Mikey Madison's Rise: 14 Fun Facts About the New Oscar Winner

Mikey Madison Stuns at the Oscars – Here’s What You Didn’t Know About Her

Mikey Madison just pulled off the biggest Oscars upset of 2025! In a jaw-dropping moment at the 97th Academy Awards, the 25-year-old actress took home the Best Actress trophy for her stunning performance in Anora, beating out frontrunner Demi Moore and other powerhouse nominees like Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Fernanda Torres. As she stepped onto the Dolby Theatre stage, Madison was visibly shaken, calling the moment “surreal” and thanking her director, Sean Baker, for believing in her.

Though she’s been in the industry for years—known for roles in Better Things, Scream, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood—this Oscar win solidifies her as one of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars. But who is Mikey Madison beyond the red carpet? From almost becoming a professional equestrian to her deep love for storytelling, here are 14 fascinating facts about the actress who just took over Hollywood.

1. She Almost Became a Professional Equestrian

Before discovering her passion for acting, Mikey Madison was fully dedicated to horseback riding. She was so serious about becoming a professional equestrian that she was homeschooled after seventh grade to devote more time to training and competitions. Her childhood was filled with riding lessons, competitions, and long days at the stables, shaping her disciplined and determined nature. However, as she grew older, her interest in horseback riding began to wane. By the time she turned 14, Madison realized that while she loved horses, it wasn’t the career she truly wanted to pursue. It was around this time that her twin brother, an aspiring filmmaker, introduced her to the world of acting. Inspired by his passion for storytelling and filmmaking, she decided to take a leap of faith and explore a completely different path—one that would ultimately lead her to Hollywood.

2. Acting Wasn't Her First Career Choice

Many Hollywood actors know from a young age that they want to perform, but for Mikey Madison, acting wasn’t always the plan. In fact, she initially had no aspirations of stepping in front of a camera. Her introduction to acting came through her twin brother, who was deeply invested in filmmaking. Watching him explore the creative process sparked her curiosity, and she began to see acting as an exciting new challenge. What started as casual interest soon became a calling, and she decided to take acting lessons. Madison quickly fell in love with the craft, realizing she had a knack for portraying deep and complex emotions. Though the transition from equestrian life to acting was unexpected, it turned out to be the best decision she ever made. Within a few years, she landed her breakthrough role, proving that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to incredible opportunities.

3. She Got Her Big Break in Better Things

Mikey Madison’s first major acting role came in 2016 when she was cast as Max Fox in FX’s critically acclaimed dramedy Better Things. Created by and starring Pamela Adlon, the show followed the life of a single mother raising three daughters in Los Angeles. Madison played Max, the eldest daughter, who was rebellious yet vulnerable, navigating the highs and lows of teenage life. The role allowed her to showcase her naturalistic acting style and ability to bring raw emotion to the screen. Critics and fans praised her performance, and Better Things became a standout show for its honest portrayal of motherhood and growing up. Madison remained on the show for all five seasons, gaining industry recognition and establishing herself as a serious actress. While Better Things wasn’t a mainstream blockbuster, it gave her the platform to transition into bigger roles in film, setting the stage for the next phase of her career.

4. She Worked With Quentin Tarantino

In 2019, Mikey Madison took a huge leap in her career when she was cast in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She played Susan “Sadie” Atkins, a real-life member of the Manson Family, infamous for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, was a massive success and introduced Madison to a global audience. Working with Tarantino was both thrilling and intimidating for the young actress. She described the experience as surreal, especially since she was acting alongside Hollywood legends. Her performance in the film’s intense, action-packed finale left a lasting impression, with her fiery, chaotic portrayal of Sadie Atkins making a mark on audiences. The role proved that Madison could hold her own in high-stakes performances, paving the way for future opportunities in Hollywood.

5. She Played One of the Scream Killers

Mikey Madison took on one of her most iconic roles in 2022 when she starred in Scream (also known as Scream 5), playing Amber Freeman. Unlike some of her past roles, this one had a major twist—Amber wasn’t just a regular character in the film; she was revealed as one of the Ghostface killers. Madison’s performance was chilling, capturing both the charm and sinister unpredictability that make the Scream franchise so compelling. The reveal of her as the murderer shocked audiences, and her intense, unhinged performance in the film’s bloody climax became one of the standout moments. Being part of such an iconic horror franchise was a major milestone for Madison, solidifying her ability to take on high-profile roles. She even admitted in interviews that playing a horror villain was a fun challenge, allowing her to tap into a completely different side of her acting abilities.

6. She Learned Russian for Anora

For her 2024 film Anora, Mikey Madison took on one of her most challenging roles yet, playing a Russian-American woman navigating a tumultuous life. To make her performance authentic, she dedicated herself to learning Russian from scratch. The role required her to speak the language convincingly, and she put in hours of study and practice to perfect her accent and delivery. Taking on such a demanding role demonstrated her commitment to fully immersing herself in her characters. In addition to learning Russian, Madison also underwent extensive training in pole dancing to prepare for the role, further proving her dedication to the craft. Anora has already received critical acclaim, and her performance has been praised for its depth and emotional intensity. By pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, Madison continues to prove that she is a fearless and versatile actress ready to take on any challenge.

7. She Trained as a Dancer for Anora

For her role in Anora, Mikey Madison didn’t just learn Russian—she also trained extensively as a dancer, specifically in pole dancing. Since her character in the film is an exotic dancer, she wanted to ensure her movements were as authentic as possible. Rather than relying on body doubles or quick camera cuts, she spent months perfecting the physicality and fluidity of the role. This level of dedication highlights her commitment to fully embodying her characters, even when it means stepping far outside her comfort zone. Madison’s intense preparation for Anora adds another layer to her reputation as a methodical and deeply invested actress, always willing to go the extra mile for her craft.

8. She Comes From a Family of Psychologists

Unlike many Hollywood stars who come from entertainment backgrounds, Mikey Madison grew up in a household of intellectuals. Both of her parents are psychologists, which she believes has helped her better understand human behavior—a skill she applies directly to her acting. Studying people’s emotions and reactions in real life gave her valuable insight into crafting layered and realistic performances. While she didn’t follow in her parents' footsteps, their influence is evident in her approach to acting, where she often gravitates toward complex and emotionally charged roles.

9. Her Dad Installed a Stripper Pole in Their Home

In one of the most unusual yet supportive parenting moves, Mikey Madison’s father installed a stripper pole in their home to help her train for Anora. Since her role required intense physical training, having a space to practice regularly was essential. While it might seem unconventional, it’s a testament to how dedicated her family is to supporting her career. Madison herself found the situation humorous, acknowledging that it made for an interesting conversation starter whenever friends or family visited their house.

10. Her Real Name Isn't Mikey

Mikey Madison was born Mikaela Madison Rosberg. Early in her acting career, she decided to adopt “Mikey” as her stage name, feeling that it better suited her personality and screen presence. The nickname gave her a unique edge in Hollywood, helping her stand out in an industry where name recognition is crucial. While many fans assume Mikey is a childhood nickname, it was actually a choice she made intentionally as she entered the acting world.

11. She Has Jewish Heritage

Mikey Madison is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with family roots tracing back to Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Though she keeps her personal life relatively private, she has spoken about her connection to her heritage and how it has shaped her identity. Coming from a family with deep cultural roots has given her an appreciation for storytelling, history, and the complexity of human experiences—elements that often come through in her performances.

12. She Once Attempted a British Accent in an Audition

Like many actors, Mikey Madison has had her fair share of audition mishaps. In one of her early auditions, she attempted to maintain a British accent throughout, even though it wasn’t required. While the casting directors were reportedly amused by her dedication, it didn’t land her the role. However, the experience served as a valuable lesson—sometimes, trying too hard to stand out can backfire. Despite the awkward moment, Madison has since mastered different accents and dialects, proving that even minor setbacks can lead to growth.

13. She Prefers Private Life Over Social Media

Unlike many of her Hollywood peers, Mikey Madison prefers to keep a low profile online. She doesn’t actively use social media, choosing instead to stay focused on her work rather than public attention. In an era where celebrities often build their brands through Instagram and Twitter, Madison’s decision to maintain privacy sets her apart. She believes that keeping her personal life out of the spotlight allows her to stay more grounded and fully immerse herself in her roles without external distractions.

14. She Wants to Explore Writing and Directing

Acting isn’t the only creative pursuit on Mikey Madison’s radar. She has expressed a strong interest in writing and directing, hoping to create her own projects in the future. Given that her twin brother is a filmmaker, she envisions collaborating with him on films that tell meaningful and thought-provoking stories. Madison’s passion for storytelling goes beyond just acting—she wants to be involved in every aspect of filmmaking, from script development to the final cut. With her talent and dedication, it’s only a matter of time before we see her behind the camera, bringing her own visions to life.

Mikey Madison is an actress who thrives on unpredictability. From playing a rebellious teen in Better Things to shocking audiences as a knife-wielding killer in Scream, she has already shown an impressive range in her career. What makes her stand out isn’t just her raw talent—it’s her dedication to authenticity, her willingness to push boundaries, and her quiet but powerful presence in Hollywood.

Now, with an Oscar win for Anora under her belt, Madison has solidified her status as one of the most exciting young talents in the industry. As she takes on more complex roles and explores new creative avenues, it’s clear she’s not content with simply following the Hollywood playbook. Whether she’s mastering a new accent, training for a physically demanding role, or preparing to step behind the camera, Madison is an actress with a vision.

With an ever-growing list of impressive performances and a determination to carve her own path, Mikey Madison is just getting started. And after her stunning Oscars victory, the world is watching.

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