Michael Madsen's sister Virginia pays emotional tribute after actor's death

Virginia Madsen has honoured her brother Michael Madsen with a heartfelt tribute after his sudden death. The renowned actor, aged 67, was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3.

His actress sister Virginia, 63, reminisced about him in an emotional statement. In her touching tribute to Variety, she expressed: "My brother Michael has left the stage.

"He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son, a brother - etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark.

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"We're not mourning a public figure. We're not mourning a myth - but flesh and blood and ferocious heart. Who stormed through life loud, brilliant, and half on fire. Who leaves us echoes - gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable - half legend, half lullaby.

"I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I'll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we'll share how we plan to celebrate his life - but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can't."

Vivica A. Fox, Michael's Kill Bill co-star, reflected to the New York Post: "I had the pleasure of working with Michael Madsen on Kill Bill several other films! Michael was a talented man with an AMAZING on-screen presence! My deepest condolences and prayers to his family."

Michael was celebrated for leaving behind an enduring impact in the world of entertainment; he is and will continue to be greatly missed.

Harvey Keitel, with whom Madsen shared the screen in 'Reservoir Dogs,' paid a poignant tribute, saying: "We've lost another great American poet. Farewell, my dear friend. I'll never forget one of the best scenes I've ever seen on film - of you and Chris Penn fighting in 'Reservoir Dogs.' A great love scene. Give Chris a hug for me."

Chris Penn tragically passed away in 2006 at the age of 40.

Actor James Woods also shared his own memories of working with Madsen on social media, writing: "Oh man, this is a hard one. Michael and I did The Getaway together. We did Straight Talk together.

"I was always touched by his sweet nature and generosity, the absolute opposite of the 'tough guys' he portrayed so brilliantly. Rest in Peace, dear friend."

Rob Schneider also shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, "Michael Madsen was a dream to work with. A truly gifted actor gentleman who made every person on the set comfortable; generous with his stories with his infectious laughter.

"I only wish we could have done more things together in this crazy business. My love to his kids friends."

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