Quentin Tarantino recounted a tense episode from the filming of his 1992 debut Reservoir Dogs, where he made the difficult decision to fire actor Lawrence Tierney. The director shared this story during a recent memorial for his longtime collaborator Michael Madsen, highlighting Madsen’s support in the situation. This incident underscored Tarantino’s early struggles as a first-time filmmaker managing difficult personalities on set.
Michael Madsen’s Legacy and Untimely Passing
Michael Madsen, who passed away at 67 from a cardiac arrest at his Malibu home on July 3, was closely linked to Tarantino’s rise in Hollywood. The actor’s memorable role as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs helped launch both their careers. Over the years, Madsen appeared in several Tarantino films including the Kill Bill series, The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, as well as in 2005’s Sin City.
The Incident Leading to Lawrence Tierney’s Firing
During a private memorial held at the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles, Tarantino described the lasting impact of working with Tierney, who played Mr. White in Reservoir Dogs. He explained the actor’s volatile behavior created a difficult environment for everyone involved.
“It was the last hour of the last day of the first week of shooting. So, I had never directed a movie before,”
Tarantino said.
“And Lawrence Tierney was a nightmare. He was completely insane. He was so crazy, and I’d never directed before, so I’m dealing with a crazy man Monday through Saturday.”
He recounted how Tierney’s conduct had alienated the cast and crew and culminated in a disrespectful outburst. Tarantino then fired Tierney during breakfast, despite fearing it might end his career.
“All the other actors and the crew can’t stand him. And all of a sudden, he yells at me, does something disrespectful. And so, I fired him at the breakfast table. The crew breaks into applause. I thought I just spent a week shooting this guy. Now I just fired him. (Studio) Live Entertainment is gonna fire me. That’s it for my career. It was nice while it lasted. But I had to do it, I had to stand up for myself.”
Michael Madsen’s Support After the Firing
Following this event, Tarantino received a message from Madsen expressing admiration for his decision.
“He said, ‘Yea, Quentin, it’s Michael,’”
Tarantino recalled.
“Just calling to say that I respected what you did tonight. It was important, and needed to be done. He was busting your balls, and you had to do it. And I want you to know that I respect it, as a director, I respect it as a captain, and I respect it as a man. So, I’m on your side, buddy. Thanks.”
This encouragement helped cement Madsen’s role as a trusted collaborator and ally during Tarantino’s career beginnings.
Lawrence Tierney’s Career and Final Years
Lawrence Tierney, known primarily for his tough-guy roles in the 1950s, portrayed the character Mr. White in Reservoir Dogs. Notorious for his erratic behavior on set, Tierney passed away in 2002. His difficult temperament on the Reservoir Dogs shoot remains a notable chapter in Tarantino’s directorial history.
Continuing Tarantino’s Influence on Filmmaking
While remembering these moments, interest also grows around projects connected to Tarantino’s creative circle. Brad Pitt recently discussed the making of The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Pitt additionally explained why director David Fincher was chosen to take the helm for that production, reflecting ongoing collaborations among prominent filmmakers linked to Tarantino’s body of work.
