“I love you, Dad,” was the final message that Michael Madsen, the star of Reservoir Dogs, got from his son before his tragic suicide.
Hudson Madsen, 26, the son of a Hollywood icon, served as a U.S. Army Sergeant in Hawaii. He had recently completed his first tour when he took his own life, according to his father.
“I am in disbelief as my son, who I just talked to a few days ago, mentioned he was happy—my last message from him was ‘I love you dad,’” Madsen, known for his role in the Kill Bill series, shared with the LA Times.
“I didn’t notice any signs of depression. It’s incredibly tragic and heartbreaking. I’m just trying to comprehend everything and figure out what went wrong,” he added.
Hudson—whose Godfather was Quentin Tarantino—was Madsen’s oldest son with his wife DeAnna Madsen, and he had two younger 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 happy and thriving. Carlie’s posts indicate that they were unable to conceive naturally and were 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 want to take a moment to appreciate my wonderful husband! Yesterday, I had surgery to take out a tumor from one of my breasts, and he has been incredibly patient throughout this entire journey.” Taken at the Tripler Army Medical Center, a Department of Defense facility in Hawaii, Carlie added, “We spent around 7 hours at the hospital yesterday, and while I was in surgery, he went to Target to get me flowers, cozy pajamas, my favorite candy, and a card! He has also been fantastic in supporting my recovery, and I’m just so grateful…
About two weeks later, she shared a lovely photo of herself and Hudson, simply stating, “I miss you so much.”
The circumstances surrounding Hudson’s suicide left everyone bewildered.
Shaken by his suicide, the then 64-year-old father remarked, “He faced the usual life challenges that many people do regarding finances, but he longed for a family,” Madsen said. “He was optimistic about his future, so it’s truly mind-boggling. I just can’t comprehend what transpired.”
Madsen, known for his role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, also shared that behind his cheerful exterior, his son, who served in Afghanistan, was facing mental health challenges. The actor mentioned that his son, who required therapy, had stopped seeking help for personal issues he was keeping to himself. Due to concerns about the stigma of “officers and rank and file shaming,” Madsen called for a military investigation, the findings of which are still not public.
A month after Hudson’s tragic passing, Madsen, recognized for his work in Tarantino’s intense comedies, was arrested in Malibu at the upscale residence from which he had recently been evicted. He faced charges of trespassing and was later released on bail.
The actor has had previous legal troubles; in 2019, he was charged with DUI following an SUV crash, and in 2012, as reported by TMZ, he faced charges of child endangerment.
The actor entered his home and, upon discovering his teenage son smoking marijuana, they ended up in a heated argument. According to TMZ, “…Madsen had engaged in a physical altercation with his minor son—and when the police arrived, they noticed multiple signs of injury on the boy. We’ve been informed that Madsen also seemed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest.” 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 heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be cherished by everyone who knew and loved him.”
On January 23, 2023, in a touching tribute to her husband, whom she affectionately refers to as “Lump,” Carlie shared on her Instagram, “…I can’t believe it’s been a year without you. The pain still feels as fresh as it did that day. You’re the first thought in my mind every morning and the last one before I sleep at night. I can’t even put into words how much I’m hurting and how deeply I miss you.” She went on to say, “I just wish you had confided in me and shared what you were feeling that day. I’m so sorry you believed this was the only solution to your struggles. I regret not being able to do more and not recognizing the signs. I’m sorry for letting you down. Just remember, you’re always with me and constantly on my mind. I miss you dearly and love you even more, Lump.”
The passing of Hudson Madsen is a truly sorrowful conclusion for a hero, a son, a best friend, and a husband. If you know someone who could use a reminder of your love, now is the perfect moment.
Help is always accessible, and keep in mind, if you prefer to make an anonymous call, you can reach out to the Suicide Hotline by dialing 9-8-8, which is available throughout the U.S. and Canada.
