Maddie Ziegler, widely recognized as “Maddy From Dance Moms,” has gracefully transitioned from the competitive world of reality television to a burgeoning career in Hollywood. While her dance background remains an integral part of her identity, Ziegler is carving out a path as a serious actress, eager to showcase her talents beyond the dance floor. Her recent lead role in the movie Fitting In marks a significant step in this evolution, highlighting her dedication and ambition to be recognized for her acting prowess.
Fitting In was not just another project for Ziegler; it was her first experience leading a production, a position that placed her at the top of the call sheet. This new responsibility brought with it long and demanding days, a challenge that Ziegler embraced wholeheartedly. Her inherently competitive spirit thrives on overcoming obstacles, making the Fitting In experience particularly rewarding. She recounts instances of on-set stress, recalling how she and her makeup artist would playfully deflect tension with humor. This lighthearted approach became a coping mechanism, demonstrating her resilience and ability to handle pressure with grace.
The demanding filming schedule and emotional depth of Fitting In proved to be worthwhile. Ziegler expressed a profound sense of security during the filming of the movie’s more intimate scenes. The release of Fitting In marked a personal milestone, as she was able to find showtimes at her local Los Angeles theater, a tangible symbol of her growing presence in the film industry. The character Lindy, whom she portrayed in Fitting In, has had a lasting impact on Ziegler, influencing her perspective on future roles and her own capabilities. Despite being self-critical, Ziegler admits to feeling a rare sense of pride after watching Fitting In. She acknowledged that the film pushed her beyond her perceived limits, a realization that filled her with genuine accomplishment.
Dance, the foundation of Ziegler’s early fame as “Maddy from Dance Moms,” remains a constant in her life. She emphasizes its enduring importance and her commitment to continue dancing. However, Ziegler is consciously navigating her career to avoid being pigeonholed as solely a dancer in the acting world. She acknowledges her dance skills as an asset but is determined to prove her capacity for impactful storytelling through acting, independent of her dance background.
With two feature films already under her belt and a third on the horizon, Ziegler’s focus has shifted towards building a sustainable and long-lasting career in acting. She is also actively working to differentiate her public persona from the child star image cultivated during her Dance Moms years, aiming to be seen as the mature woman she has become. Despite this, Ziegler recognizes the undeniable role that her early exposure on Dance Moms played in shaping her current trajectory.
“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 reflects on her Dance Moms experience. She acknowledges that the platform, despite its challenges, opened doors to crucial opportunities, including being discovered by Sia, which further fueled her passion for acting through music videos and ultimately led her to her current position.
The transition from child star to adult actor is not without its complexities. Ziegler acknowledges moments of unease, remnants of the pressures and scrutiny she faced as a child on national television. She grapples with the blurred lines between performance and reality, questioning the authenticity of emotions after years of having personal moments edited for entertainment.
Acting has become a powerful tool for Ziegler to reclaim her narrative and agency. Looking ahead, she expresses openness to diverse career paths within the film industry. Inspired by figures like Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon and their successful production companies, Ziegler envisions establishing her own production company in the future. Her experiences on women-led sets have solidified her commitment to advocating for greater female representation and leadership in the broader entertainment industry. Beyond production, Ziegler also harbors aspirations for physically demanding roles, specifically expressing interest in portraying a female assassin, drawing inspiration from Scarlett Johansson’s role in Lucy. She believes her extensive dance training would be invaluable in performing her own stunts in such roles. Ziegler concludes by affirming her deep passion for her work and her unwavering desire to continue pursuing her acting career.
Her commitment is evident in her rapid succession of projects. Shortly after wrapping up Fitting In, Ziegler began filming My Old Ass. This feature film, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Amazon MGM, features Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella. Ziegler plays a close friend to the younger version of the main character, joining the cast just weeks before filming commenced, further demonstrating her dedication and adaptability in the fast-paced world of filmmaking.
