IN CONVERSATION WITH MADELINE BREWER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Emmy-nominated actress Madeline Brewer has a ton of exciting projects coming out 2025, one being Netflix’s hit psychological drama ‘You’, where she will star in for the show’s fifth and final season, which will release on 24th April. Madeline is best known for portraying Janine in Hulu’s Emmy Award and Golden Globe winning series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, for which she was nominated for a 2021 Emmy in the category of “Outstanding Supporting Actress in Drama Series.” She is currently filming the sixth and final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ and will also next be seen starring in the thriller ‘Anniversary’.
dress MAGDA BUTRYM
gloves THE ROW
earrings CHRISTINA CARUSO
scarf GIVENCHY
coat DRIES VAN NOTEN
nylons FALKE
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
mules SCAROSSO X MARTA POZZAN
scarf GIVENCHY
You’ve had an impressive career, with roles in some iconic projects like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and the upcoming season of ‘You’. Can you walk us through your journey from the beginning to where you are now?
I started out in this industry in 2012 in one of the first Netflix streaming series, ‘Orange is the New Black’. I graduated from a musical theater school 4 months prior and hadn’t ever been on a set before. It was a whirlwind and honestly, the whirlwind hasn’t stopped. I have been so fortunate to work consistently for the last 13 years.
‘You’ has become a massive cultural phenomenon. What was it like to join a series that already has such a dedicated fanbase? Was there any added pressure to bring something fresh to your character?
I am a huge fan of the show. I can’t possibly express the honor and excitement I felt to join such a thrilling and thought-provoking show for its final season. The writers are so brilliant and had a plan for our mysterious Bronte.
Bronte seems to be a complex character with deep ties to literature and nostalgia. What can we expect when we meet your character in this upcoming season?
I think the formula of the show suggests she will be a love interest of Joe’s, but I don’t think anyone is prepared for the twists their love story takes.
romper and belt MICHAEL KORS
top PROENZA SCHOULER
nylons FALKE
pumps NINA RICCI
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
What can you tease about the final season of ‘You’ in general?
You may not like Bronte, but you got to respect her game.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ has had a massive impact on television. How has playing Janine shaped you as an actress, and what did the role teach you about yourself?
Janine and I grew up together. My frontal lobe wasn’t fully formed when we started our journey. She has made me a better person, a better woman, and a better friend.
What is it like filming the final season of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’? Can you share any teasers on what can we expect from it?
I think the final season is a love letter to our fans that have stuck with us through the pain these women have endured for years. Now is our time.
Being nominated for an Emmy for your portrayal of Janine must have been a career highlight. How did that recognition shape your perspective on your work?
It was an honor to be nominated for playing Janine, especially alongside so many of my colleagues. We put a lot of love and respect into these characters and it was so meaningful to have that work recognized by our peers.
dress NINA RICCI
pumps AQUAZURRA
thong SKIMS
You recently took on a new challenge by starring as Sally Bowles in the London production of ‘Cabaret’. What was it like to transition from television to theater, and how did you prepare for such a demanding role?
Sally is the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life, and any Sally who has done the role I think might say the same. She is elusive and endlessly mineable. I was often so perplexed by her. But it was an incredible honor to be on stage again in such an iconic role and production.
In your career, you’ve played complex characters who often deal with adversity. How do you mentally and emotionally prepare for roles that demand a lot of emotional depth and vulnerability?
I think that work is my bread and butter. I’m best suited for the high dive into the psyche of a character. Maybe I’m doing too much, but I am certainly enjoying it.
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dress DODIEE
gloves MOSCHINO
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
right
blazer CHRISTIAN COWAN
dress DODIEE
pumps AQUAZURRA
earrings CHRISTINA CARUSO
corset dress, bloomers and bra DOLCE & GABBANA
earrings CHRISTINA CARUSO
As someone who’s worked on such high-profile projects, how do you balance the personal and professional sides of your life? Do you have any rituals or self-care practices that help you stay grounded?
I have a very fulfilling life outside of my work. I am lucky in having a truly fantastic support system to keep my head out of the clouds. After work, I take a long hot bath to wash away the day.
Having been involved in a variety of genres, from intense dramas like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ to a psychological thriller like ‘You’, do you find yourself gravitating towards a specific genre or type of role?
I have been so lucky to collaborate with creators, writers and directors who want to see the truth and flaw and folly and humanity of characters on screen. They have allowed me to stretch my imagination of what is possible and to trust my instincts.
Next up, you’ll also be starring in ‘Anniversary’ with an incredible cast including Kyle Chandler and Phoebe Dynevor. What can you share about this project, and how does it differ from your previous work?
‘Anniversary’ is a brilliant psycho-political thriller. I hope audiences will be able to enjoy it very soon. It fits well with my other work as it is honest and thought-provoking.
trench coat and bodysuit ZIMMERMAN
pumps NINA RICCI
earrings CHRISTINA CARUSO
TEAM CREDITS:
talent MADELINE BREWER
photography ANKA GARBOWSKA
styling TATIANA CINQUINO
makeup DANI PARKES at EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
hair VALERIE VANESSA at UNCOMMON ARTISTS
movement BRIAN PONIATOWSKI
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA
