DFAT Interviews is back with a brand new edition! We had the opportunity to sit down with actor Madison Smith and pick his brain about acting, his current projects and more! Check out the full interview below and catch Madison on CBS’s Salvation!
DFAT: Hi Madison! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us!
Madison: Absolutely, it’s my pleasure.
DFAT: When you were young you wanted to be an actor, why did you at first not pursue acting as a career and what was it that ultimately pushed you in that direction?
Madison: Well growing up in a relatively small town, sports were pretty much king. And most of my childhood and teenage years were defined by the sports I played. It was hockey in the winter, baseball in the summer, and when I got older it was both hockey and baseball year round. The desire to act only lingered in the back of my mind. I loved movies and TV but my path was always sports. Once I finished my first year of college baseball, however, I knew my life was headed away from that direction, but I didn’t know where I wanted it to go. Then I had a conversation with my parents and they suggested I try acting. It was like a light switch had turned on in my mind. I was going to be an actor.
DFAT: Tell us a little about you and your interests when you’re not acting.
Madison: Well I try to keep busy as much as I can and it’s not hard to find things to do outside in Vancouver where I live. This summer has been gorgeous so most of my days are spent at the beach. Other than that, this year I began teaching young actors, and that keeps me pretty busy as well.
DFAT: Passing along what you have learned, that’s great! What has been your favorite project so far in your career?
Photo Cred: Courtney Paige
Madison: 2018 has been the most amazing year for me as an actor so it’s hard not to say both the projects I’ve been fortunate enough to work on this year, Salvation and Narcoleap. But awhile back, I had a chance to work on the series finale of Psych, my favorite show of all time. I played a character that was supposed to emulate the lead character Sean. It wasn’t a huge part but it was such a cool experience to be in the last episode of my favorite show. Something I’m sure only a few actors have had the pleasure of doing.
DFAT: Speaking of Salvation, Earth is heading towards its demise. Now that we are in season two, what can you share with us about the rest of the season and where the show is headed?
Madison: Well as we saw in the last couple episodes Jillian and Nate have started going to a self-help group COPE. Some people on Twitter are calling it a cult, and I wouldn’t exactly say they are wrong about that. But I can’t say too much on that subject yet. And as for the rest of the crew, RySyst is still making things difficult for the new President Darius. So we might see some interesting developments in that department.
DFAT: Can’t wait to see what happens! When it comes to acting, do you prefer movies or tv?
Madison: Honestly I don’t have a preference. I go where the work is. But my dream is to one day have a series with myself as the lead, so I guess my answer for the moment would be TV.
DFAT: I love the idea behind NarcoLeap, the out of body experience is a theme that is reoccurring in sci-fi, how does this script make it unique?
Madison: Narcoleap is such a fantastic concept, I was so happy to be part of it. Narcoleap has many things that make it unique. Kelsey is someone who has nothing particularly special about her. In fact, because of her Narcolepsy, she is a bit of an outsider. And her ability comes out of nowhere. And my character Aidan really helps ground the whole show in reality. Basically, Aidan is the voice of the audience and reacts exactly how all of us would if our friend told us they had superpowers. Plus the idea that there is a secret branch of the government studying supernatural abilities gives it an extra level of awesome.
DFAT: This sounds right up my alley and I will have to check this show out! Fun question, If you could be any superhero who would you be and why?
Madison: Easy question. Superman. I have always loved Superman, in fact, my girlfriend has told me that the amount of Superman paraphernalia has to decrease in our apartment. I so far have not complied. Superman was always more than a Superhero to me. He is a metaphor for inner strength. He is alone in this world without anyone who will ever truly know him. But he tries his best to be good and connect with those around him. I feel like all of us have felt that way once or twice in our life.
DFAT: I’m right there with you on that choice!! Finally today, for future aspiring actors, what tips or advice would you give?
Madison: I’d say It’s the hardest job you’ll ever do, but if you work hard, one day that hard work will pay off and you will find success.
DFAT: Thanks for chatting with me. I hope everyone continues to enjoy Season 2 of Salvation on CBS and check out season 1 of Narcoleap at www.narcoleap.com. You won’t be disappointed!
