Peter Greene, born in Montclair, New Jersey in 1965, is a distinctive American character actor renowned for his intense screen presence and often villainous roles. Discovering his passion for acting in his mid-twenties in New York City, Greene honed his craft at Lee Strasberg’s studio. By 1990, his tall frame, pale complexion, and deep, resonant voice began gracing television screens and film sets, marking the start of a memorable career.
Greene’s early career saw him take on leading roles in independent films that showcased his raw talent. He starred in “Laws of Gravity” in 1992 and “Clean, Shaven” in 1993, the latter film bringing him to the attention of Quentin Tarantino. This pivotal moment led to his iconic portrayal of Zed, the sadistic security guard in Tarantino’s культовый 1994 masterpiece, “Pulp Fiction”. This role, though disturbing, became instantly unforgettable and solidified Greene’s ability to embody complex and unsettling characters.
The year 1994 proved to be a breakout year for Peter Greene, as he not only appeared in “Pulp Fiction” but also landed a significant villainous role opposite Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz in the blockbuster comedy “The Mask”. His versatility was further highlighted in 1995 when he played Redfoot in the critically acclaimed crime drama “The Usual Suspects”, adding another layer to his growing reputation as a compelling and menacing presence on screen. Adding to his busy year, Greene also took on a supporting villain role in the action-packed Steven Seagal film “Under Siege 2: Dark Territory” in 1995, demonstrating his range across different genres.
Peter Greene continued to build an impressive filmography throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, consistently delivering memorable performances in a variety of films. Audiences enjoyed him in the comedy “Blue Streak” (1999), the action thriller “Ticker” (2000), and the critically acclaimed crime drama “Training Day” (2002). He further showcased his action film chops in “Brothers in Arms” (2005), “End Game” (2006), and “Fist of the Warrior” (2007). Greene also ventured into romantic comedy territory with “The Bounty Hunter” (2010) and the drama “Once Fallen” (2010), proving his adaptability beyond villainous roles. Television audiences also recognized him for his role in the TV series “The Black Donellys” in 2007.
Beyond film and series regular roles, Peter Greene has made notable guest appearances in popular TV shows such as “Hawaii Five-O” (2010) and “Justified” (2010). His presence even extended to music videos, featuring as a policeman in Prodigy of Mobb Deep’s “A,B,C’s” music video and taking center stage in House of Pain’s “Fed Up” music video.
In more recent years, Greene has continued to impress audiences and critics alike. He delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant performance as ‘Jordan Blaine’ in the second season premiere of Tim Firtion’s award-winning web series “The Jersey Connection” (2018). This role garnered significant recognition for Greene, earning him two acting awards and five additional nominations on the film festival circuit, highlighting his enduring talent and commitment to his craft.
Peter Greene remains a dedicated character actor, consistently bringing intensity and depth to every role he undertakes. His career is a testament to the power of strong character acting in creating unforgettable cinematic moments.
