EntertainmentMichael Madsen’s Understated Charisma Made Him the Perfect Father Figure in This 32-Year-Old Adventure Cult Classic

The recently departedMichael Madsen had an impressive career as various brooding ne’er-do-wells, most notably in his work with director Quentin Tarantino. His turns as Mr. Blonde in Tarantino’s directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, and as Budd in Kill Bill: Volume 2 are career-defining performances. From casino moguls to assassins to mob caporegimes, Madsen’s range has always been broad, and it wasn’t limited to adult fare. In 1993’s Free Willy, Madsen truly shone, becoming an instant icon to many ’90s kids before they were old enough for the blood-soaked action that defines his legacy.