Actor Peter Greene, best known for his roles in “The Mask” and “Pulp Fiction,” was found dead inside his Lower East Side apartment Friday afternoon, his longtime manager confirmed to The Post.
Greene, who established himself as an onscreen villain during the 1990s, was 60 years old.
He was found unresponsive inside his Clinton Street apartment around 3:25 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police and Gregg Edwards, his manager of more than 10 years.
Peter Greene in a scene from “The Mask.” New Line Cinema
Cops said no foul play was suspected, but that a cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
“He was a terrific guy,” Edwards said Friday night.
“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.”
The devastated rep said Greene, who also appeared in the “Usual Suspects,” was about to begin production in January with Mickey Rourke on an independent thriller called “Mascots.”
Edwards, who’s based in California, notified the film’s writer-director, Kerry Mondragón, of the actor’s death and said he broke down in tears.
“They were very upset,” the manager added.
Peter Greene portrays Zed in a scene from “Pulp Fiction.” Miramax
Greene was found unresponsive inside his Clinton Street apartment around 3:25 p.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene. GoogleMaps
Edwards noted that while his client had a reputation of being difficult to work with, he was a perfectionist who gave every job his all and wanted his performance to be just “right.”
“He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” Edwards said, adding that his performance as ruthless mobster Dorian Tyrell opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in “The Mask” was “arguably his best role.”
“He fought his demons but overcame them.”
Greene, who hailed from Montclair, New Jersey, ran away from home at 15 and lived on the streets of the Big Apple, where he turned to drug use and eventually dealing, he told Premier magazine in 1996.
Peter Greene on the set of “Lowball” at Arturo’s Coal Oven Restaurant and Pizzeria in New York City on June 10, 1994. Getty Images
Peter Greene and Edie Falco on set of “Laws of Gravity” in September 1991. Getty Images
After attempting suicide in March 1996, he sought treatment for his addictions, according to the profile.
The blue-eyed actor appeared in some of Hollywood’s most beloved classics, including as Zed, the sadistic security guard and serial killer in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 hit “Pulp Fiction.”
With about 95 credits to his name, Greene also starred in “Laws of Gravity,” “Clean, Shaven,” “Blue Streak,” and “Training Day.”
