Bailee Madison — The Bare Magazine

Bailee Madison is kind, funny, smart and gifted all bundled up in a gorgeous package. See her talents shine starring in “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” playing pregnant high school student Imogen Adams streaming now on HBO Max. Tune in for a great escape and connection to the characters and their world. We headed out to LA to connect with her and snag some photos and fun. See what we came up with below and what she has to say about everything from the importance of staying true to herself to her favorite snack and barest of essentials. Bailee you are a rare gem.

The Bare Magazine: When you think of someone kicking back to watch Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin what do you hope they'll experience / feel?

Bailee Madison: Our hope is that our show provides an experience for our viewers, that for the hour that you sit watching our show you are able to transport yourself into the world of Millwood. Our show is filled with so many horror nods and references, but it also tackles the every day horrors that so many people unfortunately face on the daily. I’m so proud of the fact that our show is committed to telling important stories, and creating a space for conversations to be heard. The greatest hope would be that someone can watch out show, and find safety within our characters and maybe also heal with our characters along the way.

Bare: In what way did this role help you evolve as an actor?

BM: This role was the biggest challenge to date for myself as an actor, and also the most fulfilling. I had to strip everything that I knew, and try my best to completely dive into the mind of Imogen. When we meet Imogen she is 16 years old, pregnant, dealing with so much loss, and has had her innocence and body stripped away from her. It forced me to go to some really dark places mentally, but I wanted to sit in the uncomfortable and do my best to lead this role with as much car and honesty as possible.

Bare: The team was mostly women on this project - how do you compare it to others you've worked on?

BM: One of the biggest themes on our show is switching the male gaze, and tackling the female gaze. I love that our set was a reflection of the same thing our show stands for. Nine out of our ten directors were women, we had an incredible first First Ad and DP who were also women, and our crew when we looked at them reflected what real life looks like. This was a first in my career, it felt amazing to be a part of something every day that felt bigger than just filming a show, and it provided such a safe and wonderful working environment.

Bare: What are the most satisfying parts of your chosen profession?

BM: I love what I do with every piece of me, being on a set is like another version of home. I love that I have the chance to travel to new places, meet new people, and get to do what I love every day. It also gives me a platform to talk about things that matter to me, and there isn’t a moment that I take that for granted.

Top by Batsheva Lipstick: Cle de Peau in Refined Red

Bare: You recently cut your hair. Is this for an upcoming project/role?

BM: Honestly, I cut my har for myself! I dyed my hair blonde for the show and when I wrapped filming I was struggling to feel like a bit more like myself again because Imogen was so close to my heart. I had grown to know and love this character like she was my own for 9 months, and I felt the visually change helped me separate myself from her after the show wrapped.

Bare: How have you noticed your personal style evolving? Are you an online shopper? Do you like vintage/thrifting?

BM: Oh without a doubt! I feel like my styling is constantly changing! I also spend most of my time on set, so sweatpants are most of my closet right now! I think living in wardrobe most of my days has allowed me to test out so many different looks, and take bits of that with me. I love finding vintage pieces, and there are some great vintage shops that have online stores so when I’m filming and an’t make it to a shop I love going to those sites! I’m constantly growing as a human, and I love that style can be an extension of that.

Bare: As you get older what qualities about yourself have you gained a greater appreciation for?

BM: I think I have held a great appreciation for myself recently when it comes to my morals, what matters to me at the end of the day, and honesty. I am grateful that my heart always stays true to myself, and that I haven’t allowed myself to become something that I’m not.

Bare: Your favorite _______ is _______?

• snack- cheese and crackers

• beverage (besides water) - iced tea

• film- The Proposal

• piece of jewelry - these bead bracelets that my niece’s made for me, and also I have a matching one with my boyfriend.

• way to decompress - take my makeup off, and spend time whether in person or through the phone with my family.

Lipstick: Cle de Peau in Tantalizing Tan

Bare: What would you tell your younger self that you know better now?

BM: I would tell my younger self that everything that she’s about to go through is going to make her the person I am today. To enjoy every moment, and to know that even in the lowest places there is still so much joy and new adventures to be had….. also charm can be deceiving, so beware! Haha