It hasn't been an easy 2012 so far for actor Michael Madsen. The star, best known for his tough guy roles in Quentin Tarantino movies like "Kill Bill" and "Reservoir Dogs," was just released from the hospital because of an undisclosed medical issue. The hospital stint came right after a DUI arrest that saw his blood alcohol level check in at more than twice the legal limit, though his lawyer is suggesting that prescription medication could be to blame. "Michael has been on prescription medication that easily could have made him look to be under the influence and caused him to fail the sobriety test," said the attorney.
Earlier this year, Michael was arrested following a drunken fight with one of his sons. He was released following that incident, and charges weren't filed. His lawyer has said that Michael has battled alcoholism for years, and suggested that the fight is far from over. Despite the setbacks, Michael does have a few things to smile about when he thinks about this year. Here are a few of the positive things that the actor has going on his life right now.
He appeared in Justin Bieber's music video
If you saw Michael's chilling performance in "Reservoir Dogs," you might think that a Biebs music video would be the last place you see him. However, there he was in Justin's recent video for "As Long As You Love Me." Fittingly, Michael portrays the ultra-tough father of Justin's love interest. His appearance definitely lends some grown-up credibility to Biebs, and it should go down as one of the best music video cameos of the year.
He's returning for the 'Sin City' sequel
Michael hasn't had any major hits in a couple of years, but that will change soon. In August, the actor confirmed that he will be returning for the long-awaited sequel to the 2005 hit "Sin City." The film, due out in 2013, will allow the star to reprise his role as the corrupt cop that betrayed Bruce Willis in the original film. The casting for the movie is not yet complete, but Michael should once again team with some big stars.
He has a poetry book coming out
Despite his rough exterior, Michael is an accomplished poet and photographer. For more than a decade, the actor has gained a reputation as a talented writer in the poetry community. This December, he is expected to release another volume of his work entitled "Expecting Rain." This will be his seventh poetry book, and it will include an introduction from author Jerry Hopkins. In addition to poems, the book will also showcase Michael's talent as a photographer.
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