Unveiling the Heartbreaking Reality of Bailee Madison’s Journey

Bailee Madison began her acting journey at a young age. In 2010, she earned a Critics Choice Award nomination as the best young actress for her role in “Brothers.” Although she had appeared in Hollywood productions before this, it marked a significant turning point for her, leading to numerous roles in films and TV shows.

Now a young adult, Madison has managed to navigate the demanding entertainment industry while also pursuing music. In 2024, she signed with Red Van Records and released two singles, “Kinda Fun” and “Chiller.” During an interview with WonderMind, she shared how music has served as a source of healing through challenging times.

She expressed: “Musicians often find their truest selves in their art, channeling their experiences into their songs.” While Madison has enjoyed the perks of fame, she has also faced significant challenges related to the pressures of Hollywood, including feelings of loneliness and loss.

Bailee Madison’s journey in the film industry started early, influenced by her mother, Patricia Riley, an actress. Madison had her first acting gig as a baby, often accompanying her mother to auditions. “I believe I did my first commercial at just two weeks old,” she recalled in an interview with Story and Rain.

At age 6, she starred in “Bridge to Terabithia.” However, the rigors of child acting took a toll on her, leading to periods of burnout. In her own words, Madison reflected, “I reached a point where I questioned if this brought me happiness.”

In another interview with The New Zealand Herald, she shared that at 11, she faced a significant challenge that made her rethink her career and faith. Fortunately, she navigated these hard times and stayed connected to her craft.

In November 2023, Bailee Madison revealed heartbreaking news to her followers regarding the passing of her grandfather at age 98. “On October 23rd, my grandpapa left us, just hours after I returned to LA from Florida, where I managed to give him one last hug,” she shared on Instagram.

In her touching post, Madison celebrated her grandfather’s gentle spirit, remembering him as a loving and joyful person. “I will miss him dearly, but I know he will always be in my heart as I move forward in life. 98 years of wisdom and love,” she said, accompanied by sentimental family photos.

One image showed a young Madison cuddled up next to her grandfather, while others captured moments of affection in their later years, highlighting the deep bond they shared.

Bailee Madison has had an intriguing dating life, involving notable figures like social media star Alex Lange. Despite her seemingly friendly parting from Lange in 2019, her earlier romantic experiences, particularly her first relationship, were less pleasant.

At the young age of 15, Madison faced hurtful criticism, even from those close to her. In a 2015 Tumblr entry (as noted by Teen Vogue), the “Wizard of Waverly Place” actress reflected on the risks of labeling individuals, recounting a negative personal incident. “A few weeks ago, someone called me a ‘prude,’ and at first, I didn’t know what it meant, so I just awkwardly laughed. When I later looked up the term, I was shocked,” she recounted.

Months later, Madison disclosed that her first boyfriend, actor Emery Kelly, was the one who termed her a prude. This painful encounter ultimately guided her understanding of what she deserves in a relationship. “I’ve learned to value myself enough to leave relationships, friendships, or situations that don’t lift me up or push me to grow as a person,” she explained during an interview with Clover Letter (via J-14).

Like many in Hollywood, Bailee Madison has been candid about her mental health issues. During a May 2024 interview with WonderMind, she discussed portraying Imogen Adams in “Pretty Little Liars: The Original Sin” and how the role affected her mental well-being. Madison’s character endures a series of traumatic events, including sexual assault, leading her to grapple with various mental health challenges and ultimately seek therapy.

For Madison, immersing herself in the character’s trials and tribulations took a significant toll on her. “Being a highly emotional person, I often carry the energy and feelings of others. For 19 hours a day, for nine months, embodying a character who’s going through pain—it’s a lot to handle,” she remarked in the interview.

She also discussed the difficulties of shooting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened her struggles. “I had this realization: I’m living my dream, feeling happier than ever, yet I also feel more depressed than I ever have,” she revealed.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or needs mental health assistance, please consider reaching out to the resources below:

• Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or call RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
• Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

While working on “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” Bailee Madison expressed feelings of isolation and longing for her family and friends. “Being emotionally invested in a character while returning to a home that feels foreign is isolating. Coming back to an empty space after being around people all day is tough,” she shared with WonderMind. To cope, she often reached out to her loved ones for support.

The loneliness intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when some family members tested positive for the virus. “I transitioned from having everyone together to being alone for the first time in my life, which was difficult,” she recalled in a 2021 interview with Rose & Ivy. Madison noted that her newfound free time exacerbated her loneliness. “I experienced creative highs and lows, but it was a continuous emotional rollercoaster that still affects me today,” she admitted.

Growing up in the spotlight can take a toll on one’s mental health. In her discussion with Schön!, actress Bailee Madison shared her experiences with the pressures of maintaining a perfect image. Although she manages to cope, she admits that self-doubt occasionally creeps in.

Recalling a recent photoshoot without makeup, Madison expressed her insecurities about her appearance. “The creative team aimed for a fresh look, but I felt far from photogenic. I left the shoot feeling insecure, worried that people would think I wasn’t pretty enough for a magazine,” she confessed. Fortunately, the outcome was positive, and she later declared it as one of her favorite shoots.

Madison took to Instagram to share a moment from the shoot, inspiring her followers to challenge conventional beauty norms and embrace self-acceptance. “We need to be kinder to ourselves, to stop comparing ourselves to others,” she noted in her heartfelt message.

In March 2017, Bailee Madison announced on Instagram that she was scheduled for a tonsillectomy later that day. “Tonsil removal in 8 hours! I understand it’s a small surgery compared to many, but support would be appreciated,” she wrote, reaching out for encouragement from her followers.

Weeks later, Madison shared an update about her recovery, revealing it was tougher than anticipated. “While tonsil surgery might seem minor, I’ve been in pain for a week and feeling quite low,” she reflected. She struggled with basic activities like eating and speaking during her recovery and recognized that she sometimes took her health for granted. With empathy, she expressed her support for others facing health challenges.

The following year, during an interview, Madison revealed that she received a script for the horror film “The Strangers: Prey at Night” while recovering. Even without being able to talk, she communicated her interest. “I was really excited, and they said we’d discuss it once I could speak,” she recalled. Ultimately, she won the role of Kinsey, a leading character in the film.