Mikey Madison is an American actress known for her standout performances in both television and film, especially for her role as a sex worker in Sean Baker’s film Anora (2024), which earned her the BAFTA and Oscar for Best Actress.
Biography
- Birth Name: Mikaela Madison Rosberg
- Date of Birth: March 25, 1999 (Los Angeles, California, U.S.)
- Height: 161 cm
- Year of Debut: 2012
- Instagram: @officialmikeymadison
Early Life
Born in March 1999, Mikey Madison grew up in California’s San Fernando Valley with her twin brother, Miles, and her psychologist parents. Initially aspiring to be an equestrian, she homeschooled herself from seventh grade to spend her days at the barn with her pony.
However, by age 14, she shifted her focus to acting, feeling “called in another direction.” Her mother enrolled her in acting classes, and soon after, Madison began booking roles in short films and a low-budget feature.
Mikey Madison’s Career
Mikey Madison’s career has been marked by a steady rise in the entertainment industry, starting from humble beginnings.
Madison made her acting debut in 2012, appearing in the short films “Retirement” and “Pani’s Box.” In 2014, after appearing in the short film “Bound for Greatness,” she filmed her first feature film, “Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey,” directed by Oscar-winner Terry Sanders that ultimately didn’t debut until 2017.
In 2016, she gained prominence with a key role in the FX dramedy “Better Things,” where she played the eldest daughter of Pamela Adlon’s character. Despite still being underage, her earnings were placed in a Coogan account, a trust fund named after child star Jackie Coogan. The show, which ran for five successful seasons, earned a Peabody Award in 2017. During this time, Madison also appeared in several other projects, including “Imposters” and films like “Monster” and “Nostalgia.” Despite her talent and diverse performances, she remained largely under the radar, still building her name in the industry.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she was cast in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” as Susan Atkins, a member of the Manson Family. Her performance caught the attention of critics, particularly for its intensity and her shocking death scene. The film was a critical success and earned multiple Oscar nominations, further cementing Madison’s place in Hollywood.
In 2022, Madison starred in “Scream,” the latest installment in the iconic horror franchise. Her portrayal of Amber, the “ranting paranoiac,” earned her critical praise, and it was during the film’s release that indie director Sean Baker noticed her work. Baker, known for his low-budget films about marginalized people, saw Madison’s potential and invited her to star in “Anora.” Without an audition or a script, she agreed, and her commitment to the role was evident in her preparation – learning Russian dialogue, pole-dancing for a character scene, and doing her own stunts.
“Anora” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the prestigious Palme D’Or and quickly becoming a frontrunner for the 2025 Oscars. Madison’s performance was singled out as a major highlight, earning her a Best Actress – an impressive feat for her ninth feature film. As awards season progressed, her role garnered numerous accolades, cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. Despite fierce competition from seasoned actors like Demi Moore, Madison’s work in “Anora” solidified her status as a breakout talent and a major contender in the acting world.
Facts about Mikey Madison
- The title role in Anora (2024) was written specifically for her.
- Her ancestry is three quarters Ashkenazi Jewish (from Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and Germany) and one quarter British Isles [English and Scots-Irish].
- She is a former competitive horseback rider.
- She is a vegan.
- The 2025 Oscars were her first nomination and also first win. She was the first Oscar winner for acting to have been born in 1999.
- She has appeared in two films that have been nominated for the “Best Picture Oscar”: “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019) and “Anora” (2024). The latter won in the category.
