Madison Iseman
Iseman, a South Carolina native and animal lover extraordinaire, moved to Los Angeles at the age of 16 in hopes to begin her well awaited acting career. Since then, she has been seen in many short films, television shows, and motion picture films. She stars as Bethany in her most recent film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle alongside Jack Black, saying “I got to do a lot of character work with Jack Black because I transform into him, so that was awesome.”
Some people know what they want to do with their lives and many don’t. Figuring out what you’re destined to do is hard when you’re surrounded by constant change. When asked about Iseman’s road to acting, she replied “I’m a huge believer in ‘life will take you where you’re supposed to be’ so, if I wasn’t supposed to be in LA doing this, I don’t think it would have been presented to me in the first place. I trust life will take me where I am supposed to be. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.”
She also hinted at the fact that traveling is a major upside of her career. Through her career she’s been able to live in Nashville, Tennessee for a third of the year for the filming of her television show on CMT, Still the King. Before starring as Charlotte, who happens to be one of the lead characters in Still the King alongside with Billy Ray Cyrus, she was only playing minor roles to start up her career. When asked about the transition from playing minor roles to playing Charlotte, she stated it was terrifying. “A lot comes with playing a lead character on a TV show. You have to ask yourself the questions, ‘where do I want my character to be at the end of the season’ and ‘what ways will my character grow through experiences this season.’ It’s a lot more pressure than just having a one-time guest spot.”
Acting is a cycle, as are many things in this world. You audition for a role, sometimes more than once, and as soon as you’ve been casted, the journey of being someone else begins. Many actors have different ways of approaching a role once they’ve been casted for it. Iseman says that journaling is a big help to get her in tune with her character. “I journal a lot. I love to journal in my personal life and as my characters. It helps me feel more connected to them. I was also lucky enough to have an acting coach on our set, and she’s the best. She keeps me on my toes.”
Before acting, Iseman immersed herself in videography and photography stating, “From early on, I was always infatuated with the camera. When I was in middle school I started making my own videos and short films with my friends. I was super obsessed with horror films and would make fake horror trailers.” When asked about having the chance to direct a film in the near future, she replied “I’ve always wanted to write a film about my journey to my faith, and how I found God. I don’t think there are enough Christian-based films in Hollywood. I’d love to contribute one day.”
Her faith keeps her going and strengthens her as she pushes through the unpredictable and rocky industry that is acting. She certainly feels strongly about other topics such as animal rights and adoption. “I am a huge animal activist. Adopt, don’t shop! My love for animals goes way back. Shelters are overcrowded these days and so many are abused or have to be put down. There are many ways to help your local shelter. Even volunteering helps!”
In finding her true passions, she also said that acting on a television show is not that different from acting on the big screen. “The biggest difference I found is the pace of everything. Television is so quick. They pop out things right and left. Film takes a little more time.” Acting can take a toll on a person for many reasons. Leaving your hometown for months on end, possibly longer, is rather difficult to do. Home is where the heart is so when you’re gone from your home almost constantly, it can be hard. Iseman insists she misses home every day and states that her being in Los Angeles is merely for her career. “I love LA, but it won’t be my permanent home. I’m not sure where I want to end up one day, but I don’t think it will be LA.”
Change is a test that is given to us to see if we can withhold our strengths and persist in a world full of rage. Whether we run through the fire or not, coming out stronger is what the idea of change is. When you dive into your passions full on, expect all the possibilities of failure because behind every failure is success. Don’t give up after countless failed attempts. Let that drive in you continue it’s journey for as long as you’re willing to succeed. As for aspiring actors, Iseman does have a helpful tip for those who want to pick up the career, “Don’t give up! It’s so cliché I know, but it’s a cliché for a reason. This industry will test you in so many ways. Hold your ground, be proud of your work, and don’t give up!”