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In it, she plays Max, the surly daughter of Pamela Adlon’s character.

Madison credited the experience for giving her a crash course in the entertainment industry.

Mikey Madison on Hollywood Today Live

In Hollywood" and “Scream,” Madison has had an interesting trajectory to fame.

“I couldn’t talk to anyone,” she revealed toInterview.

Madison did not come from an acting family.

Mikey Madison at the premiere of You’re the Worst

Both worked as psychologists.

Madison’s parents have been very supportive of her acting career.

Her love of horses ran deep, and it was something that ran in her family as well.

Mikey Madison at the premiere of Snowfall

It was a difficult choice to make, but riding had become sort of lonely.

“I was intrigued by the intimacy and the connection that comes with acting,” she toldVogue Singapore.

Her career took off soon after, but her early sewing projects were not entirely forgotten.

Mikey Madison at an FX press tour

Adlon later called Madison and her mother to announce that Madison had landed the role.

The show became a huge part of her life as well as an important influence on her career.

Madison made an unusual choice during her audition, which seemed to have cost her the part.

Mikey Madison and the cast of Better Things at NeueHouse Hollywood

Sometimes taking chances pays off, but this one simply struck the wrong chord.

“I was going Daniel Day-Lewis, but it was awkward,” Madison said.

She made sure to do her homework before going in to read for the part.

Mikey Madison at an Emmy Awards afterparty

“you might’t be self-conscious when you’re playing a serial killer,” the actor toldThe Hollywood Reporter.

“There’s no room for any of that.”

I want you to be in it,'" Madison shared withVariety.

Mikey Madison at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party

“And I was like, ‘Yes… but wait, that’s not how this works.'”

“There was a week when I was lying in bed …

I had just been running on adrenaline for months,” Madison explained to Variety.

Mikey Madison in 2020

While Madison’s grandmother spoke Russian, it wasn’t something the rest of the family learned.

However, Madison’s lack of knowledge was actually helpful for her character.

Madison wanted to fully immerse herself in the role, which included learning how to dance.

Mikey Madison at the final season of Better Things celebration

““I sort of did this like stripper bootcamp in a sense.”

“I have fallen in love with the sex work community,” the actor shared withFandango.

When Madison heard the news, she was lying in bed watching TV and FaceTiming with her mom.

Mikey Madison outside CBS studios

“She was crying and it was very sweet,” the actor told"Good Morning America.

Also, it’s crucial that you take your dog to obedience training.'”

At the time, Madison’s mom was pet-sitting for her.

Mikey Madison at the Film Critics Circle Awards

the letter read in part, written on stationary with hearts and butterflies drawn around the borders.

Mikey Madison at the 2025 Golden Globes