Meet Maddy Leane | Actor & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddy Leane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddy, what do you attribute your success to?
The skill that’s helped me the most in my career is my determination. Like every other actor, I have been told no more times than I would care to admit, but It’s never once stopped me. I’ve been doing this since I was 8 years old and every success I have had has come from persistence and love for what I do. I wouldn’t have achieved a thing without the determination to keep going.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been an actor. It is the thing I love most in the world, and I will spend the rest of my life acting, it’s not easy though.
I have had to adapt and make my own opportunities in times when no one would give me a chance. I never wanted to be a filmmaker. I hadn’t thought about writing or producing. However, I had no way to break into the industry, and the types of roles I wanted to play weren’t available to me or didn’t exist. So I made them myself. I started by making a short film. It was a sci-fi comedy about third wheeling at the end of the world, and it got me my dream agent. My second short film was a queer/dystopian film, it won me “Best Short Film” at the Sydney Women’s International Film Festival and it forced me to be brave enough to express my sexuality publicly. And now I’m a whole new actor on a completely different trajectory. One where if I’m not getting into the rooms I want, I build my own room.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m Australian, so there’s a massive culture shock that comes along with living in LA. I honestly wouldn’t need to show my friends much for them to be shocked/amazed. I truly think just going to Trader Joe’s is one of the most exciting things a person can do, followed by a trip to AMC at Universal City Walk.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people to shout out, I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful people in my life. My parents would spend hours in the car driving me to classes and auditions as a child, my friends still listen to me ramble about acting and the ideas I have for hours on end. My teachers have been patient and kind to me. I’m so grateful for it all.

Instagram: maddyleane_

Other: https://imdb.me/maddyleane