“I love you, Dad,” was the final message that Michael Madsen, the star of Reservoir Dogs, received from his son prior to his tragic suicide.
Hudson Madsen, 26, the son of a Hollywood icon, served as a U.S. Army Sergeant stationed in Hawaii. He had recently completed his first tour when he took his own life by shooting himself in the head, according to his father.
“I am in disbelief as my son, with whom I had a conversation just a few days ago, expressed his happiness—my last message from him was ‘I love you dad,’” Madsen, the star of the Kill Bill franchise, informed the LA Times.
“I did not observe any indications of depression. It is profoundly tragic and sorrowful. I am merely attempting to comprehend everything and grasp what transpired,” he added.
Hudson—whose Godfather was Quentin Tarantino—was Madsen’s eldest son with his wife DeAnna Madsen, followed by his brothers Kalvin and Luke. Madsen also has two additional sons, Christian and Max, from his previous marriage to Jeannine Bisignano.
Based on social media updates from his wife, Carlie, whom he wed in 2019, the couple appeared to be content and thriving. Carlie’s social media indicates that they were unable to conceive naturally and were therefore considering IVF.
Just one week prior to his passing on January 22, 2022, Carlie shared a photo on Instagram of herself in a hospital gown, disclosing that she had just undergone surgery to remove a tumor. In her caption, she expressed: “I would like to take a moment to acknowledge my wonderful husband! Yesterday, I had surgery to excise a tumor from one of my breasts, and he has been incredibly patient throughout this entire ordeal.” Captured at the Tripler Army Medical Center, a Department of Defense facility located in Hawaii, Carlie further stated, “We spent approximately 7 hours at the hospital yesterday, and while I was in surgery, he went to Target to buy me flowers, cozy pajamas, my favorite candy, and a card! He has also been remarkable in assisting with my recovery, and I am truly grateful…”
Approximately two weeks later, she shared a heartfelt photo of herself and Hudson, simply stating, “I miss you so much.”
The circumstances surrounding Hudson’s suicide left many bewildered.
Shaken by his son’s suicide, the then 64-year-old father remarked, “He faced the usual life challenges that many encounter regarding finances, yet he desired a family,” Madsen noted. “He was optimistic about his future, so it is utterly incomprehensible. I simply cannot understand what transpired.”
Madsen, known for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, also disclosed that beneath his outward appearance of happiness, his son, who had served in Afghanistan, was facing challenges with mental health. The actor elaborated that his son, who required therapy, ceased to seek assistance for personal issues he was keeping to himself. Due to concerns that “officers and rank and file were shaming,” Madsen called for a military investigation, the findings of which are still not accessible to the public.
One month following Hudson’s tragic suicide, Madsen, recognized for his work in Tarantino’s violent comedies, was apprehended in Malibu, at the upscale residence from which he had recently been evicted. He was charged with trespassing and subsequently released on bail.
The actor has had previous legal troubles; in 2019, he faced charges for DUI after an SUV crash, and in 2012, as reported by TMZ, he was charged with child endangerment.
The actor entered his residence and, upon discovering his teenage son smoking marijuana, the two engaged in a dispute. TMZ reports, “…Madsen had entered into a physical altercation with his minor son—and when the police arrived, they noted multiple signs of injury on his son. It has been reported that Madsen also seemed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of his apprehension.” The name of the son was not disclosed, while Madsen’s identity was made public.
Following Hudson’s passing, the family issued a statement expressing, “We are devastated and filled with sorrow and anguish over the loss of Hudson. His memory and spirit will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.”
On January 23, 2023, in a touching homage to her husband, whom she affectionately refers to as “Lump,” Carlie shared on her Instagram, “…I cannot comprehend how it has been a year without you. The pain still feels as intense as it did on that day. You are the first thought that crosses my mind each morning and the last before I drift off to sleep at night. I find it difficult to articulate the depth of my sorrow and how much I miss you.” She further expressed, “I only wish you had confided in me and shared what you were experiencing that day. I deeply regret that you believed this was the sole solution to your struggles. I am truly sorry that I could not do more and failed to recognize the signs. I apologize for letting you down. Please know that you are always with me and constantly in my thoughts. I miss you immensely and love you even more, Lump.”]} }}
Hudson Madsen’s death is such a heartbreaking end to a hero, son, best friend and husband. If there’s someone you know who needs to be reminded that you love them, now’s the time.
There’s always help available and remember, if you’d rather make an anonymous call, use the Suicide Hotline and dial 9-8-8, a number that is available across the U.S. and Canada.
