For many, Maddie Ziegler will forever be associated with her early years on the reality TV show Dance Moms. However, the talented performer has been diligently carving out a path far beyond the dance studio, stepping confidently into the world of acting and film. In her recent project, Fitting In, Ziegler not only takes center stage as the lead but also embraces the challenges and triumphs of being number one on the call sheet. This experience marks a significant turning point in her career, solidifying her ambition and revealing a young woman determined to define her own narrative in Hollywood.
Fitting In presented Ziegler with her first opportunity to lead a production, a demanding role that required long and physically taxing days. Yet, far from being deterred, Ziegler thrived in this environment. Her inherently competitive spirit welcomes challenges, making the entire Fitting In experience particularly rewarding. “If I were tired or stressed [on set], I’d say, ‘No worries, no worries,’ and our makeup artist would say, ‘Worries, worries,’” she recounts with amusement. This lighthearted approach to pressure, she explains, is a coping mechanism. “When you’re in those moments, sometimes you have to make light of it. I think I sarcastically approach stress with, ‘Oh, I’m not worried at all,’ and it actually does help me through it.”
The demanding schedule and emotional depth of Fitting In proved to be worthwhile. For Ziegler, the film signified more than just another acting credit. From the supportive atmosphere during the filming of intimate scenes to the surreal experience of seeing showtimes for Fitting In at her local Los Angeles theater, the movie represented the dawn of a new chapter in her life. The character she portrayed, Lindy, has had a lasting impact. “Lindy will live with me through my life and through the other roles that I take on,” Ziegler reflects. Despite being self-critical, she felt a rare sense of pride after watching Fitting In. “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.”
While acting takes center stage, dance remains an integral part of Ziegler’s identity. Having spent her formative years immersed in the dance world, it’s an art form she intends to pursue indefinitely. However, Ziegler is also keenly aware of avoiding typecasting. Her dance background is undoubtedly a strength, but she emphasizes that it doesn’t define her acting choices. She seeks roles that allow her to tell compelling stories, whether they involve dance or not.
With two feature films already under her belt and a third on the horizon, Ziegler’s focus is firmly set on establishing a long-lasting career in the entertainment industry. She is also consciously working to distinguish herself from the child star image that was once so prominent. Ziegler acknowledges the complex relationship with her early fame. She recognizes that her journey on television, while challenging, played a crucial role in her present success.
“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 states, reflecting on her Dance Moms past. “I wouldn’t have been found by Sia. I wouldn’t have found my love for acting through music videos, and I wouldn’t be where I am, literally, right now talking to you.” This perspective highlights a mature understanding of her past as a stepping stone to her present and future.
There are moments when the weight of her childhood experiences in the public eye resurfaces. The intense scrutiny and manufactured drama of reality television left its mark. Questions linger about authenticity and the impact of having intensely personal moments edited for entertainment. “Do emotions still feel sacred after you’ve had your fears, anxieties, and breakdowns hyper-edited into weekly 42-minute episodes?” she muses, hinting at the emotional complexities of her journey.
Acting has become a powerful tool for Ziegler to reclaim her narrative. Looking ahead, her career aspirations are expansive and ambitious. She expresses admiration for women like Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon, particularly their success in production. “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.”
Her experiences on women-led sets have been overwhelmingly positive, shaping her vision for the industry. She hopes to see this trend continue and expand as she explores different facets of filmmaking. Beyond producing, Ziegler also has specific roles in mind, expressing a desire to play a female assassin, drawing inspiration from Scarlett Johansson’s role in Lucy. Ziegler recognizes that her dance training would be invaluable for physically demanding roles, including stunt work. “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.”
Ziegler is indeed not slowing down. Her next project, My Old Ass, commenced filming shortly after Fitting In concluded. This feature film, featuring Aubrey Plaza and directed by Megan Park, generated significant buzz after its Sundance Film Festival premiere and was acquired by Amazon MGM for $15 million. In My Old Ass, Ziegler portrays one of the best friends of the younger version of the main character, played by Maisy Stella, having joined the cast just before filming commenced. This continuous stream of projects underscores Ziegler’s unwavering commitment to her craft and her exciting trajectory in the world of acting, firmly moving beyond the Dance Moms spotlight and into a bright future of her own making.
