peter greene's cause of death ruled accidental after gunshot wound, medical examiner says
The New York City Chief Medical Examiner has determined that actor Peter Greene died from an accidental gunshot wound to his left armpit that damaged the brachial artery. The 60-year-old character actor was found in his Manhattan apartment on Dec. 12, 2025 (ET).
Medical examiner's findings
The medical examiner listed the cause of death as "gunshot wound of left axilla with injury of brachial artery" and classified the manner of death as accidental. The brachial artery is the major blood vessel that supplies the upper arm, elbow, forearm and hand; injury to it can lead to rapid and severe blood loss.
Officials say the body was discovered after a welfare check was conducted on Dec. 12, 2025 (ET). Neighbors had told building staff they heard Christmas music playing from Greene's apartment beginning on Dec. 10, and the music did not stop, prompting concern that led to the check two days later.
Career highlights and final projects
Greene built a reputation as a formidable character actor, often portraying menacing or volatile figures. He is best known for playing the brutal security guard Zed in a landmark 1994 ensemble crime film and for taking on the role of Dorian opposite Jim Carrey in a 1994 comic-action hit. His early leading work included performances in independent dramas in the early 1990s, and his resume later encompassed supporting turns in a range of mainstream and art-house projects.
At the time of his death, Greene was involved with two projects, including a documentary examining the federal government's withdrawal of funding from an international aid agency. Colleagues and collaborators had described him as dedicated to his craft and engaged with a variety of projects across film and television.
Reactions and legacy
Gregg Edwards, who managed Greene for more than a decade, remembered him as "just a terrific guy" and called him "arguably one of the greatest character actors on the planet. " Edwards added that Greene was personable and widely liked by those who worked with him: "We’ve been friends for over a decade. Just the nicest man. "
Greene's career was defined by intense, often unsettling portrayals that left a lasting impression on audiences and fellow actors. He moved between gritty independent work and high-profile studio films, leaving a trail of memorable performances that casting directors and filmmakers continued to seek out.
With the medical examiner's ruling now public, the circumstances of Greene's death have been clarified, bringing a measure of closure to family, friends and fans. He is remembered for a body of work that made a distinctive mark on 1990s cinema and beyond, and for a professional reputation rooted in reliability and intensity on screen.
