Veteran film actor Peter Greene, known for his intense portrayals of villains and troubled characters, was discovered lifeless in his Lower East Side apartment on Friday afternoon.

Greene, 60, was found face down with a facial wound and surrounded by blood inside his Manhattan residence on Dec. 12, as authorities probe the circumstances of his death, as Page Six reports.

Police responded to Greene’s Clinton Street apartment around 3:25 p.m. after a call for a wellness check. According to a neighbor who spoke with the New York Daily News, Greene’s body was positioned face down when officers arrived at the scene. The neighbor described the grisly discovery, noting that there was "blood everywhere" and that Greene had a facial injury.

A handwritten note was found nearby, which read, “I’m still a Westie” -- a cryptic reference to the Irish-American gang known as the Westies that operated out of Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s. Officials confirmed the presence of the note but have not elaborated on any possible connection between its content and Greene's death.

The New York City Police Department reported that no foul play is currently suspected in Greene's death. However, the exact cause will be determined by the medical examiner, whose report is still pending as of Sunday morning.

Mystery Note Raises Questions

Greene’s death was first confirmed by his longtime manager, Gregg Edwards, who praised the actor’s life and career in heartfelt remarks to the press. “Truly one of the great actors of our generation,” said Edwards. “His heart was as big as there was. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”

In additional comments, Edwards emphasized the extent of Greene’s artistic reach. “He worked with so many amazing actors and directors,” he said. Among Greene’s memorable performances was his role in The Mask, which Edwards described as arguably the highlight of his career.

Best known for playing intense, often morally complex characters, Greene appeared in several acclaimed films throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His work included standout roles in Pulp Fiction, Laws of Gravity, Clean, Shaven, Blue Streak, and Training Day.

Plans for Independent Film Cut Short

At the time of his death, Greene had been cast in a leading role alongside fellow actor Mickey Rourke in an independent thriller titled Mascots. The film was being helmed by writer-director Kerry Mondragón and was reportedly nearing the production phase. Mondragón was said to be deeply upset upon hearing the news of Greene’s passing.

This sudden loss has come as a shock to the entertainment industry, and those familiar with Greene’s work have expressed sorrow over the void left by his absence. As an actor known for fully inhabiting his roles, his ability to connect emotionally with audiences made him stand out in a crowded field.

Despite his rugged screen persona, Greene was also remembered as a father. He leaves behind one son, 16-year-old Ryder. There has been no public statement from the family at this time, and representatives for the actor have not responded to media requests for comment.

Incident Remains Under Investigations

Authorities remain invested in learning more about the circumstances of Greene’s untimely death. Given the presence of the handwritten note and the violent condition in which he was found, questions persist, even if criminal intent is not yet suspected. Officials have not indicated whether any surveillance footage or additional forensic evidence has been recovered.

The investigation will continue pending the results of the autopsy, which may offer critical clues into whether Greene’s death was accidental, self-inflicted, or the result of a sudden health emergency. Law enforcement has not ruled out any possibilities, and no further details have been released about additional evidence in the apartment.

In the meantime, fans and members of the film community are left grappling with the loss of a performer whose work spanned three decades and left an impression on several influential films of his era. Tributes have begun to surface across social media from former colleagues and cinephiles alike.

Lessons to Learn

1. Check in on neighbors and loved ones: Wellness checks, like the one that led to the discovery of Peter Greene, can be lifesaving. If someone you know has gone unusually quiet or isn’t responding, it’s okay to follow up. Make sure they’re safe.

2. Take every suspicious sign seriously: Unusual notes, changes in behavior, or odd communications can be warning signs. Authorities still aren’t sure what Greene’s note meant, but it reminds us that context matters and shouldn’t be ignored.

3. Don’t blame the victim: Crime can strike anyone, regardless of how careful they are. While we can take measures to stay safe, unexpected tragedies can still happen. We should focus on compassion and community support, not judgment.

Why This Story Matters

The sudden and tragic passing of a beloved public figure like Peter Greene prompts conversations about mental health, the importance of community, and how we investigate unexpected deaths. It also highlights the emotional ripple effects these events have across personal and professional circles.

This case is a reminder that even celebrities can experience private pain behind public success. Understanding the context of such events can help communities respond more empathetically and thoughtfully.

Stories like this underscore the need for awareness, support systems, and diligent investigative reporting to uncover the full picture behind tragic events.