Asymmetric Blazer by Michael Kors Collection
Brut Gold Skinny Hoop Earrings by Alexis Bittar

Madison Thompson is a jack of all trades, honing in her skills one credit at a time. A fanatic for detail, adventure, and story-telling, she dives straight into the depths of her crafts with precision. She is an actress, singer, producer, writer… and really it would be easier to list the things that she is not. One thing is for absolute certain: Madison Thompson is leading her way to success on her own terms.

Tobacco Glenn Jacket, Edda Vest + Borneo1234 Trousers by Max Mara
Perfect Button-Front Shirt by Alice + Olivia
Vintage Tie via New York Vintage
Sculpted Cable Stud Earrings by David Yurman
BB Grey Wool Pumps by Manolo Blahnik

What is your favorite memory from filming The Map That Leads to You?
I have so many, but one of the best was filming at La Boqueria in Barcelona, a famous Spanish market. Our producers handed us a bit of cash and basically said, “Go have fun,” and we were going to film it all. We sampled tapas, candies, and — thanks to Madelyn — these spiky strawberries that can only be described as looking like they came out of a Dr. Seuss book. I still crave them.

Do you have a personal favorite destination you’ve ever traveled to?
Santorini, Greece. I remember I couldn’t stop blinking because my brain couldn’t quite process how beautiful it was.

Red Skirt Suit by Alejandra Alonso Rojas
Sculpted Cable Ring + Bracelet by David Yurman
Molten Puffy Teardrop Post Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Marta III Black Croco Heel by SCAROSSO

As Amy, you have brown hair, as does your character in Emergency. Does being a brunette affect your performances versus being blonde?
It… absolutely does. I become a different character when I’m brunette, which is so helpful to the acting process. I love being a chameleon and often use hair to “shape shift,” as my mom says, for many of my roles. For Amy, I underwent a full transformation — brown hair, bangs, wild curls — I wanted to look like I had been traveling in Europe for a month and probably lost my hairbrush along the way. Amy’s hair wasn’t just a style choice; it was an extension of her untamed, adventurous spirit.

The movie is based on the novel by J.P. Monninger. Were you aware of the book before getting the part? What drew you to Amy?
Funny enough, the producers first asked me to read for Connie. But the second I read the script, Amy jumped off the page for me. Immediately my head was filled with jokes, bits, and moments between the lines, which for an actor is basically a playground. I begged to read for her, too, and they graciously said yes. I chose not to read the book until after I found out I was cast. I knew I’d get too attached and fall in love with her.

Ozark is an incredible start to a career. What was the most exciting aspect of shooting the show?
I can really only describe it as being a rookie suddenly dropped into the NBA Finals — you know the rules, you’ve trained, but when you are playing with Laura Linney, Jason Bateman, and Janet McTeer, you sometimes just have to run on adrenaline and a prayer. Luckily the cast was like a huge family, and filming in such remote locations in Georgia made it feel like a summer camp. I learned more about acting technique from my two years on the show than any acting class could have ever taught me, and, more importantly, I walked away with lifelong friendships and mentors.

White Suit by A La Russe via New York Vintage
Silver Molten Knuckle Ring + Molten Ribbon Hoop Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Brooks Silver Specchio Pump by Larroudé

Sidelined 2: Intercepted is your first Associate Producer credit. How did that opportunity come about?
The Sidelined franchise has been in my life almost as long as Ozark. I actually worked on packaging the original IP and Noah Beck five years ago as an intern, and I later supported the lead producer Mckenna Marshall as a Development Executive. Now, Mckenna and I run a production company together, and we just wrapped the highly anticipated sequel!

You also helped produce the Off-Broadway production Pretty Perfect Lives. How did your love for producing begin?
My brain has a problem turning off, and I constantly feel the urge to create and tell stories. So the natural next step was producing. Pretty Perfect Lives became a passion project born out of my love for theater and wanting to champion a timely story with young creatives. It was a life-changing experience. I dove headfirst into the deep end of producing and learned how to swim. Theater, especially musical theater, has always been my first love, and I am excited to share some updates and announcements soon about what I am working on next.

Midnight Louise Jacket & Ruth Skirt by ADEAM
Sculpted Cable Stud Earrings, Ring + Bracelet by David Yurman
Mona 70 Gold Metallic Raffia Mules by Malone Souliers

You graduated Summa Cum Laude from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Why business?
After growing up as a child actor, I wanted to explore a different side of the industry. I’ve always had a math-oriented brain, and a business degree felt like the best foundation for building a long-term career as an entertainment entrepreneur, whether that’s as an actor, producer, writer, or executive. USC offered a one-of-a-kind program, the USC John H. Mitchell BCA Program, which offers the first-ever Business Degree in Cinematic Arts. It was the perfect program to learn all the business fundamentals — finance, marketing, accounting (no, I will be of no help on your taxes) — while seeing real application of entertainment through the lens of business.

Do you plan to combine producing, writing, and acting into one project?
Oh yes. Have you read my diary? I am very precious about my writing. I’ve wanted to explore producing, writing, and acting as separate adventures and learn how to succeed in them individually before combining them all into a tornado of chaos with me at the center of it. But the tornado is coming sooner than you think.

What was the first musical you ever loved, and what nurtured your love of performance?
The Sound of Music. My dad introduced me to it, and it made me fall in love with singing. It was only fitting that my first big stage role was Brigitta in The Sound of Music, which made me fall head over heels for acting. After that production, I begged my mom to enroll me in acting classes, and the only class available was TV/film… and here we are. Filming Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies felt like coming home to that younger version of myself. I hope to one day soon return to the stage as well.

Did you try any chocolate while shooting The Map That Leads to You?
Of course, and I documented it all on my chocolate Instagram, @choco.lot. The clear winner was the chocolate gelato we ate after filming every day by the water in Cadaqués, Spain. I could always rely on KJ to come with me as a fellow chocolate lover. I actually bought him four chocolate bars as a wrap gift, and he proceeded to eat all four of them immediately. Don’t worry, he shared (a little).

Asymmetric Blazer, Draped Wrap Skirt + Bra by Michael Kors Collection
Brut Gold Skinny Hoop Earrings by Alexis Bittar
Maureen 85 Black Mesh Mules by Malone Souliers

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Madison Thompson
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Dani Sax
Fashion Stylist: Jake Sokoloff at Forward Artists
Hair: Sky Kim at The Only Agency
Makeup: Dani Parkes for Exclusive Artists
Assistant Stylist: Ashley Stephens
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson, Associate Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine

Madison Thompson Leads Her Own Way