Bailee Madison
Bailee Madison is stepping into her power, her true self, her beauty, and her passion as she continues to move upward in the world of film and television. Having started her career at a young age, the talented actress has come a long way! Her latest film, “A Week Away,” has just come out and we are beyond excited! Keep reading to get to know more about Bailee, her experience as an actress, her thoughts on the world, and more!
Bailee On…
On FRIENDSHIP
Friendship is one of the most precious things in life. A friendship to me stems from a place a complete trust, understanding, respect, and love. I also have learned that just like any relationship, it takes work and effort. There have been times when I have fully invested myself into a friend, and it hasn’t worked out. Right now in my life, I couldn’t feel more grateful for the old and the new friends that are surrounding me. I have a close little bubble of humans that I get to go through life with. It’s quality over quantity always!
On FAMILY
My family is my whole heart. They have been my best friends since I was born and have never left my side. I am who I am today because of the love, wisdom, and support that they give me day in and day out. They know me better than I know myself, and they see me in ways I struggle to see myself at times. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel so blessed and beyond grateful to have them. At the end of the day, family is everything, whether you were born into your family or you have created your own family along the way- there is truly nothing more important than that.
On FAITH
I have always been very vocal about my faith, because it’s simply one of the biggest parts about me. I have always tried my best to be as open and honest as possible, and when it came to the decision of sharing what I believe, I didn’t hesitate to be open and honest about that as well. I truly do believe that He has a plan and a purpose for everyone. I do however feel that the subject of faith is still a slippery slope, and there seems to still be a stigma around someone discussing their faith. I hope we will be able to break down those barriers soon, so people can be more honest and open about parts of who they are and whatever it is they believe.
On GENDER EQUALITY
We are existing in a time where new conversations are being had and more voices are being heard than ever before, and I think everyone is very grateful for that. There is much work still to be done in the space of ensuring gender equality, but there is a shift happening and it’s about damn time.
On SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media has proven to be one of the most powerful tools out there and can be such a positive thing. I for one am so grateful to have a platform which lets me connect to so many people across the world. It’s a chance to spread stories of hope and love, and a way to shine a light on so many people who are doing incredible work and it can encourage us to want to give back and educate ourselves more. It has also proven to be a force in moving the needle for crucial conversations and creating a platform for voices that have been silenced for so long to no longer be silenced. However, we would be lying to ourselves if we didn’t admit to the amount of negative it can cause. Social media can also be very damaging when it comes to mental health. We live in a time where cancel culture, unrealistic standards, bullying and trafficking among other things live on social media platforms. I am constantly taking social media breaks, and also trying to figure out ways that we can ensure these platform’s main focus is to always create a safe space for all.
On TECHNOLOGY
We are living in a time right now where the entire world is in the midst of a pandemic which has separated too many people from their loved ones, and yet because of technology they have been able to maintain a semblance of connection. That is such a beautiful thing.
On IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL STYLE
One’s personal style is yet another way to take ownership over who YOU are as a person. Just be you- you are beautiful!
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You started your career at a young age. How has your journey been so far as an actress? What do you believe were your biggest obstacles in the last few years?
I feel incredibly fortunate for the journey I’ve been able to go on. There have been so many unbelievably special highs, but just like anything in life there have been lows. I think starting off as a “child actress,” breaking that barrier and that mold into adulthood is an interesting thing, it is challenging and also thrilling. There is so much inside of me that’s ready to burst out, and I really am looking forward to facing all that’s ahead with a grateful and very determined heart.
“A Week Away” is coming out on Netflix in a few weeks. Can you tell us more about the film and your role in it? What are you most excited about your audience seeing?
“A Week Away” follows a young man named Will, who has been in and out of the foster care system and is given one last chance before having to go to juvie. He finds himself thrown into a summer camp filled with hope, love, faith, and second chances. Along the way, he meets my character Avery who is going through her own struggles as well, and together they start to break down each other’s walls. This is a film that I’m so proud of, and so excited for people to get to watch. I think now more than ever, we are craving something that brings us together and gives us hope. I hope that people can see themselves in this movie, and sing, dance, and smile (maybe even shed a tear) with us!
On set, who was someone you connected strongly with and why?
Our entire crew and cast became one big family, and I have such care and respect for everyone that had a hand in making this film happen. For me, I was so grateful to connect with my fellow producing partners. As a woman, and especially being a 19-year-old at the time, it meant the world to me to have been given such respect when it came to producing alongside them. I always felt like I had a seat at the table and that whatever opinion I had was heard. We worked as a team, and have now become great friends in the workspace as collaborators but also as humans. I’m so grateful for that.
What is your “dream”? Has it changed over the years? Explain.
My “dream” has always been the same and I don’t really see it changing…. I love what I do and pray that it never goes away. If I had to describe it, I hope that when I look back at my life, I’m surrounded by children of my own, and that the memories created both through public and private times are fond and fulfilling memories. I recognize that life is short, and I also recognize that my heart has so much to give. Love is everything to me, and the one thing that matters truly at the end of the day.
How have your past projects shaped who you are today as an actress and individual?
Every project holds a special place in my heart. I’m so grateful for all of the conversations had and lessons learned, whether spoken or unsaid. I am humbled beyond belief for the opportunities I have been given, and for the amount of people who have believed in me along the way.
In what ways do you keep your life balanced? What pushed you to stay “out of trouble” (having been such a young actress at your start)?
My family is my rock and have always made sure that at the end of the day, the “Bailee” inside of me never goes away. They keep me in check, they are there to listen and advise but they are also there to push me and let me try to figure out what this new world of adulting looks like. I know so many people have had to navigate this business alone or with others around them that don’t have their best interest in mind at the end of the day. I can’t imagine going through this tricky business without my family next to me!
What advice would you give to aspiring young actors.
Patience is key- things take time but effort and belief are everything. Even when you think someone has “made it,” trust me when I say, you never stop working your ass off. Surround yourself with good people, keep your mind focused and know that everything happens for a reason! Spend your spare time reading and writing, focus on ALL the ways you can create and don’t be afraid to create your own opportunities!
Can you tell us more about who the Bailee Madison today is?
The Bailee today is honestly in a very good head space personally. My private life is filled with such love and joy, and I don’t know what I would do without that. There is a huge amount of drive that I have discovered within myself, and new things that I have learned about my mind and my heart. I’m eager and excited for what my 20’s look like, and every morning I wake up grateful for a new day and another chance to grow, create, love, appreciate and take yet another step forward to building and trusting all that life has to offer.
TEAM CREDITS
@tilted.style
Talent BAILEE MADISON @baileemadison
Photographer DAVID HIGGS @higgsy_photography
Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph
Styling AMANDA LIM @itsamandalim
Styling Assistant ARIELLE NATASHA @ariellenatasha
Hair PAIGE DAVENPORT @paige_davenport for Exclusive Artists using Oribe Haircare
Makeup KATRINA KLEIN @katrinakleinmakeup
Interview by ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites
Production @BELLOmediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la x @alexbonnetwrites