Many actors and actresses can only dream of working alongside their favorite thespians and directors. If you are a talented child star, however, chances are you know these powerful figures on a first name basis. Bailee Madison has worked with Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hillary Swank, Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, and Jennifer Aniston. This is impressive considering this talented star is only 17 years old. The Fort Lauderdale native is in the process of evolving from kid roles to more grown-up ones.The Sandler movie was the standard formula for the comedian; awkward, nerdy guy and a beautiful woman fall in love.
Except it was hard to ignore the actress who lit up the screen with her comedic timing and talent.
She had already been involved films like “Bridge to Conviction”, “Terabithia”, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”, and “Brothers” and TV series like “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”, “Once Upon a Time”, and “Wizards of Waverly Place.”
“I honestly don’t even know how I got into acting,” Madison admits.
She is the youngest of seven kids.
That’s because most of them will simply put on a cute face and high pitched voice that gets people oohing and ahhing.
In case you are wondering if this young woman has natural acting chops consider watching the film “Brothers.”
The movie is an American remake from the Danish 2004 film “Brødre.”
His brother played by Gyllenhaal takes care of his sibling’s family including his wife played by Natalie Portman and two kids. Madison played one of the children.
Needless to say the three veterans played their roles beautifully.
The 17-year-old understands the process of developing her characters early on.
“But this is constantly changing, and you’re growing with the character,” Madison says.
“I would love to have the honor to get to work with Meryl Streep,” she reveals. “I love her and I love her work.”
“I’d like to follow in the footsteps along like Jodie Foster and Natalie Portman, who got their education,” she says.
“For years, I’ve been so enthralled with the behind the scenes process and the way that the camera department works,” she told Teen Vogue. “It truly is a team effort. I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve always wanted to do it with the right project.”
“A Cowgirl’s Story” was released earlier in the year.
“Losing Brave” is a psychological thriller will be released in January 2018.
She penned an essay about how hurtful stereotypes can be after she was called “prude” online.
#ImMoreThanAWord turned into more than just a hashtag but a personal mission for Madison.
The teen star wants others to take out a phone to record the individual tearing up the paper and more specifically, the word.
“However as people we are EVERYTHING. Not one person is the same as another,” she says. “Not one word can define exactly who we are.
“So, next time you are labeled or placed into a group that isn’t you… grab your phone, blast your music and have an epic dance party because YOU are worth so much more than a word,” she concludes.
Madison has over 1.7 million followers.
“Isn’t it amazing how social media can show a totally different side of your life? I can be in bed, in pain, with ice all over and looking like an unshowered mess while at the same time posting a picture of me looking semi decent (thanks to a team of awesome people who make me feel good),” she posted.
“Life is hard sometimes, but we can shine bright and get through it together,” she encourages.
It’s fair to say that Madison is transitioning from child actor to a multi-talented, centred, and matured adult, beautifully.
