Actor Peter Greene's Death Officially Ruled Accidental
The New York Chief Medical Examiner's office has officially determined that actor Peter Greene's death resulted from an accidental gunshot wound to his upper arm. This ruling comes after initial speculation surrounding the circumstances of his passing.
Medical Examiner's Findings
On Wednesday, authorities confirmed that Greene sustained a gunshot wound to the left axilla with injury to the brachial artery. The medical examiner classified the death as accidental, providing clarity to what had been a subject of public conjecture. The 60-year-old actor was discovered deceased in his New York City apartment on December 12, 2025.
Background and Final Days
Greene was scheduled to undergo surgery to remove a benign tumor near his lung on the same day he was found. His longtime manager, Gregg Edwards, reported speaking with the actor just two days prior to his death. Edwards noted that Greene expressed nervousness about the upcoming medical procedure but otherwise seemed in reasonable spirits during their conversation.
"We were good friends. I love the guy," Edwards told reporters. "He was talking about the operation and hoping that I was going to be OK and wishing me well as I was wishing him well. We were friends for over a decade."
Neighbor Intervention and Character
In the days leading up to the incident, neighbors reported hearing Christmas music playing continuously from Greene's apartment. Concerned by this unusual pattern, they requested a wellness check. A locksmith subsequently discovered Greene's body inside the residence.
Those who lived near the actor described him as an exceptionally kind individual who frequently assisted others. "He was such a nice guy and was so helpful," neighbor Mary Patierno recalled. "I read some reports this morning, and they said he was a difficult guy to work with—I didn't find him difficult. That was not my perception of him."
Career and Personal Journey
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene experienced a challenging youth, running away from home at fifteen and living on the streets of New York City. During this period, he struggled with substance abuse and drug dealing before ultimately transforming his life through acting.
His professional breakthrough came with his film debut in 1992's Laws of Gravity. Greene became particularly recognized for portraying villainous characters in several prominent 1990s films, including:
- Clean Shaven (1993)
- The Mask (1994)
- Pulp Fiction (1994) as Zed
- The Usual Suspects (1995)
- Blue Streak (1999)
- Training Day (2001)
Throughout his career, Greene accumulated ninety-five acting credits across film and television. At the time of his death, he remained professionally active, having recently committed to multiple projects including serving as co-producer and narrator for the documentary From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID.
Historical Context and Speculation
Following Greene's death, many observers initially speculated about possible suicide, given the actor's documented struggles with addiction and a previous suicide attempt in March 1996. The medical examiner's accidental ruling provides an official conclusion to these theories, though questions about the precise circumstances of the firearm incident remain unanswered.
The entertainment community and Greene's neighbors remember him as a complex individual who overcame significant personal challenges to build a substantial acting career while maintaining genuine connections with those around him.
