Madeleine McGraw
we met up with beautiful rising star Madeleine Mcgraw who is starring alongside Ethan Hawke in the super scary Black Phone 2 in cinema's now. she was promoting the film at NY Comicon whilst her character Gwen loomed dramatically over Times Square on a huge billboard. she is certainly a scene stealer in this horror sequel but also in real life she is genuinely compelling with her authentic, smart and kind spirit. so scroll on down to check her in between press chilling with her wired headphones and her equally gifted and beautiful beloved sister Violet Mcgraw (who also made an appearance at comicon chatting her short film "The Littles") before they headed back to LA with their amazing parents. Madeleine shares her thoughts on why some viewers might find this 2nd installment even better than the first, love for a game of soccer, producing and a delicious meal.
the bare magazine: at the core of Black Phone 2, besides the horror of it, do you feel there is a message or relevant meaning to the story?
Madeleine McGraw: At the core of both Black Phone movies is the relationship with Finney and Gwen. It’s the heart of the story and the reason so many fans fell in love with the movie in the first place. Their bond is very special and it’s definitely the core of both films.
bare: seems the overall consensus is that #2 is better than #1. can you share why you think audiences feel that way?
MM: Honestly, I think it depends. The movies are actually very different in tone, there are more scares and more action in the second one for sure. Plus way more gore. I also think people love the second one so much because it expands on the lore and you get to dive deeper into the characters while getting some more backstory as well.
bare: you were freezing during filming - do you think that added to the vibe and have you decided you will never cut your hair short?!
MM: (Laughing) Oh it added to the vibe for sure. Snow falling is so silent and it looks so beautiful, but it’s brutal. Your feet are always cold and your fingers are numb, being that cold actually adds another layer to your performance for sure. I actually grew to love Gwen’s hair, just not sure it’s the right fit for me in real life though.
bare: describe how you shake the character and whole scary experience off after filming ended. did you need a good chunk of down time after?
MM: I am usually pretty good at shaking off an emotional scene. But there is a scene in Black Phone 2 that took me a few days to shake. I was also dealing with some personal stuff at the time as well and it was definitely much harder to step back into that happy place.
bare: in between jobs is playing soccer one of your favorite pastimes? any other hobbies/escapes you're into?
MM: Oh soccer is definitely more than a hobby or pastime for me. It’s literally my other serious passion. If I wasn’t an actress, I would be doing everything to play soccer professionally. I love the sport so much. I love that my twin, Aidan, and my younger sister Violet are equally as passionate. We love watching premier league together and if anyone is listening, please invite me to the World Cup!!!!
Other hobbies and pastimes include reading, listening to music, and food. I love to read. Whenever I have a break, I try to read as many books as I can. Music is super important to me. I love finding new artists, listening to old ones and taking recommendations from my friends. When it comes to food, I love to eat and I love taking pictures of food. I have a highlight on the “gram” just for food.
bare: what would a dream job look like for you - what other genre besides horror do you love? and any interest in live theatre, writing, or producing?
MM: Honestly, a dream job for me is working with people you love and trust. I worked on a show for two seasons called Outcast and I am still so close with so many people from that experience and I was lucky enough to get that again on the Disney show I was on. There were five of us and all the kids and all the parents got along so well. It truly felt like family. Landon and Preston who played my brothers on the show are truly like brothers to me in real life. That’s a dream job.
Honestly, I love all genres. But a good murder mystery definitely tops that list.
As far as a theater goes, my sister and I like to participate in this retelling of a Christmas Carol every year with Combat Radio. It’s a live performance and it’s for such an incredible cause. That’s the closest I have gotten to live theater. But yes, if it’s the right play, I would love to try live theater some day. But no singing for me. You will thank me later (Laughs).
As for writing and producing, I have been lucky enough to be a producer on two films alongside my sister, and I have another project I’m an EP on. My first time without my mom and sister. I have worked very hard to learn this side of the business. I didn’t just want the title of producer, I wanted to learn and do the work.
bare: do you feel you're pretty independent and mature for your age since starting to perform and act from a young age? is there a part of you that feels you'd like to stop and take a break to experience life outside of film / tv?
MM: Definitely. I feel pretty independent and mature for my age. But I have kind of always been known as more of an old soul. Being in the industry and growing up around adults has definitely made it easier to communicate with them. But as far as taking a break, my parents have been so great at helping to keep us balanced. They kept us in in-person school for many years and we still play club soccer. My parents have always said, acting is something you do, it’s not who you are.
I have had a totally fulfilling childhood so far. It has been filled with real life normal experiences and my family is really close and my mom is big on traditions, so holidays really matter. But taking a break? I would probably only take a break if my mental health needed some extra TLC as I feel like I already get to experience life outside of the TV and film industry. My soccer team thinks it’s funny when I am surprised after a game when someone from the opposing team wants to take a photo with me. They are like, Maddy, you do know you’re famous right?? It makes me laugh because I just don’t think of myself in that way.
bare: we got to take some fun photos with you and violet. would you say she is an inspiration? a grounding force and best friend? you seem to have an unspoken language, a deep connection....
MM: Violet is literally my best friend in the whole wide world. I thank my parents constantly for birthing my best friend. She is funny, smart, very real and always knows the right thing to say at just the right time. We can just look at one another and know what the other is thinking. This girl makes me laugh like no other. She is definitely my comfort person. I love her so much.
bare: please list your top 6 Bare essentials
MM: My 6 Bare essentials are …
1. Wired headphones. I have to take my music with me. It’s life.
2. My fav lip combo. Right now it’s Kosas lip liner and Kosas lipstick and Summer Fridays gloss.
3. I always have a protein bar in my bag. Preferably a Go Macro bar.
4. My sister. She’s truly my emotional support animal.
5. My phone (mostly for music and photo taking) I am horrible at social media and actually prefer it that way.
6. My Pentax film camera.
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
