Q & A: Virginia Madsen

Actress Virginia Madsen co-stars in this month’s new action drama, "Firewall," opposite Harrison Ford. Madsen has also acted in hits such as "Sideways," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, and Francis Ford Coppola’s "The Rainmaker."

The Carroll News recently spoke with Madsen via telephone. She was on location filming her new movie "The Number 23," a thriller starring Jim Carrey. The film is due out later this year.

How was it working with Harrison Ford, your co-star in "Firewall"?

I tried not to have any expectations of him because he is the kind of actor who has reached this iconic stature almost. He looks just like he does onscreen, and a lot of actors don’t. A lot of actors are a lot shorter, a lot smaller, not as good looking. But Harrison Ford is all that [laughs].

He’s all that you think he’s going to be. He’s really like a regular guy. He’s a carpenter. He’s very focused. He just does his work. He’s never rude to anybody. But I especially like the fact that Harrison was still an actor, I was surprised to find that, you know he would go full out on rehearsals.

Is there any actor you have enjoyed working with the most?

You know, I did this film recently with Billy Bob Thorton. It’s called "Astronaut Farmer." And we finished it in October in New Mexico. He was one of the best experiences I ever had working with an actor. And I just adored him. I had so much fun, and he loves to go to work. Billy just comes and does his lines and tells lots of great stories.

What is the best part of your job?

Traveling. I get to travel a lot, and I get to meet a lot of people. My job is an adventure. So when I’m fortunate enough to have work, I think you just have to be aware of how fortunate you are to be doing what you love to do.

Last year, you were nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for your work in "Sideways." What is your favorite memory of attending the Oscar ceremony?

Walking onto the red carpet and having a childhood dream fulfilled and having it turn out to be even better than I expected it to be. There’s an incredible rush of energy and emotion when you step on that carpet, and you know that you’ve come to the end of such a long and exciting journey. You’re in the company of people who are all at the top of their game for that one night. Just having this experience of fulfillment was great.

And then the other end of the evening, the Governor’s Ball was so much fun. I could have stayed there all night. It is so much fun, because it’s all over and everyone is happy. They’re toasting each other. There’s much more camaraderie than competition.

How did you get started in acting and how do you advise aspiring actors?

I guess I got started doing everything and anything I could to be in movies. I was an extra. I did smaller roles. I started out in Chicago. I did commercials, and eventually I got a part. I was fortunate, I started working right away.

Advice I would give is to study, study, study. Do theater, train your body and learn how to manage your money. Those are necessary things in order to be a good actor.

Was there anyone at the awards you were star struck to see?

I met Faye Dunaway on the red carpet and that was pretty cool because I have a huge black and white portrait of her from "Bonnie and Clyde" hanging in my house. She stepped on my train, and I turned around and I’m like, "Who’s stepping on my train?" And I turned around and it was Faye towering above me, and I was like, "Oh my God!" I didn’t even try to hide it. I didn’t play it cool at all. And I think I said something like, "Oh, I know you!" And she went, "And I know you." And that was wonderful to know that she had seen my work and liked my work.

What are some upcoming projects you are working on?

Well, I’ve got a picture I did with Robert Altman, and it’s called a "Prairie Home Companion," and it’s based on that radio show with Garrison Kieler. It stars Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, Woody Harrelson and Lindsay Lohan [laughs]. Lohan was a lot of fun though. And then I have "Astronaut Farmer" with Billy Bob [Thorton]. And right now, I’m filming "The Number 23" with Jim Carrey.

What’s it like to work with Jim Carrey?

Oh great! We just started so he is very warm and excited to be working on the film. So far, so good.

- By Anne McCarthy