“‘I love you dad,’” was the last text Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen received from his son before he took his own life.
Hudson Madsen, 26, the son of the Hollywood actor, was a U.S. Army Sergeant stationed in Hawaii who had just completed his first tour when he died by suicide, his father said. “I am in shock, as my son — whom I had just spoken with a few days ago — said he was happy. My last text from him was ‘I love you dad,’” Madsen, the Kill Bill star, told the LA Times.
“I didn’t see any signs of depression. It’s so tragic and sad. I’m just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened,” he continued.
Hudson — whose godfather was Quentin Tarantino — was Madsen’s eldest son with his wife DeAnna, followed by brothers Kalvin and Luke. Madsen also has two sons, Christian and Max, with his ex‑wife Jeannine Bisignano.
According to social media posts from his wife, Carlie — whom he married in 2019 — the couple appeared happy and strong. Her posts suggest they were unable to have children naturally and were planning IVF. Only a week before Hudson’s death on January 22, 2022, Carlie shared a photo of herself in a hospital gown, revealing she had just had a tumor removed. In the caption, she wrote: “I just want to give a shout‑out to my amazing husband! Yesterday I had surgery to remove a tumor from one of my breasts and he was and has been so patient throughout this whole process.” Snapped at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, she continued, “We were at the hospital for about 7 hours yesterday and while I was in surgery he went to Target and got me flowers, comfy pajamas, my favorite candy and a card! He’s also been amazing in helping with my recovery and I’m just so thankful…”
About two weeks later, she posted a sweet photo of the two of them, writing only, “I miss you so much.”
The circumstances leading to Hudson’s death left everyone stunned.
Shaken by the loss, the then‑64‑year‑old father said, “He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking toward his future, so it’s mind‑blowing. I just can’t grasp what happened.” Madsen, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor, also revealed that beneath the appearance of happiness, his son — who had served in Afghanistan — had been struggling with mental health. He explained that Hudson, who needed therapy, had stopped receiving help for issues he kept private. Because of concerns “that officers and rank and file were shaming,” Madsen requested a military investigation, though the findings have not been made public.
One month after Hudson’s death, Madsen — known for his roles in Tarantino’s violent comedies — was arrested in Malibu at the luxury home from which he had recently been evicted. Charged with trespassing, he was released on bail.
The actor has had previous legal issues. In 2019, he was charged with a DUI after crashing his SUV, and in 2012, according to TMZ, he was charged with child endangerment after an altercation with one of his teenage sons. TMZ reported that officers observed signs of injury on the boy and that Madsen appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time. The son’s name was not released.
After Hudson’s death, the family released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.”
On January 23, 2023, Carlie shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband, whom she lovingly called “Lump,” writing on Instagram: “…I don’t even know how it’s been a year without you. It still hurts just as much as it did that day. You’re the first thing I think about every day when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep at night. I can’t even describe how much I’m hurting and how much I miss you.” She continued, “I just wish you would have talked to me and told me what was going on that day. I’m so sorry you thought this was the only way to make things better. I’m so sorry I couldn’t do more and I didn’t see the signs. I’m sorry I let you down. Just know you’re always with me and always on my mind. I miss you so much and I love you more, Lump.”
Hudson Madsen’s death remains a heartbreaking loss — a devastating end for a hero, son, best friend, and husband. If there’s someone in your life who needs to hear that you care, now is the time to remind them.
