Peter Greene, the acclaimed character actor best known for his memorable performances in Pulp Fiction, The Mask, The Usual Suspects, and Training Day, has died at the age of 60.

Greene was found dead in his Lower East Side apartment in New York City on Friday, Dec. 12, according to a statement from his manager, Gregg Edwards, which was shared with PEOPLE. The news was first reported by the New York Daily News. Edwards later told NBC News that authorities conducted a wellness check after music had been playing inside Greene’s apartment for more than 24 hours. Edwards said he had spoken with the actor earlier that same week.

At this time, Greene’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Representatives for the actor have not yet provided additional comment.

“Nobody played a bad guy better than Peter,” Edwards said in an interview. “But beneath that tough exterior was a gentle soul that most people never got to see. He had a heart of gold and a deep kindness toward those he cared about.”

Born in New Jersey, Greene began his acting career in television, making his first onscreen appearance in 1990 with a guest role on the NBC crime drama Hardball. His film debut followed two years later in Laws of Gravity (1992), where he appeared alongside Edie Falco. The role helped establish him as a powerful screen presence, paving the way for a series of breakout performances throughout the early 1990s.

Greene rose to wider recognition with his intense and often unsettling portrayals of villains and morally complex characters. His most iconic roles included Dorian Tyrell, the ruthless antagonist in The Mask (1994), opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, and Zed, the chilling criminal in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994). He also appeared in The Usual Suspects (1995), Clean, Shaven (1993), Kiss & Tell (1997), Blue Streak (1999), and Training Day (2001), where he shared the screen with Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke.

Throughout his career, Greene earned a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most dependable and compelling character actors. His performances, though often brief, left a lasting impression and added depth and realism to the films he appeared in.

In addition to his film work, Greene maintained a strong presence on television. He had recurring roles on series such as The Black Donnellys, Life on Mars, and Chicago P.D. His more recent appearances included the John Wick prequel series The Continental in 2023 and an episode of the crime drama Dope Thief, scheduled to air in 2025.

Edwards paid tribute to Greene’s talent and generosity, telling Deadline, “He was one of the best character actors in the world. More importantly, he was a loyal friend who would give you the shirt off his back. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.”

At the time of his death, Greene had two upcoming projects in development. One was Mascots, in which he was set to appear alongside Mickey Rourke. The other was the documentary From the American People: The Withdrawal of USAID, a project that reflected Greene’s growing passion for social and humanitarian issues. He served as a co-producer and narrator on the film, alongside Jason Alexander and Kathleen Turner.

“Peter cared deeply about raising awareness of the global consequences tied to the dismantling of USAID,” Edwards said. “He believed in using his voice to educate and inspire action.” Edwards encouraged supporters to honor Greene’s legacy by continuing to promote the documentary and its message.

Peter Greene is survived by his sister and one brother, according to NBC News. His legacy endures through the unforgettable characters he brought to life and the respect he earned from colleagues and audiences alike.