Maddie Ziegler, a name synonymous with dance and reality television, has gracefully transitioned from the intense world of “Dance Moms” to a burgeoning career as a Hollywood actress. While her early fame was undeniably shaped by the Lifetime show, Ziegler is now carving out her own path, taking on challenging roles and proving her versatility beyond the dance floor. Her journey is a testament to her ambition and resilience, and her recent projects signal a significant shift in her public image.
Embracing New Challenges: Maddie Ziegler in “Fitting In”
Ziegler’s role in “Fitting In” marks a pivotal moment in her acting career. This film was not just another project; it was her first time leading a production, placing her at the top of the call sheet. This new level of responsibility came with long and demanding days on set, but for Ziegler, it was a welcome challenge. Her inherently competitive spirit thrives on pushing boundaries, making “Fitting In” a particularly meaningful experience.
Reflecting on the pressures of filming, Ziegler shared a lighthearted anecdote about managing stress on set. “If I were tired or stressed [on set], I’d say, ‘No worries, no worries,’ and our makeup artist would say, ‘Worries, worries,’” she recalls. This humorous approach to stress highlights her ability to maintain a positive attitude even under pressure, a valuable trait in the demanding world of filmmaking.
The impact of “Fitting In” extends beyond the challenges of production. For Ziegler, the film felt like the dawn of a new chapter. The experience of filming intimate scenes and seeing the movie listed at her local Los Angeles theater post-release solidified this sense of transformation. Her character, Lindy, resonated deeply with her. “Lindy will live with me through my life and through the other roles that I take on,” Ziegler stated, emphasizing the character’s lasting influence. She also expressed a rare moment of self- признание, admitting, “I am a very harsh critic toward myself, and it’s hard to be proud, but the first time I watched [Fitting In], I was like, Wow! I did things that I didn’t know I was capable of, and I’m proud, which is rare. I don’t usually say that.”
Dance and Beyond: Defining Herself as an Actress
While dance remains an integral part of Maddie Ziegler’s identity, she is consciously working to avoid being typecast solely as a dancer in her acting roles. She acknowledges the significance of dance in her life and career, expressing no desire to abandon it. However, Ziegler is determined to demonstrate her acting range and storytelling ability, independent of her dance background. She wants to be recognized for her acting prowess, not just her dance skills.
With “Fitting In” and another feature film already completed and a third on the horizon, Ziegler’s focus is firmly set on establishing a long-term career in acting. She is actively separating her current persona from the child star image cultivated during her “Dance Moms” years. Despite this conscious separation, Ziegler understands and appreciates the role “Dance Moms” played in her journey.
“Obviously, I have my feelings about that [show], but if I didn’t do it, I would not be where I am right now at all,” Ziegler admits. She recognizes the platform “Dance Moms” provided, leading to opportunities like being discovered by Sia and developing her passion for acting through music videos. She acknowledges the show’s pivotal role in her current success, stating, “I wouldn’t be where I am, literally, right now talking to you.”
Reclaiming Her Narrative: From Reality TV to Creative Control
Ziegler is candid about the complex legacy of being a child star on reality television. She describes moments of unease, reflecting on the potential harm of growing up under the intense scrutiny of national television. The lines between performance and reality blurred on “Dance Moms,” raising questions about authenticity and the emotional toll of hyper-edited narratives.
Acting has become a powerful tool for Ziegler to reclaim her narrative and agency. Looking ahead, she is ambitious and open to various avenues within the entertainment industry. She draws inspiration from figures like Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon, who have successfully established their own production companies. “I look at Margot Robbie and at Reese Witherspoon’s production company,” she says. “They’re so incredible, and I’m very inspired by that, to have my own production company one day.”
Ziegler’s experiences on sets with strong female leadership have shaped her vision for the industry. She hopes to see this trend expand and envisions herself contributing to this positive change, potentially through her own production ventures. Beyond production, Ziegler also expresses interest in action-oriented roles, citing Scarlett Johansson’s role in “Lucy” as inspiration. She believes her dance background would be a valuable asset for physically demanding roles, including performing her own stunts. “I don’t know what my life would be like without working,” she concludes, “but I love it so much and I don’t want to stop.”
What’s Next for Maddie Ziegler?
Ziegler’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Her project, “My Old Ass,” commenced filming immediately after “Fitting In” concluded. This feature film, starring Aubrey Plaza and directed by Megan Park, generated significant buzz after its premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, being acquired by Amazon MGM for $15 million. In “My Old Ass,” Ziegler plays one of the best friends of the younger version of the main character, portrayed by Maisy Stella. Joining the cast just weeks before filming began, Ziegler continues to immerse herself in diverse roles, further solidifying her position as a rising star in Hollywood. From “Dance Moms” to leading roles in feature films, Maddie Ziegler’s journey is one to watch as she continues to evolve and redefine herself in the entertainment industry.
