Bailee Madison

Erin Walsh Hello Darling Bailee! SO glad you could join us here. I would love to start at the beginning, as you are in the company of many talents we have featured who have been at the BIZ since they were littles. SO let’s start at the beginning. What was it like working as a little kid and can you tell us how you got started?

Bailee Madison A lot of reflecting has been done this past year, specifically about my time as a kid. I have found even more peace and gratitude for my life as a child now more than ever. Thankfully, I never felt like it was “work,” I just was getting to do something that made me extremely happy. Although it wasn’t “normal” it was my normal, and I was surrounded by a family that made sure that when set days or press was done, I was surrounded by all the usual childlike memories or things, and by doing so, they kept it as balanced as possible. I started in this business through what I have always called “A God thing,” I never took acting classes or asked to be an actress it just sort of happened. I did my first commercial when I was two weeks old, cause my mom was a commercial queen and they needed a baby. I remember trips to New York where my mom and my older sister would be at an addition and I would try to unbuckle myself from the stroller and crash their auditions, however the journey truly started when I was four. My sister, who is 13 years older than me, was at an audition. I was in the waiting room with our mom, and when casting came out, they saw me and asked if I wanted to audition. Long story short, I ended up booking that movie and from that point on the blessings kept coming and my heart couldn’t feel more grateful.

EW It seems like you had the experience of consistently joining forces with huge movie stars in projects throughout your childhood. How did that impact you?

BM Oh man, it impacted me the most. I was surrounded by some of the most influential people on and off the screen. I was able to learn the most lessons both through words and by simply just watching. Each and every person taught me something that I still hold with me to this day, and some still remain in my life and help guide me. I will forever be the most grateful for the time given to my younger self, I always felt seen and for someone at my age I always felt incredibly appreciative.

EW Who was your mentor during this time? What and who helped you stay tethered and sane?

BM My mentor was my mother, and my family. My mom dropped everything in her life and was with me at all times. As I grow older and navigate this business as a young adult my appreciation for all that she did continues to grow. Not only was she having to learn about this business and keep me protected, but her priority always remained being the best and most loving mother to me. My family was always by my side, they kept me grounded, always reminded me of what truly mattered and they kept my heart filled with love and safety.

EW You have two recent big projects, A Week Away, and the latest, A Cinderella Story. I would love to talk about both specifically, but let’s start with CINDERELLA, as that is on deck now. What can we expect? Give us a quick synopsis and what you hope we will take from the film.

BM I grew up a genuine fan of the Cinderella Story franchise. The women who have stepped into this role are women that I admire so much, so to be able to now be included in that list is very humbling. This retelling is one I’m very proud of. It holds the classic heart of what makes this franchise so special, but also finds a way to deal with sexism in this business in a very fun way. My character Finley lives on a farm with her stepfamily, and her dream is to be an actress. When a movie starts filming in town, she has to disguise herself in order to be in it. She not only finds love along the way, but the message of the film is more than just about having a prince charming, and I’m excited to be telling that story.

EW Tell us about your character Finley and the process of filming the movie.

BM Finley was a blast for me to play, she’s got so much heart and warmth to her, but her strength is something even more special. For me, getting to play the two roles was a challenge I’ve never done before, so bouncing back and forth between ‘Finley’ and ‘Huck’ was a highlight for me as an actor. There was a lot of physical comedy for me to tackle, which I found very freeing. We actually filmed this movie early on into COVID, set as we knew it changed so much but I have to say, to get to experience something so once-in-a-lifetime like that was a stolen moment of beauty during a time of much confusion and isolation.

BLAZER & TOP Balmain SHOES Balmain TIGHTS D.Bleu.Dazzled EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher RINGS Jennifer Zeuner

EW As someone who has been working for quite some time, how has your process changed from being a small child to a grown up? Yes, you are still young, but you are operating from a different perspective these days. What has changed?

BM I think what’s changed is I’m more aware of how delicate life is. I just recently took my first vacation ever. I’m realizing the importance of not just fulfilling my heart through work, but also the importance of fulfilling my heart through normal life things- to put it simply, finding strength in the balance of both. I don’t have to say yes to every single thing, I can be thoughtful about my decisions and my days, everyone is on a different path and I’m embracing the path and clock that I’m on.

EW Anything in the way of a motto you subscribe to?

BM “Everything happens for a reason” is a motto I subscribe to, but a motto that anxiety and social pressure can sometimes challenge.

EW Tell us how you use your platform to pay it forward.

BM I can say that I try to use my platform to pay it forward, although I always believe that I can do more. I always try to shed light on those that are doing extraordinary work, I try to take time to connect with those online who are kind enough to connect and support me. From posting about charities, to posting about mental health, and making an effort to remind people that what you see on a screen isn’t always reality, there’s always something big or small that can help.

DRESS Balmain BELT Stylist’s own TIGHTS Victoria’s Sectret BOOTS Dolce & Gabbana BELT Alaia

JACKET &  SHORTS St John BRA Dolce & Gabbana TIGHTS D.Bleu.Dazzled SHOES Balmain RINGS Jennifer Zeuner

EW How do you like to spend your days when you aren’t working?

BM I love to spend them with my family, and because of Covid, some of us are separated so FaceTime dates and check ins are always a must. I also adopted a dog in quarantine, so he is always by my side for off day cuddles. I love writing, I love cooking, I just love appreciating life’s little moments when I’m not running around.

EW What are some of your favorite ways to pay it forward? Any charities or causes we should know about?

BM YES! Alex’s Lemonade Stand is a foundation I’ve worked with since I was 11 years old, they do incredible work with childhood cancer research. Give Kids The World, does beautiful work and are located a few hours away from my hometown in Florida. Starlight Children’s Foundation is amazing at taking care of not just the child in the hospital but also the entire family.

JACKET & SHORTS Georges Hoebika SHOES Aloha’s EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher RINGS Jennifer Zeuner

EW What makes you hopeful after a year of pandemic life?

BM I think this pandemic has given us all a chance to reflect and check ourselves. I’m hopeful that when life resumes we realize how precious life is. I hope we don’t go back into rushing around and I hope our priorities for looking out for one another and taking time for those we love remains. I especially hope that the things we took for granted, like a simple hug or getting to see someone’s smile is always a priceless and beautiful thing to us.

EW What makes you excited about the coming year?

BM It feels like a shift is coming in the best way possible. I have so much in me that I haven’t been able to show people yet and so I’m incredibly excited about that. I’m also hopeful at the idea of the world opening up again, I miss hugging people, and I miss the little things about life.