New details have emerged about the death of character actor Peter Greene, shedding light on how the performer died after being discovered in his Manhattan apartment in December.
According to Fox News, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner determined that the 60-year-old died from an accidental gunshot wound, according to reports released Wednesday.
Officials said Greene suffered a “gunshot wound of left axilla with injury of brachial artery,” referring to his left armpit area.
The brachial artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the upper arm, elbow, forearm and hand.
The manner of death was ruled accidental.
Greene’s manager, Gregg Edwards, confirmed the actor’s death shortly after he was found.
According to earlier reports, neighbors heard Christmas music playing continuously from Greene’s apartment beginning Dec. 10. When the music did not stop, a wellness check was conducted on Dec. 12, when he was discovered.
“He was just a terrific guy,” Edwards told The Associated Press. “Arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet; Has worked with everybody.”
He added, “We’ve been friends for over a decade. Just the nicest man.”
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene built a reputation for intense, memorable roles early in his career, including leading parts in “Laws of Gravity” (1992) and “Clean, Shaven” (1993), according to IMDb.
He became widely recognized in 1994 for playing the villain Zed in “Pulp Fiction,” appearing opposite Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames. That same year, he portrayed another antagonist in “The Mask” alongside Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz.
Greene went on to compile nearly 100 acting credits, with appearances in “The Usual Suspects,” “Blue Streak” and “Training Day.”
At the time of his death, Edwards said Greene had been working on a documentary titled “From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID,” which he was producing and narrating with Jason Alexander and Kathleen Turner.
The medical examiner’s findings bring closure to questions surrounding the circumstances of his death while highlighting the career of a prolific actor known for his distinctive screen presence.
