Madeleine McGraw Is Just Getting Started
Photos by @justinnayers assisted by @a1danharper & @romautriq, Hair by @rickyfraserhair, Makeup by @robertti, Styling by @veronica.graye, Production by @ilovelucyivey
Top, shoes, jewelry, and Duo handbag by Kate Spade New York. Lace shorts by Dolce & Gabbana. Shorts by Free People Movement.
Madeleine McGraw has been performing since childhood, growing up in front of the camera with a natural ease that makes every role feel lived-in. Her breakout moment in The Black Phone marked a major turning point — not just for audiences, but for Madeleine herself. Sitting down with her just after the release of The Black Phone 2, it’s clear how much she’s evolved. There’s a calm assurance to her now, a maturity that comes from years of learning, growing, and staying curious about her craft.
“The first Black Phone was such a huge moment in my life,” Madeleine tells me. “I was still figuring out who I was as an actor back then. Coming back for the sequel, it actually took me a minute to find Gwen again. I’ve grown up a bit, gained confidence, and started to understand her in a more mature way. Stepping back into her world was emotional—but also really special and familiar, like revisiting a version of myself I hadn’t seen in years.”
There’s a grounded confidence about her—a mix of poise and playfulness that feels rare for someone her age. Director Scott Derrickson once called her “one of the most gifted young actors of her generation,” a compliment Madeleine receives with quiet gratitude. “It’s really encouraging to hear things like that,” she says with a small smile. “But I always remind myself that there’s still so much to learn. I never want to lose that sense of curiosity — that’s what keeps me inspired.”
Top, dress, sweater, jewelry, Duo handbag, and bag charm by Kate Spade. Shoes by Steve Madden.
When she’s not on set, Madeleine is intentional about staying connected to her life outside the industry. “I think it’s important to have a world beyond acting,” she says. “I hang out with my family and friends, play soccer, and just do normal things. My siblings definitely keep me grounded,” she laughs. “They make sure I don’t forget who I am outside of acting.”
It’s easy to see how much of herself lives in Gwen, the brave and big-hearted character she plays in The Black Phone. “I definitely see parts of me in her,” Madeleine admits. “She’s outspoken, fearless, and follows her instincts—even when it’s scary. Playing her taught me a lot about standing by what I believe in. I still catch myself asking, ‘What would Gwen do?’ She’s a character that kind of stays with you.”
Her craft has deepened with time. “When I was younger, listening meant waiting for my next line,” she says. “Now it’s about feeling the energy of the moment—what the other actor’s giving me, what the story needs. Listening with intention makes everything more honest. It reminds me that acting isn’t about control—it’s about connection.”
Top, dress, sweater, jewelry, Duo handbag, and bag charm by Kate Spade New York. Shoes by Steve Madden.
Madeleine’s experience with horror has given her an unexpected perspective on fear. “I’ve learned that being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared,” she says. “It’s about moving forward anyway. Playing Gwen made me realize that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same breath.”
She’s also found support in her sister, Violet, who’s growing up in the industry alongside her. “Having Violet go through similar experiences is such a gift,” Madeleine says. “We can talk about things most people our age don’t really understand. But at the end of the day, she’s my sister. She keeps me grounded.”
When her Rising Star Award at CinemaCon comes up, she smiles thoughtfully. “That moment meant a lot,” she says. “But it doesn’t mean I’ve ‘made it.’ It just reminds me that people are watching—and that I still have so much more to do. It motivates me to stay humble and keep pushing myself creatively.”
Top, dress, sweater, jewelry, Duo handbag, and bag charm by Kate Spade New York. Shoes by Steve Madden.
Between acting, producing, and mental health advocacy, Madeleine has learned how to protect her peace. “I used to think balance meant doing it all,” she says. “Now I know it’s about taking care of myself first—resting, surrounding myself with people who make me feel safe, and saying no when I need to.”
Outside of work, she loves the simplicity of a slow day. “Sleeping in, reading at the beach, listening to music, being with friends—that’s what recharges me,” she says. “Those are the moments that make me feel like me again.”
As she continues to grow, Madeleine is drawn to stories that feel honest and human. “I love characters who are a little messy,” she says. “Stories that make people feel seen. That’s what I want to be a part of—projects that say something real about growing up.”
Madeleine McGraw isn’t just stepping into the next phase of her career—she’s stepping into herself. With every role, she’s proving that talent and humility can coexist. She’s not chasing perfection; she’s chasing truth. And that’s what makes her work feel so alive.
