Bailee Madison 'link' [ DELUXE — HANDBOOK ]

In an industry that chews up young women and spits them out, has not only survived but thrived. She offers a road map for child stars: diversify your skills (act, sing, produce), pivot to welcoming genres (Halloween horror and Hallmark Christmas), and leverage your platform for good.

Madison's career began remarkably early; she appeared in her first commercial at just two weeks old. However, her breakout moment came in 2007 with the film adaptation of Bridge to Terabithia, where she played May Belle Aarons. Critics noted that her performance was so strong she nearly "stole the show" from her older co-stars. This early success paved the way for intense dramatic roles, such as her Critics' Choice-nominated turn in the war drama Brothers (2009). Bailee Madison

This era of her career was defined by a string of successful films that cemented her status as a reliable box-office draw for family audiences. She terrified audiences as the malicious child in Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010), produced by Guillermo del Toro, and charmed them in the Adam Sandler vehicle *Just In an industry that chews up young women

: She earned a reputation as a "scream queen" through atmospheric projects like Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010), produced by Guillermo del Toro, and The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018). However, her breakout moment came in 2007 with