Michael Madsen, the seasoned actor known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs and the Kill Bill franchise, faced a devastating tragedy when his son, Hudson Madsen, died by suicide at the age of 26. Hudson, a U.S. Army Sergeant who had recently completed his first tour and was stationed in Hawaii, sent his father a final text message shortly before his death that read simply: “I love you, dad.” The message, now forever etched in Michael’s memory, arrived just days after a conversation in which Hudson had appeared upbeat and happy.
Michael Madsen, speaking candidly to the Los Angeles Times, said he was blindsided. He noticed no signs of depression, no clues that something was wrong. “It’s really depressing,” he said. “I’m merely attempting to comprehend what transpired and make sense of it.” His confusion echoed the sentiments of many families who lose loved ones to silent mental health battles.
Hudson was Madsen’s first child with his wife, DeAnna Madsen. His brothers are Kalvin and Luke, and he had two more half-brothers, Christian and Max, from Madsen’s previous marriage to Jeannine Bisignano. Hudson’s godfather was famed director Quentin Tarantino, a close friend of Madsen’s.
At the time of his death, Hudson had been married to Carlie since 2019. Their social media presence painted a picture of a loving couple navigating life together. The two were trying to start a family but had experienced fertility challenges and were considering IVF. Just a week before Hudson’s passing, Carlie shared a photo of herself in a hospital gown after having a tumor removed from her breast. In the heartfelt Instagram post, she praised her husband’s patience and kindness. She described how, during her surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, Hudson went out to buy her flowers, pajamas, her favorite candy, and a card to lift her spirits. He had been by her side throughout the ordeal, helping her heal.
Two weeks after his death on January 22, 2022, Carlie shared a photo of the two of them together, captioned simply, “I miss you so much.” Her words reflected the deep void left behind by her husband’s sudden departure.
Friends and family were baffled by the circumstances leading to Hudson’s death. Michael Madsen emphasized that Hudson, like many people, had common stressors such as financial concerns, but he had ambitions and was thinking about his future. “He wanted a family,” Madsen said. “It’s incredible. I simply don’t understand what transpired.”
The actor also revealed that Hudson had served in Afghanistan and returned with hidden mental health struggles. Despite appearing cheerful and well-adjusted, he had quietly stopped receiving therapy. According to Madsen, his son feared stigma within the military ranks—concerned that officers and peers would look down on him for seeking help. Madsen urged the military to investigate the circumstances around Hudson’s care and the culture that might discourage soldiers from speaking up. As of now, no findings have been publicly released.
In the weeks that followed, Michael Madsen’s own life appeared to spiral. A month after Hudson’s death, he was arrested in Malibu for trespassing at a property from which he had recently been evicted. It was a turbulent moment that added another layer of hardship for the grieving father. The actor had previous legal issues, including a DUI charge in 2019 and a 2012 child endangerment case stemming from a physical altercation with one of his sons. That incident reportedly involved alcohol, and police observed injuries on his teenage son when they arrived.
Despite his on-screen success and enduring career, Madsen has publicly wrestled with personal demons. The loss of Hudson has become the most painful chapter in his life. Following Hudson’s death, the Madsen family released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. All who knew and loved him will never forget his memory or his light.”
A year after Hudson’s death, on January 23, 2023, Carlie wrote a moving tribute to him on Instagram. She called him “Lump,” her affectionate nickname, and shared the ongoing pain of his absence. “I have no idea how a year has passed without you,” she wrote. “It hurts as much now as it did that day… I only wish you had spoken to me and explained what was happening that day. I sincerely apologise if you felt that this was the only option to improve the situation. I’m very sorry that I missed the signs and was unable to take further action.” Her words captured the anguish of a partner left behind, full of love and unanswered questions.
Hudson Madsen’s life and death serve as a stark reminder that emotional wounds often go unseen. His story highlights the importance of compassion, open communication, and mental health support—especially for those returning from service or coping silently with pain. He was more than the son of a celebrity. He was a soldier, a husband, and a man who meant everything to the people around him.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the United States and Canada, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8. There is always help. There is always hope.