Virginia Madsen is an American actress and film producer, known for her commanding presence on the big screen and small screen alike. She was born on September 11, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, United States and grew up in a family of performers and creatives. Her mother, Elaine Madsen, was an Emmy-winning author, producer, and songwriter, while her father, Calvin Madsen, was a renowned fireman and poet.
Madsen’s career in acting began in the eighties, when she made her first major appearance in the movie, “Class”. From there, she went on to land roles in countless films, including “Dune”,“Electric Dreams”, “Candyman”, and “Sideways”. Her performances in these movies earned her critical acclaim, and she was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Maya in “Sideways”.
In addition to her on-screen work, Madsen has also made a mark as a film producer. She has several credits to her name, including “I Know a Woman Like That”, which was her directorial debut and focused on the stories and experiences of older women. Madsen has also been a regular on television, appearing in shows like “Chicago Hope,” “American Dreams,” and “Designated Survivor.”
Madsen’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized on many occasions. She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, and in 2016 she won a Canadian Screen Award for her performance in the series “12 Monkeys”. Her dedication to the craft of acting and production is an inspiration to many, and she continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the industry.