Medical Examiner Rules Peter Greene's Death Accidental, But Mysterious Note Persists
The official cause of death for acclaimed actor Peter Greene, best known for his villainous roles in Pulp Fiction and The Mask, has been determined as an accidental gunshot wound, according to a recent report from the New York Chief Medical Examiner's office. However, this conclusion has only deepened the mystery surrounding his tragic passing, with a handwritten note discovered at the scene raising more questions than answers.
Details of the Incident and Official Findings
Greene, aged 60, was found deceased in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on December 12 at approximately 3:25 PM local time. He was discovered face down on the floor, with a handwritten note nearby. The medical examiner's report, as cited by People magazine, states that Greene died from a gunshot wound to the left axilla, which injured the brachial artery, and the manner of death has been officially classified as an accident.
A neighbor described the scene as having blood everywhere and noted that Greene had sustained a facial injury. Despite the official ruling, the circumstances remain puzzling, particularly due to the presence of the note.
The Cryptic Handwritten Note and Its Implications
The handwritten note, found at the scene, read I'm still a Westie, according to the New York Daily News. This phrase references an Irish-American gang that operated out of New York's Hell's Kitchen during the 1970s. The note's meaning and connection to Greene's death are unclear, adding a layer of intrigue to the case. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the note's context or how it relates to the accidental shooting.
Peter Greene's Life and Career
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1965, Greene had a tumultuous early life. He ran away from home at age 15 and experienced homelessness for several years before pursuing acting in his mid-20s. In an interview with Premiere magazine, Greene revealed that during his time living rough, he struggled with substance abuse and engaged in drug dealing.
His breakthrough came in the mid-1990s when he was cast in iconic villainous roles in blockbuster films such as Pulp Fiction (1994), The Mask (1994), and The Usual Suspects (1995). Greene quickly became recognized for his ability to portray compelling antagonists, earning praise from fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes from Friends and Fans
Greene's manager of over a decade, Gregg Edwards, described him as a terrific man and truly one of the great actors of our generation. Edwards emphasized that Greene had a heart as big as there was and was a great friend who would be deeply missed. He also revealed that Greene was preparing for a role in an upcoming movie, Mascots, alongside Mickey Rourke.
Edwards told NBC News that nobody played a bad guy better than Peter, but he also highlighted Greene's gentle side and golden heart, which many people never saw. Fans echoed these sentiments on social media, with one noting that any time Peter Greene popped up, you just knew he was gonna play the scuzziest villain, while another expressed sadness, calling him one of the finest and handsome villains I have admired.
The accidental ruling may provide some closure, but the enigmatic note and Greene's complex past ensure that his death remains a topic of discussion and reflection within the entertainment community and beyond.
