Pop-Culturalist.com

Madison Shamoun is an up-and-coming actress who should be on everyone’s radar. She’s appeared in hit TV shows including Sydney to the Max, black-ish, and #BlackAF. We caught up with the rising talent to learn more about how she got her start in the industry and chatted about the two exciting projects she has coming up.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Madison: I came out of the womb singing and dancing. My mom put me into any extracurricular that had some sort of performance aspect to it—there was dancing, singing, ice skating, cheer, gymnastics, and then commercials and theater. It kept evolving over time. Then, I went to college and got my undergraduate degree in acting and I’ve been doing it ever since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Madison: Honestly, my answer would be different, like, months ago, and even yesterday, but today I’d have to say that my fellow peers have really influenced my career, especially coming from studio training where you’re with the same forty people every day, because we learn from each other by watching each other. Some of my favorite actors are the people my age that I’ve worked with that have informed my work and training.

PC: You’ve been really open about the ups and downs of this industry. During those challenging times, how were you able to persevere? Who or what has instilled that fight in you?
Madison: It’s really important to find mentorship, at least it has been for me; it’s been an integral part of being motivated and staying in it because there’s so much heartbreak. There are also so many challenges. So, I always say to, like, aspiring actors or people who ask me that you have to find people that you can trust that won’t take advantage of you because it’s tough—it’s real, real tough out there.

PC: When you were in college, you did work behind the scenes producing and directing. How have those experiences made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Madison: It’s good to know what happens on all sides of the camera and stage. You gain an appreciation for the people who spend forty hours a week sewing your costumes, who are up on those twenty-foot ladders putting the lighting in. It was a change in perspective for me. Being on both sides makes you grateful for everyone involved.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Madison: I think it was when I booked black-ish. When I got the call about black-ish, I didn’t realize the weight of what that meant to me. I was talking to my mom about this recently, about ten-year-old Madison who dreamed of being an actor, being on TV, and sharing her talent with the world. If I were able to go back and tell my ten-year-old self that I was going to be on black-ish, working with this cast and the great creators, she would freak out. I freaked out in the moment when I heard I got the job. I want to carry that gratitude and excitement into everything that I do.

PC: As you look ahead to the next five, ten years, what are some of the goals you hope to accomplish?
Madison: Oh, wow. I want to continue to grow in my craft, challenge myself, and do as many different things as I can, which can be hard when you’re at the beginning of your career. At the start, you want to do everything and gain experience. You want to meet people. I would say longevity wise, I’m excited about being able to work on things and choosing what I do work on.

PC: You have two exciting projects coming out! Is there anything you can tell us about 7 Minutes in Hell or The Re-Start?
Madison: I don’t know how much I can say, but they’re both are in post-production. You probably know as much as I do, but 7 Minutes in Hell is a cool horror piece I shot last year, which is wonderful. It was super scary and so much fun to shoot. Hopefully, it’ll be on a streaming platform this year.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Madison: I have a list, but right now it’s Love Island. I’m also re-watching Top Chef—all of it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Madison: The Room or Showgirls—those are iconic.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Madison: For a musical, I would say Into the Woods, and for a play, I would say Miss Julie—that’s a good one.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Madison: Frank Ocean

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Madison: Zendaya

To keep up with Madison, follow her on Instagram.