EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY: Madison Pettis on Stardom, Social Media, & Staying Normal

“I’m really lucky that I’ve been able to keep my life so balanced.”

At just 17 years old, Madison Pettis is already a Hollywood veteran. “I  started doing modeling and commercials in Dallas and came out to Los Angeles when I was seven,” she says. Madison and her mom only planned to be in town for a short time, but Madison’s agent asked them to stay for a big audition.

“The Game Plan was the first movie I ever auditioned for,” explains Madison. “I never really thought it was going to become a whole other lifestyle.”

Over the past decade, she’s starred in countless television shows, like Cory in the House, and voiced some of your favorite animated characters, like Izzy on Jake and the Never Land Pirates. But through it all, education has been the focus – and Madison has somehow managed to stay in regular school. “I’m really lucky that I’ve been able to keep my life so balanced,” she explains. “My mom has made that a big priority in my life and always wanted to make sure I had a normal childhood growing up. I think that has really helped me because I’m not focused every day on what auditions I’m going on; I have three tests tomorrow and other things to worry about. I get to go to school dances and my own prom and football games. That’s been a really big part in helping me keep my life sane and balanced.”

Another source of inspiration for Madison is her big brother, Steven. “I was ten when he joined the Army,” she shares. “I was really scared. I didn’t know what it meant. He’s been deployed twice to Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s the bravest most courageous person I know. He’s my hero.” 

After spending the day with Madison, it’s easy to see how she keeps things so real and has such an incredible perspective both on life and her career. “There’s always periods where you’re not working so much,” she says. “Or there’s a bunch of auditions and nothing’s turning out. It’s something you have to get used to and it’s really important that if you have that passion, and that drive, and you know this is what you’re supposed to be doing, then just keep going. Everyone’s journey is different and it’ll be worth it.”

Photos by Joe Magnani

Hair & Makeup by Glenn Nutley

Styling by Robiat Balogun

On Madison: Dress – Bedazzled by ALYCE Paris, Earrings – Mona Shroff, Bracelet – Nordstrom, Shoes – Sergio Rossi