If you just heard the name Michael Madsen, he is an American actor, poet, and photographer. His career has earned him a net worth of $2 million so far. Madsen’s career would have earned him much more but financial crisis befell him to a point that his former landlord sued him for his unpaid rent of $80,000. He even filed for bankruptcy at which point he claimed that he only earned $3,300 as his monthly income and was in debt of over $1 million.
Thankfully, Madsen has managed to recover in his career and finances. He has been involved in several films in his effort to recover and has managed to at least get his finances in order. Read on to understand more about Michael Madsen, including his career and net worth.
Michael Madsen’s Early Life
Madsen’s birth name is Michael Soren Madsen and he was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1957. Madsen is the son Calvin and Elaine. His mother was an author and filmmaker while his father is a World War II Navy veteran who was also a Chicago Fire Department firefighter.
Madesen was brought up alongside two siblings. One of his siblings, Cheryl, is an entrepreneur while the other, Virginia, is an actress who in 2004 earned an Oscar nomination. Still on his childhood, Madsen started his career working at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He then appeared n the production of “Of Mice and Men.”
Michael Madsen’s Career Breakthrough
Madsen started enjoying his career breakthrough from the films that he was part of during the 80s. These films include “The Natural,” “The Killing Time,” “Racing with the Moon,” etc. However, Madsen enjoyed his first major film in 1991 in the “Thelma & Louise” buddy road film appearing as Jimmy.
He also got more spotlight in 1992 appearing in the “Reservoir Dogs” playing as a cruel mobster. He then continued getting more profound roles throughout the decade in other films, including comedy films such as “Fatal Instinct” and action thrillers such as “The Getaway.”
Madsen has also appeared alongside his sister Virgina when they got roles in “The Florentine” film in 1999. In the 2000s, Madsen also got another role in James Bond’s film “Die Another Day.”
Some of his other notable films include “The Alternate,” “Kill Bill: Volume 1,” “My Boss’s Daughter,” “Chasing Ghosts,” “BloodRayne,” “Tooth and Nail,” “The Killing Jar,” etc.
Michael Madsen’s career also extends to television. His first television appearance was in 1993 in the “St. Elsewhere” where he appeared in two episodes. He got other TV roles over the years.
Madsen’s Net Worth
Madsen has had a successful career but financial crisis hit him at some point. He filed for bankruptcy at one point. He also claimed that by that time, his monthly income was $3,000 and his landlord had sued him for having $80,000 in unpaid rent. He also owed $1 million to Quentin Tarantino and $25,000 to Pierce Brosnan.
Despite the financial crisis, Madsen managed to get back to his feet gradually and his net worth as of 2024 is $2 million.