Sophia Michaels
Bailee Madison, now 24 years old, started her Hollywood career early with close to 60 screen credits under her belt, establishing herself as a respected child actor. She successfully navigated the challenging transition from child star to adult roles, avoiding the common pitfalls seen in many former child actors. Growing up in the spotlight posed unique challenges as she matured in the public eye, a journey she candidly shared in an interview with Schön! magazine.
Embracing new projects and even venturing into music, Bailee Madison is poised to elevate her career to new heights, supported by her dedicated fan base. Discover more about this versatile performer and witness Bailee Madison’s evolution from child star to a talented 24-year-old.
Early Beginnings in Showbiz
Bailee Madison’s journey in showbiz began at a mere two weeks old when her mother’s connection led her to a TV commercial role. Her early exposure to the industry set the stage for her acting career, paving the way for her first significant role in the 2006 film “Lonely Hearts” at a very young age, initiating her remarkable career trajectory.
Breakthrough with “Bridge to Terabithia”
“Bridge to Terabithia” marked a turning point in Bailee Madison’s career, propelling her into the spotlight and garnering her widespread recognition in the industry. This pivotal role at just five years old laid the foundation for her subsequent success, landing her various TV show appearances and roles in acclaimed films, including working alongside Natalie Portman in “Brothers.”
First Starring Role in “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”
**Breaking into Horror Films with a Guillermo Del Toro Movie**
In 2010, Bailee Madison landed a significant role in the horror fantasy film “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” co-starring with Guy Pearce and Katie Holmes. She portrayed Sally, a 10-year-old girl at the center of this haunting tale. The film received praise for Madison’s performance, with critic Roger Ebert highlighting her acting skills. Despite the spooky atmosphere of the movie, Holmes made sure Madison had a lighthearted experience on set, organizing activities like dance parties and finger painting.
**Supporting Childhood Cancer Charities**
During her busy acting career, Bailee Madison became involved in supporting a unique charity dedicated to funding research for pediatric cancer, called Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. She joined as a celebrity spokesperson in 2010 and has since actively participated in the foundation’s initiatives. By appearing in public service announcements and organizing fundraising events like lemonade stands, Madison has contributed to spreading awareness and raising funds for the cause.
**TV Stardom on Network Television with “Trophy Wife”**
Transitioning from film to television, Bailee Madison secured recurring roles in well-known series like “Once Upon a Time” and “The Wizards of Waverly Place.” She later landed a regular role in the ABC sitcom “Trophy Wife” in 2014. Despite the show’s popularity and critical acclaim, it was unfortunately canceled after one season. This turn of events led to new opportunities for Madison in her television career.
**Achieving Success with the Series “Good Witch”**
One of Bailee Madison’s most memorable projects to date has been her role in the Hallmark Channel series “Good Witch,” which aired from 2015 to 2021. Portraying the character Grace, Madison spoke of the exciting journey of playing a role with multiple layers. Her character’s growth in the series resonated with her own personal development. After five seasons on the show, Madison decided to leave in 2019, receiving warm regards from Hallmark executives.### Bailee Madison’s Professional Relationships
Bailee Madison shared her gratitude towards the cast and crew of the show with whom she had formed close bonds on and off the screen. She highlighted the importance of the team behind the camera in creating the magic and love that viewers witness.
### Exploring New Horizons with a Mystery Novel
Following her time on “Good Witch,” Bailee Madison didn’t limit herself to acting in films and TV series but ventured into the world of writing. She collaborated with Stefne Miller to co-author her first novel, “Losing Brave,” which is a psychological thriller aimed at a teenage audience. The novel not only provides an engaging read but also ensures a safe space for younger readers.
### A Daring Return to Horror
In the same period as her novel release, Bailee Madison made a comeback to the horror genre with “The Strangers: Prey at Night.” She embraced the role of a young woman trying to survive a terrifying ordeal, delving deep into the psychology of fear. Despite mixed reviews, the film proved to be a box office success, grossing well above its budget.
### A Podcast Journey with Her Sister
Bailee Madison joined forces with her older sister, Kaitlin Vilasuso, to launch the podcast “Just Between Us.” This initiative allowed them to share personal stories, lessons, and host guests from the entertainment industry. The podcast, produced by Podcast One, featured intimate conversations with various guests before concluding after 55 episodes.
### Long-Term Relationship with Blake Richardson
Bailee Madison’s social media presence occasionally includes her partner, Blake Richardson, a member of the British pop trio New. Their long-standing relationship is evident on her Instagram account, where she keeps her 3.3 million followers updated.Bailee Madison and Blake Richardson have been dating since 2019, and Richardson has introduced Madison to U.K. soccer club Manchester United. They have attended games together in January 2023 and again in July of the same year. Madison has openly expressed her love for Richardson on social media, referring to him as “my person” in a post from 2021 and celebrating their three-year anniversary in 2022. They first connected online through social media and later via a dating app before meeting in person, navigating their 20s together.
Bailee Madison joined the “Pretty Little Liars” franchise in 2021 when she was cast in the spinoff series “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.” She played Imogen, a character with a traumatic past and an unexpected pregnancy. Madison’s experience filming “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” prepared her for the suspense-filled TV drama. She shared that she carries lessons from Guillermo del Toro with her in her acting career. Madison reprised her role for the second season of the series in 2024.
In 2024, Bailee Madison ventured into the music industry and signed with the Jonas Brothers’ Red Van Records label. Her debut single, “Kinda Fun,” was co-written with her boyfriend, Blake Richardson. The song was inspired by a casual jam session in Richardson’s home recording studio. Making music together has brought the couple closer and created a new career path for Madison. She expressed how special it is to write songs and bond with Richardson through their shared love for music.
