Who Is Bailee Madison? Biography, Career & Facts

 How a two-week-old infant became one of Hollywood's most versatile young actresses

When you think about child actors who have made a smooth transition into adulthood while keeping their sanity, talent, and down-to-earth vibe, the list is unfortunately quite short. But then there's Bailee Madison — a name you might recognize from credits or on screen, yet you may not know the full story behind her journey.

Born on October 15, 1999, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this 26-year-old Libra has been part of the entertainment world for pretty much her entire life. And I really mean her entire life. While most of us were just learning to crawl, Bailee was already landing national commercials — and her story only gets more intriguing from there.

A Star Before She Could Walk

Here's something that blows my mind: Bailee Madison started her career as a two-week-old infant . Yes, you read that right. While most newborns are barely opening their eyes, she was already appearing in an Office Depot commercial. She later went on to appear in commercials for SeaWorld and Disney, building a résumé before she could even form complete sentences.

It's one thing to start young. It's another thing entirely to start that young and still be relevant, booked, and beloved over two decades later.

The Breakthrough That Changed Everything

In 2007, at just 8 years old, Bailee landed the role that put her on the map: May Belle Aarons in the beloved film Bridge to Terabithia. The film, based on Katherine Paterson's classic novel, introduced audiences to a young actress with undeniable presence and emotional depth .

But the real turning point came in 2009 when she starred in Brothers, opposite heavyweights Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman . Her portrayal of Isabelle Cahill earned her a Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Performer — a massive achievement for any young actor, let alone a 10-year-old.

And here's a fun fact: Natalie Portman was so impressed with Bailee's work that she personally recommended her for Guillermo del Toro's horror film Don't Be Afraid of the Dark . Now that's what I call an endorsement.

Working with the Legends

If there's one thing Bailee's career demonstrates, it's that she has never been intimidated by big names. In 2011, she appeared alongside Adam Sandler in Just Go with It — a comedy that also starred Jennifer Aniston . And guess what? She's continuing that Sandler connection, as she's set to star in the upcoming Netflix comedy Grown Ups 3, reuniting with Sandler and his ensemble cast .

But her impressive list of co-stars doesn’t end there. She’s shared the screen with talents like Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, and Bette Midler. The fact that she’s consistently cast alongside such Hollywood legends really highlights her incredible talent and professionalism.

The TV Roles That Made Her a Household Name

For many fans, Bailee Madison became a recognizable face thanks to her television roles. She first captured hearts as Maxine Russo on Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place, where she appeared in its fourth and final season.

However, her most iconic TV role came in 2015 when she took on the character of Grace Russell in Hallmark's beloved series Good Witch. Grace, the teenage daughter of Cassie Nightingale (played by Catherine Bell), had a knack for magic and found herself at the heart of many romantic storylines — and Bailee infused the character with a warmth and authenticity that fans absolutely loved.

The show was a perfect match for her: wholesome, enchanting, and brimming with heart.

A Young Snow White With Depth

Before stepping into the shoes of a witch's daughter, Bailee had another enchanting role: Young Snow White on ABC's hit series Once Upon a Time

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She graced the screen in several episodes, portraying the younger version of Snow White, a character brought to life as an adult by Ginnifer Goodwin. And let me tell you — the scenes she delivered were packed with emotion. In one particularly poignant episode, her character faces a heart-wrenching decision to let her mother die rather than resort to dark magic to save her. That’s some serious acting talent for someone so young.

A New Chapter: Pretty Little Liars and Beyond

Bailee is continually evolving as an actress. Most recently, she starred as Imogen in HBO Max's Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, showcasing her ability to tackle darker, more mature roles. This marked a significant shift from the wholesome Grace Russell, proving that she’s not afraid to take bold risks.

Looking ahead, Bailee Madison is gearing up to star in the 2026 Netflix comedy Roommates, where she'll share the screen with Sadie Sandler, and as we mentioned earlier, she’s also set to appear in Grown Ups 3. It’s clear her career is just getting started!

The Woman Behind the Roles

When the cameras stop rolling, Bailee is refreshingly down-to-earth. She even kicked off her own YouTube web series, co-hosting it with her former babysitter, Samantha Droke. How adorable is that? She really brought her babysitter along for the journey!

Bailee is the younger sister of Kaitlin Riley and has five other siblings, making her part of a big, vibrant family. Her mom’s name is Patricia Riley.

On the personal side, she was in a relationship with YouTuber and model Alex Lange from 2016 to 2018. Since around April 2019, she’s been dating Blake Richardson, the lead singer of New Hope Club. They’ve been together for several years now, and she often shares sweet moments with him on social media.

And here’s a fun tidbit: Bailee is a passionate supporter of Manchester United Football Club. Whether she’s cheering from the stands or watching from home, this Florida-born actress has a real love for English football.

Why Bailee Madison Matters

In an industry where many child actors struggle, Bailee Madison is a shining example of what happens when talent, hard work, and strong family values come together. She’s been in the game since she was a baby, yet she never comes off as jaded. She’s worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, but she remains incredibly humble.

Bailee has made a smooth transition from child star to adult actress without any of the tabloid drama. She’s expanded her repertoire to include commercials, films, television, and even digital content.
At just 26, she’s already built a career that spans over two decades, and there’s no sign of her slowing down. Honestly? I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next!

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Quick Facts at a Glance

Detail	Info
Full Name	Bailee Madison
Date of Birth	October 15, 1999
Age	26 years (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Years Active	2005–present
Known For	Bridge to Terabithia, Wizards of Waverly Place, Good Witch, Once Upon a Time
Partner	Blake Richardson (2019–present)
Awards	Critics' Choice Movie Award nomination for Best Young Performer (Brothers)
Upcoming Projects	Roommates (2026), Grown Ups 3

Image credits: Instagram