IN CONVERSATION WITH MADISON ELISE ROGERS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Madison Elise Rogers is best known for her role as Lindy in the Paramount+ hit series ‘Yellowstone’s’ prequel ‘1923’, which returned for its second season on 23rd February. After ‘1923’, Madison will also star in the comedy series ‘Damsels’.

Madison, you’ve mentioned that you initially enrolled in acting classes to help with shyness. What was it about acting that eventually sparked your passion and led you to pursue it professionally?

When I first explored acting, it felt like discovering a part of myself I never knew was missing. The moment I found it, I knew I could never let it go. It became as essential as breathing. While pursuing it professionally was something that came to me a bit later on, my love for it was immediate and undeniable. Acting has a way of intertwining with your soul, and for me, it’s something that will always be woven into the fabric of who I am and I needed to find a way to make a living doing what I love, as cliche as that sounds.

How did you feel landing your first role in LA? What was that experience like for you?

Landing my first role in LA was actually pretty magical, even though it wasn’t what you’d call a major production. When you’re 19, wide-eyed and filled with that new sense of freedom in this town, everything is magical. I remember the moment I got the call, it felt like the world had cracked open for me. Little did I know, it would be quite the journey. But really working on that set was such a beautiful experience for me. The energy, the opportunity to bring someone to life. It was intoxicating.

Your role as Lindy in ‘1923’ has gained a lot of attention. What was your initial reaction when you first found out you were cast alongside such a talented ensemble, including actors like Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, and Timothy Dalton?

It was such a "pinch me" moment. Completely surreal. I couldn’t have imagined a more incredible cast to work alongside for my first major project. I honestly don’t think I was quite prepared for what I would witness out of such icons. I don’t think anyone really is. I feel so incredibly blessed to have gotten that experience at such a junior moment in my career.

You started with two episodes in Season 1, but you have a much bigger presence in Season 2. How does it feel to have more screen time and to be part of such an impactful storyline this season?

Portraying a character like Lindy has been such a wild ride. When I found out I would be returning and Lindy would have a heavier presence, I wasn’t just thrilled at the opportunity to continue bringing her to life, but I felt relieved because I knew what depth Lindy held, and I felt responsible in a sense to continue exploring the inner workings of this woman and to share that with the world. Often time, characters like sex workers are so one dimensional, when in actuality they are anything but that and usually even more complex than your average person. 

Without giving too much away, can you tease the plot twist in Season 2 that fans can expect?

Just know that Lindy is definitely involved in a dramatic plot twist and she’s going to really shock you this season.

From playing Lindy in ‘1923’ to your upcoming role of Katie in “What I Didn’t Say”, it seems you’re taking on some really diverse characters. How do you approach preparing for such different roles? (Edited role – this project was scrapped, but I am in pre-production for the above project)

For me, every character begins with the script. I dive into it, dissecting every detail to gather as much insight as possible. From that point on, the process is so role dependent. With Lindy, I spent a lot of time journaling and imagining the unspoken moments of her life, really sitting with her and building her backstory. Katie on the other hand, who I portray in this really unique and forward thinking rom-com written by this brilliant new writer Jameelah, she came with the important task of portraying someone who is heavily immersed in a diverse world, surrounded by women of color and LGBTIQ characters, so it was crucial that I made sure to build my character into a model of positivity around these communities, yet keep her reactionary very normal and grounded so that I contribute to these storylines having a sense of normalcy in art, as they should. Not playing into stereotypes was important, so figuring those out and navigating around them has been a heavy part of the process thus far.

Reflecting on your career so far, which particular moment or role has made the most significant impact on you, and why?

Lindy has had an enormous impact on me as an actor and as a person. Of course, with her being my breakout role, that alone carries such impact. But her complexities and depth that challenged me to explore darker, more emotional places, and empathizing with her journey left such a lasting impression on me. I don’t think anything will ever quite compare to that first character that really made you work to understand them and to create their entire existence. It’s a special relationship that one tends to hold on to forever and always reflect back on.

Looking ahead, what kind of roles are you hoping to take on? Are there any genres or projects you’d love to explore that you haven’t yet?

I’ve always been fascinated by horror. It’s always such rollercoaster ride for both the audience and the actors, and the idea of stepping into that realm excites me. I would be like a kid on a playground where I can just let loose, face my fears, and explore the most extreme emotions. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have a scream queen moment?

The industry has evolved a lot over the past few years, especially with streaming platforms. What changes have you noticed in the way projects are created or how you approach acting?

Honestly, it hasn't really changed much for me. By the time I started auditioning, streaming platforms were already part of the landscape, so they've always been a natural part of the industry I’ve known. It’s just the way things work now, but I can do anything. I feel like you have to be open to change. Positive change at least, which I know not everyone views the streaming age as positive, but I believe it allows more freedoms. It has expanded opportunity for creators and gifts us with more variety in content. So, I appreciate it. But at the core of it, auditioning, connecting with projects, and telling stories has remained the same for me. It’s just the medium that’s evolved.

When you’re not on set, you enjoy baking, cooking, and painting. How do these hobbies contribute to your well-being and creative process as an actor?

These are all outlets that allow me to unwind and reconnect with my creativity in a way that feels very grounding. Cooking and baking, for instance, are a form of mindfulness. The rhythm of chopping, stirring, and tasting is meditative, and I love how it engages all of my senses. It’s a nice contrast to the intensity of acting. I feel like it allows me to slow down and be fully present in the moment. As for painting, it gives me a chance to express emotions and ideas visually, which often translates back into my acting. 

CREDITS:

photography SAM KIM