zed, Peter Greene was involved in one of the film’s most disturbing and talked-about sequences.
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Though his screen time was relatively brief, his character’s profound impact on the story and the audience’s psyche made him one of the most instantly recognizable faces from the movie.
Following these successes, Peter Greene continued to secure roles in other critically acclaimed films, demonstrating his versatility even within the villainous archetype.
He played the mysterious fence “Redfoot” in the neo-noir crime thriller The Usual Suspects (1995) and the disturbed schizophrenic Peter Winter in the independent film Clean.
Shaven (1994), for which he received critical praise. Later in his career, he appeared in films like Blue Streak (1999) and Training Day (2001), where he continued his trend of playing complex, often corrupt, characters.
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Peter Greene Cause of Death
The entertainment community mourned the loss of the actor following the news of his passing. Peter Greene died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 60.
He was reportedly found unresponsive in his Lower East Side apartment in Manhattan.
New York City, after a neighbor reported hearing Christmas music playing from the residence for an extended period.
As of the current time, an official cause of death for actor Peter Greene has not been publicly disclosed.
His manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the passing and stated that police did not suspect foul play. The official determination is pending the medical examiner’s report.
Peter Greene’s passing elicited a public outpouring of grief and appreciation for his talent, with his manager describing him as “truly one of the great actors of our generation.”
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Peter Greene Net Worth
Given that Peter Greene maintained a career primarily as a character actor, details about his finances were not always transparent in the public domain.
Due to his consistent work in both film and television over several decades, it is generally believed that he achieved a modest level of financial success in Hollywood.
However, when searching for Peter Greene net worth, it is crucial to exercise caution with reported figures.
Many online sources referencing his net worth can be contradictory or may confuse the actor Peter Greene with other individuals of the same or similar name.
While various celebrity financial websites have made different estimations, a definitive and verifiable net worth for the actor remains difficult to pinpoint.
His value to the industry, however, was measured in the memorable, captivating performances he left behind.
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Conclusion
The death of Peter Greene marks the loss of a truly compelling cinematic presence.
From the chilling villainy of Zed in Pulp Fiction to the intense fragility of Peter Winter in Clean, Shaven.
He possessed a rare ability to infuse his characters, no matter how brief their appearance, with a memorable sense of danger and depth.
He was a quintessential character actor whose unique look and raw intensity defined the darker side of 1990s cinema.
While the official determination of Peter Greene’s cause of death is pending, his artistic legacy is secure in the roles he played.
He will be remembered by fans and critics alike as an essential, if often unsettling, piece of Hollywood’s rich tapestry.
