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Virginia Madsen smiles and struggles to contain her tears when she remembers her late nephew.
“When he came to visit, he had matured,” the Oscar nominee recounted to Fox News Digital. “He was different now. He was more powerful. You never imagined that this individual would leave us, yet he did.
“It was joyous the last time I saw him,” she said. “I was really happy to have that visit. I was really pleased with him.
The actress last met her nephew, Hudson Madsen, in 2018 while he was on leave from the Army. Hudson Madsen is the son of her late older brother, actor Michael Madsen.
Shortly after finishing a tour of service in Afghanistan, the 26-year-old Army sergeant committed suicide in January 2022. Hudson and his wife, Carlie, resided at an Army base in Oahu, Hawaii.
Madsen felt driven to speak up as she struggled with loss and provided for her family, wanting to bring attention to the secret struggles that many combat veterans have when returning home. Hudson was given the screenplay for “Sheepdog,” which debuted in theaters on January 16, less than a year after her passing.
The film’s writer, director, and star Steven Grayhm previously told Fox News Digital that the story was a very personal endeavor. It was influenced by discussions regarding the frequently invisible costs of life after duty with veterans, their families, and mental health specialists.
Madsen declared, “It’s a good-news story about recovery.” “It’s about a man who returns, receives assistance, and has other veterans’ support.” I cherished the fact that he has the freedom to choose life. I wish that kind of assistance had been available to my nephew.
“We were so devastated, but also, at the same time, isolated in our grief,” the 64-year-old said. “I simply had no idea what to do. I had something I wanted to do. I wanted to be able to support my family and find a way to deal with my loss. However, what should I do?
She explained, “I didn’t want to make a war movie.” “I wanted to talk about what happens when a veteran comes home.”
“I am unable to comprehend my nephew’s personal struggles and what he was bearing. Others have taught me that they are prepared to serve as soldiers. They aren’t prepared to return home and live as citizens. Although I had heard of PTSD, I knew very little about it. But trauma can also lead to progress. Healing is achievable”.
Hudson was “a golden child” who aspired to serve his country, according to Madsen.
“His statement, ‘I want to join the Army,’ was really unexpected. The actress remembered, “I want to serve my country.” “All OK. Thus, we backed him. And he had a strong belief in it. Before he signed up on his own, he was training. I was aware that it held great significance for him. And I was rather pleased with him. Despite my extreme fear, I tried to be encouraging.
“I wrote letters, and it was scary,” she remarked. “When he was permitted to send them, we occasionally received photos of him while he was serving. Additionally, I believe he was really proud.
In retrospect, Madsen said that she was unaware of her nephew’s difficulties upon his return. In “Sheepdog,” where she played a psychiatrist treating PTSD in soldiers, Hudson was constantly on her mind.
“What you went through was not normal, but you are normal,” she replied. “You have the ability to survive and return to [society].” However, they have changed. And how does that transformation affect the family? How do their pals behave? What do they do independently? How do people get the confidence to speak up and seek assistance? That must be done first. And perhaps the solution lies in someone getting in touch with them.”
Madsen went on, “Each case is very different, but I didn’t know.” “I was unaware of his level of distress. That’s where I believe a lot of families end up. Therefore, asking is a smart idea. Asking “How are you doing?” rather than “Are you OK?” is a smart idea. Say “How are you doing?” over the phone to a friend you’ve missed and haven’t spoken to in a long time.
Madsen sought the approval of her family, including Hudson’s father and widow, before deciding to perform “Sheepdog.” After a protracted battle with alcoholism, Michael, who was well-known for portraying strong guys in movies like “Kill Bill” and “Reservoir Dogs,” passed away in 2025 from cardiac arrest. He was sixty-seven.
“I cannot fathom the depth of grief that a mother and father go through with the loss of a child,” Madsen said. “Hudson felt like my son, even though he wasn’t. We are also a close-knit family.
Madsen stated, “I did not take this job lightly,” about accepting the role in the movie. “This was not just a salary. My family would be a part of this job since it would be my heart and soul.
“I wanted them to understand that I was taking care of everyone. I wanted to know if making anything like this was OK. They trusted my judgment. And I am aware that some people are happy that the tale has been made public. Hudson is not a nameless person. He hasn’t left. People remember him. He is respected. I may also honor others by doing this.”
Madsen encountered soldiers and loved ones who were ready to share their stories while “Sheepdog” traveled through theaters and film festivals. These interactions turned into a lifeline.
She remarked, “I got a lot of hugs,” “They told me their stories, but they were generous enough to hear my story, hug me and tell me, ‘I understand.’ And wow, they really did.”
“I ultimately decided to investigate healing on my own. They persuaded me that getting therapy was acceptable because I also needed it. I did, then. I followed their suggestions, and it was quite beneficial.
“They really helped me feel part of them,” Madsen remarked. “They were friendly and giving. I’ve improved as a result. I’ve grown stronger”.
Madsen wants “Sheepdog” to be available on more streaming services and in theaters. Veterans will receive free tickets to see “Sheepdog” thanks to the proceeds from the movie’s online sales.
“I probably love that more than anything,” she smiled. It’s a means of sharing. People can help our military by getting something.
Madsen treasures every opportunity to speak about Hudson and preserve his legacy, even though the pain never goes away. She thinks “Sheepdog” will encourage those engaged in invisible struggles to come forward.
Her words, “Hudson was a beautiful human being,” “He had no self-interest. He fulfilled his desire to serve. He was traveling, and in this instance, he used a different exit. However, we are fortunate to have had him for such a long time. For as long as he could, he told us about his life. He was a decent man. He tried his hardest. He is also adored.
