Celebrity Spotlight: Virginia Madsen

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated actress Virginia Madsen, shares her thoughts about technology and Internet safety with Norton.

“Parents MUST learn, even if they have to have someone come in and teach them, what and where their kids go online. We set other rules to monitor our kids – like giving them cell phones and using computer tracking chips – so we might as well understand what they are doing online. Two years ago I blocked certain sites from my son Jack. At the time it made him very mad; however, he came to understand the reasoning behind my blocking certain sites that I felt were inappropriate for him. I feel it is very important to know where the kids are going online, especially younger children, under 10 years old. I tell parents not to be intimidated by a computer… instead, learn the technology and just go for it!”

Q&A

There are many sites with information about you, but you do not have an official Web site, do you consider yourself Internet savvy?
Yes and no. I got a new computer earlier this year and find the new technology easier and less intimidating to use. In fact, I plan on having an official Web site up this coming year!

You’ve said that movie actors lack the connection with the audience that theater actors have. Do you see the Internet as a way to connect with people?
Being in front of an audience does not even compare to connecting to people through the Internet. I do look forward to getting the word out about my documentary, and other projects I’m working on, via the Internet.

What activities does your 14-year-old son use the computer for?
My son Jack plays video games quite well and is trying to teach me! He has also created stop-action movies, and we both attend schools online to further our computer educational skills.

If you could set rules for your child’s use of the Internet, what would it be?
Keep the computer in a public space at home for all to monitor. I practice this as well to set a good example for my son — I work on the computer in an open area at home, not in a bedroom or my office. Also, set time limits for children — no more than two hours a day until they enter high school and as needed for homework purposes.

Your brother Michael has six sons. What rules does he have for computer and Internet usage in his house?
We both share the “common room” theory — this is an important rule in our family.

About Virginia Madsen

A cool, classic beauty, with a vibrant blonde mane and an exuberant flair for the dramatic, Virginia Madsen is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and unique actresses to date. Not only did she receive amazing reviews for her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated performance in Alexander Payne’s hit film, Sideways, but this Independent Spirit Award-winning actress has an illustrious resume of roles alongside the most notable and respected actors in the business. Virginia has starred opposite Harrison Ford in the action thriller Firewall and Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline in the comedic drama A Prairie Home Companion. She will star with Forrest Whitaker in the upcoming existential drama The Ripple Effect.

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