Pop Culturalist Chats with Madison Smith

Madison Smith is quickly making a name for himself. The talented Canadian has graced our screens in shows including Legends of Tomorrow, When Calls the Heart, Supernatural, and most recently, Aftermath. He’ll next star in the Lifetime Original, He Loves You Not. And, Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with this leading man.

Aftermath Questions

PC: What drew you to the project? And, what was the audition process like?
Madison: When it came to Aftermath, I actually auditioned for the role of Matt Copeland—who is played fantastically by Levi Meaden. Even then, I was so excited about the show and who was attached to it so I jumped at the opportunity to audition for my character, Martin.

PC: How did you learn you landed the role? And, how did you prepare?
Madison: I booked Aftermath on my birthday—and was that ever a great present! Martin is a very capable and brave military man, and I wanted to make sure I portrayed that correctly. The first thing to do was get to the gym…the next day, of course, because that night I had a few things to celebrate.

PC: How would you describe your character in five words? And, what similarities/differences do you share?
Madison: Heroic, sarcastic, strong, respectful, and selfless. I like to think that I share a lot of those personalities with Martin. The big thing that differentiates us is Martin’s military record. I may think I share those personality traits with Martin, but he, like all the men and women who choose to serve their country, proves it in his actions.

PC: Your character, Martin, has a deep connection with Dana and makes the ultimate sacrifice for her. Did you know your character’s fate when you signed up for the project?
Madison: Yes, Martin and Dana definitely share something special. And, a big shout out to Julia Sarah Stone who plays Dana. She was a pleasure to work with. I knew that Martin wasn’t meant to be there for too long, but I didn’t know how or when he would meet his end until I read the script. Even after I did, though, I kept trying to convince our writer, Bill Laurin, to let the bullet just graze Martin’s shoulder. As you can probably tell, I was unsuccessful.

PC: How did you and Julia build your chemistry?
Madison: Books, actually. Julia is an extremely intelligent person and an avid reader so we connected a lot talking about novels. Then, soon after that, everything just started to click in. I felt like every scene had that friendship which each great relationship has to have.

PC: If the world ended tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
Madison: I’d go snowboarding for sure. And, if I knew that the world was ending the next day anyway, I’d try every trick that I’ve always been afraid to try for fear of hurting myself. To spend the day up on a beautiful mountain looking down on the world would be such an amazing way to go.

PC: How would you describe your fellow cast-mates in one word?
Madison: Suitcase. I guess I should elaborate. We played a card game at lunch called “Happy Suitcase”, and I think I learned more about each of them during it than any other moment.

Career Questions

PC: How did you get started in the business? When did you realize you wanted to be an actor?
Madison: I didn’t really realize I wanted to be an actor until I had been going to college for a year and wasn’t sure I was on the right path. I had a talk with my mom about it, and she was actually the one who first suggested I give it a try. I haven’t looked back since.

PC: How do you approach each new project?
Madison: With each new project I like to look at how my character and I can relate. I get excited about trying to play someone who is different than me, or someone who shares a lot of my personality. I definitely can say, though, that I’m an actor who loves auditions. So when I get a new audition, I love working on it and discovering things about my character.

PC: Do you have a dream role?
Madison: Oh ya! Nathan Drake from the Uncharted video games. 100% would love that role–and I would kill it!

PC: Are there any upcoming projects you can chat about?
Madison: The next thing you’ll see me in is a movie for Lifetime called He Loves You Not. I had a blast working with the director and the cast. I’m really looking forward to it coming out so people can see it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Madison: The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise. Although I don’t feel that guilty about it.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Madison: The Devil Wears Prada

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Madison: The Book Of Mormon—pure genius. Wicked is a close second, though.

PC: Favorite book?
Madison: The Bleachers by John Grisham

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Madison: Instagram

Make sure to follow Madison on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Photo Credit: Arron Le Photography