Madison Ekstrand was born and raised in Niagara, Wisconsin. She began her artistic journey as a competitive dancer, earning numerous awards for her performances. In her early teens, she transitioned into acting, eventually pursuing her career in Los Angeles.
Madison has appeared in multiple episodes of the Very Frightening Tales series alongside Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, including the award-winning episode Curse of Stone Hill with Michael Paré. She co-starred in the horror thriller Reed’s Point, a festival favorite that received multiple accolades, and made a cameo appearance in the comedy series On All Fours. Most recently, she wrapped filming on a war drama, once again sharing the screen with Eric Roberts.
In 2023, Madison graced the red carpet at the Elton John Oscar event, where she made it onto the ‘Best Dressed’ list. She also caught the attention of producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis and has since collaborated with her company on various projects, both in front of and behind the camera.
Now bi-coastal, Madison continues to build her career in Los Angeles while cherishing time spent back home with her family.
@MadisonEkstrand https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10974362
IEM recently caught up with one of Hollywood’s brightest up-and-coming talents.
What inspired you to start acting, and how did you land your first role?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and the emotion that comes with performing—whether it was through dancing or just imitating characters at home. That passion eventually turned into a serious pursuit. I spent a lot of time honing my craft—taking classes, going to auditions, and really putting in the work. Landing my first role was a combination of that hard work and a bit of luck. I was in the right place at the right time, but I was also prepared for the opportunity when it came. Without the persistence and long hours behind the scenes, that lucky break wouldn’t have meant anything.
Who are your biggest influences or role models in the acting world?
There are quite a few, but some that really stand out to me are actors who fully transform into their roles and bring raw authenticity to every performance. People like Meryl Streep for her range and dedication, Denzel Washington for his power and presence, and Leonardo DiCaprio for the intensity he brings to complex characters. I also look up to actors who stayed grounded and kept evolving, even after reaching success. Their commitment to the craft—not just the fame—really inspires me to keep growing and pushing myself.
Who are some of the actresses you admire most?
Natalie Portman – In Black Swan, the way she portrayed Nina’s psychological unraveling was so haunting and layered. That performance made me realize how important it is to explore the internal life of a character, not just what’s on the surface.
How do you prepare for a new character or audition? Do you have any special routines?
When I’m preparing for a new character or audition, the first thing I do is really dive into the material. I read the script multiple times—not just my lines, but everything—to understand the context, the relationships, and the emotional stakes. I ask a lot of questions: Who is this person? What do they want? What are they afraid of?
Once I understand the character, I work on how they speak, move, and react—sometimes even creating a playlist that feels like their inner world. That helps me stay connected emotionally.
Just before an audition, I have a few small rituals to center myself. I do breathing exercises to calm any nerves and remind myself to be present in the moment. My goal is to walk into the room (or on set) connected to the character, but open to direction and change. For me, preparation is about finding truth in the role—and then letting it live naturally.
What has been the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and why?
I think the character I will be for my recurring role in the Very Frightening Tales series. This character is complex and has highs and lows. I am very excited to embody this character.
How do you balance your acting career with your private life?
It’s definitely a challenge sometimes, especially with the unpredictable schedule that comes with acting—long days on set, last-minute auditions, and travel. But I’ve learned that setting boundaries and staying grounded is key. I make it a point to carve out time for the people and things that matter to me outside of acting—family, close friends, and personal interests that help me recharge.
Staying balanced also means knowing when to unplug from the industry noise and just live life. That real-world experience feeds my work as an actor too. At the end of the day, I think it’s about being fully present wherever I am—whether that’s on set or at home. It’s not always perfect, but staying connected to who I am outside of my career helps me stay sane and centered.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other young people who want to pursue acting?
Be patient, and don’t give up. This industry can be tough—there’s a lot of rejection, a lot of waiting, and sometimes it feels like things aren’t moving. But if you truly love acting, keep showing up. Keep training, keep learning, and take every opportunity—no matter how small—to grow.
Also, don’t try to be someone else. Your uniqueness is your strength. Casting directors aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for truth. So trust your voice, trust your instincts, and stay grounded in who you are. Hard work matters, but so does resilience. Keep going, and when the right moment comes, be ready for it.
If you could play any character from a book or movie, who would it be and why?
One character I’ve always wanted to play is Jo March from Little Women. She’s passionate, bold, and ahead of her time—a writer, a dreamer, and someone who refuses to settle for what society expects of her. What I love most about Jo is her fire—she’s flawed but full of heart, and she fights to find her own path without losing her sense of self.
There’s so much emotional depth in her journey, from her ambition to her relationships and her moments of loneliness. Playing someone like that would be a dream because it challenges you to explore vulnerability, strength, and transformation—all in one role.
How do you handle nerves or stage fright before a performance or audition?
Nerves are totally normal—and honestly, I think they’re a sign that I care. Over time, I’ve learned not to fight them but to work with them. I usually take a few minutes before going on to breathe deeply and focus on the present moment. Sometimes I’ll quietly repeat something simple to myself like, “Just tell the truth.” That helps shift my focus away from trying to impress and back to connecting with the character and the story.
I also remind myself that no one in the room wants me to fail—they’re hoping I do well. That mindset helps take the pressure off. And the more I prepare ahead of time, the more confident I feel walking into the room. So in a way, handling stage fright is a mix of mental focus, physical calm, and trust in the work I’ve already done.
What are your dreams for the future—both in acting and outside of it?
In acting, my dream is to take on roles that challenge me and push me to grow—characters with real depth, stories that matter, and projects that spark conversation. I’d love to work with directors and actors I admire, and eventually step into producing or even writing to help create the kinds of stories I believe in. I want a career built on substance and longevity, and not just the spotlight.
Outside of acting, I dream of having a life that’s full and meaningful—staying connected to my roots, building strong relationships, maybe even settling down one day. I also want to give back—whether that’s mentoring young artists, supporting causes I care about, or simply using my platform to make a positive impact. At the end of the day, I just want to keep growing—as an artist and as a human being.
Featured Photo: Modern Image Photography
