Virginia Madsen - Actor Profile

Virginia Madsen

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.8 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 11, 1961
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About Virginia Madsen

Virginia Gayle Madsen (born September 11, 1961) is an American actress and film producer. She made her film debut in Class (1983), which was filmed in her native Chicago. After she moved to Los Angeles, director David Lynch cast her as Princess Irulan in the science fiction film Dune (1984). Madsen then starred in a series of successful teen movies, including Electric Dreams (1984), Modern Girls (1986), and Fire with Fire (1986). Madsen received further recognition for her starring role as Helen Lyle in the horror film Candyman (1992). For her performance in Alexander Payne's comedy-drama Sideways (2004), Madsen was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. On television, Madsen has appeared in the comedy-drama series Moonlighting (1989), the comedy series Frasier (1998), the period drama series American Dreams (2002–2003), the murder mystery series Monk (2002–2009), the science fiction series The Event (2011), the supernatural drama series Witches of East End (2013–2014), the political thriller series Designated Survivor (2016–2017), and the DC Universe superhero horror series Swamp Thing (2019). Description above from the Wikipedia article Virginia Madsen, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Virginia Madsen reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Virginia Madsen's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 42% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Virginia Madsen remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in That Click, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Virginia Madsen Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Virginia Madsen's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Virginia Madsen.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Give Me an A Coach Judy Average Similar →
2023 One Day as a Lion Valerie Brisky Average Similar →
2022 Prey for the Devil Dr. Peters Hit Similar →
2021 Candyman Helen Lyle (voice) Average Similar →
2020 Operation Christmas Drop Congresswoman Angie Bradford Average Similar →
2019 That Click Self Super Hit Similar →
2019 Her Smell Ania Adamcyzk Average Similar →
2018 Spare Room Nat Average Similar →
2018 1985 Eileen Average Similar →
2017 Better Watch Out Deandra Lerner Hit Similar →
2016 Burn Your Maps Victoria Hit Similar →
2015 Joy Terry Hit Similar →
2015 An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success Mrs. Thomas Super Hit Similar →
2014 All the Wilderness Abigail Charm Average Similar →
2012 The Magic of Belle Isle Mrs. O'Neil Hit Similar →
2011 Red Riding Hood Suzette Average Similar →
2009 Amelia Dorothy Binney (uncredited) Average Similar →
2009 I Know a Woman Like That Self Hit Similar →
2009 The Haunting in Connecticut Sara Campbell Average Similar →
2009 Wonder Woman Hippolyta (voice) Hit Similar →
2008 Diminished Capacity Charlotte Average Similar →
2007 Cutlass Robin Hit Similar →
2007 Being Michael Madsen Self Average Similar →
2007 The Number 23 Agatha Sparrow / Fabrizia Average Similar →
2007 The Astronaut Farmer Mrs. Farmer Average Similar →
2006 A Prairie Home Companion Dangerous Woman Average Similar →
2006 Firewall Beth Stanfield Average Similar →
2005 Scooby-Doo! in Where's My Mummy? Cleopatra (voice) Hit Similar →
2004 Sideways Maya Hit Similar →
2004 Sweets to the Sweet: The 'Candyman' Mythos Self Super Hit Similar →
2004 Brave New Girl Wanda Lovell Hit Similar →
2003 Tempted Emma Burke Average Similar →
2001 Just Ask My Children Brenda Kniffen Hit Similar →
2001 Almost Salinas Clare Super Hit Similar →
2001 Crossfire Trail Anne Rodney Average Similar →
1999 The Haunting Jane Average Similar →
1997 The Rainmaker Jackie Lemancyzk Hit Similar →
1996 Ghosts of Mississippi Dixie DeLaughter Hit Similar →
1995 The Prophecy Katherine Henley Hit Similar →
1992 Candyman Helen Lyle Hit Similar →
1991 Ironclads Betty Stuart Hit Similar →
1990 The Hot Spot Dolly Harshaw Average Similar →
1988 Gotham Rachel Carlyle Average Similar →
1987 Long Gone Dixie Lee Boxx Average Similar →
1986 Modern Girls Kelly Average Similar →
1986 Fire with Fire Lisa Taylor Average Similar →
1985 Creator Barbara Spencer Average Similar →
1984 Dune Princess Irulan Average Similar →
1984 Electric Dreams Madeline Robistat Average Similar →
1983 Class Lisa Average Similar →

Virginia Madsen - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Virginia Madsen?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Virginia Madsen is "That Click" with a rating of 8.8/10.

How many movies has Virginia Madsen acted in?

Virginia Madsen has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Virginia Madsen?

Other notable films include "Almost Salinas", "Sweets to the Sweet: The 'Candyman' Mythos", and "An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success".