Some actors light up a room — Madeleine McGraw sets it on fire. Sixteen years old and already a powerhouse in film and television, she is equal parts wisdom, wit, and wide-eyed wonder. From her unforgettable turn as Gwen in The Black Phone (where critics called her “a rare exceptional talent” and “sunshine in the apocalypse”) to her growing list of cinematic triumphs, Madeleine carries the kind of screen presence you can’t teach — you’re either born with it, or you’re not.
But what makes her magic isn’t just the accolades, the awards, or even the scene-stealing moments that have left seasoned critics breathless. It’s her unshakable authenticity. She’s as grounded as she is gifted, the kind of young woman who will talk about vintage fashion and mental health advocacy in the same breath — and mean every word.
Today, we sit down with Madeleine not just to talk about her work, but to wander into the corners of her world — the places where craft meets curiosity, where ambition meets heart. And yes, we’ll ask our favorite INLOVE Magazine question: the five things she’s utterly, wildly, madly in love with right now.
INLOVE: You’ve been called a “scene-stealing star” and “a powerhouse of emotion.” How do you personally define great acting?
MG: For me, great acting isn’t about being the loudest or most dramatic in a scene — it’s about truth. If people can watch you and forget they’re watching someone act, if they just feel the emotions and connect to the character, then that’s great acting. I also think it’s about listening. The best performances come from being fully present with the other actors, because the real magic happens in those little, honest moments.
INLOVE: From American Sniper to The Black Phone, your roles have been so different. What draws you to a character?
MG: I’m drawn to characters who feel real to me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge movie or a smaller project — if I can find a piece of humanity in them, whether it’s their strength, their flaws, or how they love people, that’s what excites me. I like layered characters where you get to explore the sides of them people don’t see right away.
INLOVE: What’s one lesson you’ve learned on set that you carry with you in life?
MG: Honestly, patience. Things move slow on set sometimes, and you have to just go with it. I’ve also learned how important it is to be kind to everyone, literally everyone. The people running cables or fixing lights are just as important as the director or actors. Being patient and kind in real life is never a bad thing. So I guess two things (laughs).
INLOVE: You’ve been praised for your fearlessness. Do you ever get scared before a scene?
MG: Oh, for sure. I get nervous a lot. But that’s kind of the point — you’re supposed to care enough that it scares you a little. Fearlessness isn’t about never being scared. It’s about doing it anyway and trusting the work you’ve put in. Usually once they call action, the nerves fade and I’m just in it.
INLOVE: How do you keep a sense of normalcy while living such an extraordinary life?
MG: My family and friends keep me super grounded. At home I’m just Maddy. I still have chores, I still have school, and I still do normal teenage stuff. My soccer team always laughs because after games, sometimes the other team asks for pictures, and I’m always surprised. My teammates are like, “Maddy, you know people recognize you, right?” I just don’t think of myself that way. Having both sides — a normal life and acting — makes me appreciate everything so much more.
INLOVE: Your advocacy for mental health in young performers is inspiring. What message do you wish every young actor could hear?
MG: That it’s okay to not always have it all together. This business can be a lot, and it’s easy to put pressure on yourself. But your mental health has to come first, always. Take breaks, lean on the people who support you, and don’t be afraid to say you need help. And never compare yourself to other actors — everyone’s journey looks different. The race is long, and if you focus on yourself instead of everyone else, you’ll enjoy it so much more. Acting is amazing, but it should never cost you your peace of mind.
INLOVE: What’s a dream role or project you haven’t done yet but would leap at the chance to?
MG: I’d love to do a dark comedy. When I was nine, I booked this pilot and loved that character — she was funny, dark, and really deadpan. I still wish it had been picked up. I’d also love to do a raw, emotional coming-of-age story — something messy and real about what it’s like to grow up, where the character isn’t perfect and she’s trying to figure out who she is. I love stories that show all the layers. Those are the ones that stay with people.
INLOVE: Who has been the most influential mentor or inspiration in your career so far?
MG: It’s a tie between Megan Park and Scott Derrickson. Both have believed in me so strongly. Megan has championed me from the beginning, and watching her become such a powerful voice for my generation is inspiring. Being cast in her writing and directorial debut is still one of my favorite memories, and I was only six. Her honesty, creativity, and fearlessness have shaped my own approach to acting.
With Scott, he has never treated me like a “kid actor.” He talks to me like a peer, asks my opinion, and lets me trust my instincts. That’s so empowering, especially as a young woman in this industry. Both Megan and Scott are people I can go to for advice, and I appreciate them more than I can say.
INLOVE: If you could go back and whisper one piece of advice to your younger self on your very first set, what would it be?
MG: I’d tell myself not to stress about being perfect. I used to want every take to be flawless, but the best moments usually come from letting go. Sometimes the unplanned things — even mistakes — are what make a scene real. I’d tell younger me to relax, breathe, and stop being such a perfectionist. Messing up or forgetting a line is definitely not the end of the world.
INLOVE: Our signature question — What are the five things you’re in love with right now?
MG:
- The beach. It’s my happy place. No matter what I’m feeling — happy, sad, stressed — the ocean always makes everything better.
- Our new dog, Izzy. She is the tiniest, cutest Jellycat-looking fluffball. She brings so much joy and yes, she’s already spoiled.
- Sushi. I could eat sushi every single day and never get tired of it.
- Music. My taste is all over the place — Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Zach Bryan, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd. I’m obsessed with 70s and 80s music too. I make playlists for everything.
- My family. The older I get, the more I realize how lucky I am. My siblings are my best friends, and I genuinely love spending time with my parents. I’m super close with them, and honestly, if someone doesn’t get that, they usually don’t last long in my circle.
Talking with Madeleine McGraw is like flipping through the pages of a story you never want to end — one part inspiration, one part unstoppable drive, and every part heart. Her talent might be the spark that catches your attention, but it’s her sincerity that keeps you hooked.
It’s no wonder The Arizona Republic called her “excellent as a girl who is simply done putting up with the problems in her life” and The Globe & Mail praised her as “sharp as a whistle in her takedowns of the bush-league adults in her midst.” Vulture felt her every emotional note, calling her “electrifying” and “the emotional register” of the film, while Bloody Disgusting summed it up best: “McGraw is a rare exceptional talent.”
If this is what sixteen looks like, the next chapters will be nothing short of legendary. And something tells me, we’re all going to be front row for the show.
Words by Elle Taylor
