Actress Virginia Madsen pays tribute to late brother Michael
The 'Donnie Brasco' star was found dead in his Malibu residence, California, on Thursday
Actress Virginia Madsen paid a heartfelt tribute to late brother Michael Madsen.
The Donnie Brasco star was found dead in his Malibu residence, California, on Thursday, July 3, He was 67.
In a statement, Madsen sister said, “My brother has left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness. A poet disguised as an outlaw. A father, a son and a brother- etched in contradiction, tempered by love that left its mark."
The 63-year-old actress, known for her roles in Candy Man 1992 and Sideways 2004 expressed, "We’re not mourning a public figure. We’re not mourning a myth-but flesh and blood and ferocious heart.”
Virginia ended her heartfelt statement on a personal note.
“I’ll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I’ll miss the boy he was before the legend; I miss my big brother. Thank you to everyone reaching out with love and memory. In time, we’ll share how we plan to celebrate his life — but for now, we stay close, and let the silence say what words can’t,” she concluded.
On multiple occasions, whether its red-carpet premiers or events, they appeared together, supporting together.
Blood is thicker than water
Let’s relive some heartwarming moments that showcase the strong bond between sisters and their late brother.
Virginia and Michael Madsen alongside their mother Elaine posed at the book signing for Michael's Blessing Of The Hounds in 2003.
Virginia Madsen and her brother Michael Madsen appear at the premiere of The Astronaut Farmer in Los Angeles on February 20, 2007.
Michael Madsen and his sister Virginia Madsen at the launch party of The Complete Poetic Works of Michael Madsen.
Personal troubles
Just last year (2024), he was apprehended on suspicion of domestic battery misdemeanor after an argument with his wife DeAnna Madsen.
The actor filed divorce from DeAnna Madsen one month later.
Back in 2019, Madsen was caught by corps for DUI (driving under Influence), his second within 10 years, and in 2012, was arrested following a physical altercation with his then-teenage son.
Madsen was open about his struggles, telling the Independent in a 2020 interview that he went through some “terrible, terrible times,” including his DUIs and an injury following a motorcycle accident.
“Fame is not what it’s cracked up to be,” he said., adding, “I’m not complaining, because I’ve had a great life. But it can wreak havoc on you if you’re not protected.”
In 2022, Madsen’s son Hudson died by suicide in Hawaii.
“I didn’t see any signs of depression. It’s so tragic and sad. I’m just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened,” Madsen told the LA Times at that time.
