Model Diaries with Madison Pettis

Photographed by Sarah Krick

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Arlington, TX, and I moved to Los Angeles when I was 7 years old. Texas-born, California-raised.

Where do you live now?
I’ve lived in LA for 20 years now.

Favorite thing to do in your city?
I love to go to Lakers games and go to the beach.

Go-to comfort food?
A big bowl of shrimp scampi always hits the spot.

Latest binge-watch obsession?
The Diplomat on Netflix. I adore Keri Russell and Allison Janney.

Last book you couldn’t put down?
Molly Shannon’s Hello Molly!

Most played song on your playlist right now?
“Folded” by Kehlani.

Sneakers, boots, or heels?
That’s so hard, but I’ll say heels.

One wardrobe staple you can’t live without?
I live in baggy jeans. Perfect with sneakers or heels!

Who is your biggest fashion inspiration right now?
Rihanna, always!

Trend you’re loving at the moment?
I’m loving anything maroon right now. Such a stunning color for fall!

Favorite beauty product you use every day?
I love the Clarins Water Lip Stains for a natural lip tint that lasts all day!

Skincare secret for glowing skin?
I love a glowy base underneath my makeup. The Versed Bronzing Drops are amazing. I also love the Base Thinner from One Size Beauty. They are both non-comedogenic, which is great because a lot of glowy products end up causing me to break out, but those two are safe for acne-prone skin.

Signature fragrance?
I don’t have a signature perfume, but I think the scent of my haircare is my signature scent. I always get compliments when I have freshly washed hair using either the Garnier Curl shampoo + conditioner or the Cecred shampoo + conditioner.

How do you practice wellness or self-care?
A good night’s sleep is the most important thing for my wellness and overall health. I also prioritize spending time with my girlfriends — that’s always a mood booster.

What’s your go-to workout or way you stay active?
I’m really into reformer pilates. I try to do it at least every other day — it’s the best!

Favorite vacation spot?
Turks & Caicos!

Most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I went tubing in Mykonos, which I was so scared to do, but it was exhilarating!

How did you begin your acting career?
I started out in Texas as a little girl, where my first TV role was on Barney & Friends. I also did some commercials and modeling. When I was 7 years old, I went to LA for my first pilot season, and I’ve been working here ever since!

Most memorable Red Carpet moment?
Probably the premiere of my first movie, The Game Plan. All my friends and family from Texas flew out for the occasion. We rode there in a limo, and it really felt like a “pinch me” Hollywood moment.

How did you prepare for The Wrong Paris?
I made sure to brush up on my Southern accent! I love doing different accents, so I was really excited about that part of the character. It was fun to get back to my Southern roots.

What did you love most about being on the set of The Wrong Paris?
Hanging out with the cast! We had such a great group of people on this movie, and we all really bonded. I especially bonded with Miranda Cosgrove, who was a child actor like me. She’s so sweet and hilarious.

What role in your career has taught you the most about yourself?
My role as Peyton in my very first movie, Disney’s The Game Plan. It was my first experience on a movie set, and I fell in love with every aspect of the filmmaking process. I knew right then that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Is there a type of character you’ve always wanted to play?
I’ve always wanted to play either a spy or a con artist type of character because, within that one role, I’d get to play so many different kinds of undercover characters with disguises depending on the mission you need to get done. You could never get bored playing a role like that.

What’s one skill or talent outside of acting that you’d love to develop for a role?
I’d love to learn and do fight training for a project. I’ve done some of my own stunts but never had a full-on choreographed fight sequence. That would be cool.

Can you share with us any upcoming projects you’re working on?
Not yet! You’ll just have to stay tuned, hehe.

Why are you most excited to be Modeliste’s next cover star?
There have been so many inspiring, talented, beautiful women on the cover of Modeliste, so I’m happy to be in such great company.

Best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people and want what they might have, but everyone’s on their own journey, and things will work out the way they are supposed to.

One piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
Always trust your gut. It knows best, so trust yourself and your instincts!

What would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you for supporting me for 20 years now! It feels like we’ve grown up together, and I really appreciate all the love and support.