Virginia Madsen

Virginia Madsen was born on September 11, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois. She made her film debut in 1983. Her breakout role came in 1984 when she played Princess Irulan in David Lynch's Dune. After starring in a series of films of varying success, she received critical acclaim for her role in Candyman (1992) and later for her work in Sideways (2004). Madsen has played recurring roles on various well-known TV shows including Moonlighting, Frasier, and Designated Survivor. Madsen's parents were Elaine, who became an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and author, and Calvin Christian Madsen, a firefighter. Her siblings include actor Michael Madsen and entrepreneur Cheryl Madsen. Madsen later attended the Ted Liss Acting Studio in Chicago, and Harand Camp Adult Theater Seminar in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin marking the start of her stellar acting career. Madsen's first major role after Sideways was in Firewall (2006), opposite Harrison Ford and Paul Bettany. She has voiced Queen Hippolyta in the animated film Wonder Woman (2009) and starred as Speaker Kimble Hookstraten in Designated Survivor. In 2008, she formed her own film production company, Title IX Productions. Her first project was a documentary about the lives of older women, inspired by her mother's active lifestyle.

Madsen was previously married to actor and director Danny Huston, whom she met on the set of Mr. North. The couple was married from 1989 to 1992. Madsen was also in a long-term relationship with Antonio Sabàto Jr., with whom she has a son. Currently, Madsen is married to Gilmore Girls actor Nick Holmes. She continues to contribute to the film industry with her exceptional talent, both in acting and production.