Madeleine Arthur
Madeleine Arthur is an American Canadian actress. She has been impressing audiences and critics alike for over decade with lucrative roles in film and TV. She has played the daughter of Amy Adams and Cristoph Waltz in Tim Burton’s Award-winning ‘Big Eyes’, and has had starring roles in ABC’s hit show ‘The Family’ and the Sci-Fi cult classic, ‘Color Out of Space’ opposite Nicolas Cage. Fans may most recognize her as Christine, in the Netflix phenomenon ‘To All the Boys I've Loved Before’ film series alongside her real life BFF, Lana Condor.
She is a trained vocalist and violinist and loves skiing, hiking, snorkeling, volunteering, traveling, and being a foodie. Madeleine is fluent in French and currently splits her time between Vancouver and Los Angeles.
What was one of your favorite films to be featured in?
It’s so difficult to pick one. More recently, I was a part of “Color Out Of Space,” where I had the great fortune to play a dynamic and challenging character. I was lucky to act with some living legends as well as have the magical experience of filming in Portugal. Also, to be a part of the “To All The Boys” trilogy was a life-enhancing and enriching experience, which I will always treasure.
If you were able to choose a celebrity you got to work with, who would you choose?
I’ve said this before and I’ll keep putting it out into the universe, I would love to work with Marion Cotillard.
Did you always want to be an actress?
Growing up I was more focused on academics, as well as extracurriculars such as gymnastics and violin. For the longest time I thought I wanted to somehow work at the UN. Then at the age of 12 I read a book on theatre and had an epiphany. I knew at that moment I wanted to be an actor and began realizing my dreams by taking as many acting classes as I could.
Tell us about your role as Amy Adams daughter in “Big Eyes.”
“Big Eyes” is another of my favorite films. Bringing Margaret Keane’s story to life was an honor. Then working with one of my favorite actors, Amy Adams, was the icing on the cake. Amy is one of the reasons that I wanted to become an actor. I remember watching “Enchanted” and then “The Fighter” and thinking I want to do that one day. So, playing Amy’s daughter was a dream come true. She is one of the most brilliant actors on this planet as well as one of the kindest humans. To have played alongside her and take in her artistry is an experience I will cherish forever.
Do you have any hobbies that you pursue in your spare time?
I have so many hobbies. Cliche as it may be, I believe that variety is the spice of life. So, I am always keeping it fresh when it comes to learning new skills. Pre-Covid I would take different dance classes and enjoyed doing pottery or “museuming” (going to museums). Recently, like many, cooking has been a terrific source of joy. I’ve tried challenging myself with different recipes but am also still trying to get a better hold of the basics. Additionally, I’ve picked up paddle boarding and horseback riding. Riding was originally only going to be for a few lessons to feel more comfortable on a horse, but I fell in love with it so much that I stuck around for a few more.
Can you personally relate to any of the characters you've played before?
I’ve been lucky to play a wide array of characters, who, for the most part, have been dissimilar to who I am. I find myself relating in small ways to each of them and bringing forth what resonates between myself and the role I am playing. For example, I related to Chris in “To All The Boys” in terms of her loyalty and sociable personality, as well as her music taste, but then I really got to use my imagination for her other qualities.
What was your favorite production to be a part of so far?
All of them! I do have a soft spot for those that allowed for some travel to exciting destinations, like Sintra, Portugal, for “Color Out of Space” and New York for “To All The Boys: Always and Forever.”
What's something that impacted your life for the better during Covid 19? Did you find that with more time on your hands you accomplished something new?
A silver lining in Covid for me has been finding joy through cooking. I have always been a food fanatic but never took the time to learn how to make delicious things. It’s been very therapeutic and gives me a sense of accomplishment, even if the dish doesn’t exactly turn out. I would also say that despite not being able to see my friends this time has also brought us together in new ways. Something we’ve started is “Club Zoom,” a space in which every Friday night we have a themed virtual dance party. We’ve also started a pseudo acting class together. Over the last year, I’ve done many online cooking sessions with friends too. All of these virtual excursions allow us to stay connected, remind each other that we are not alone in this time, and make us eager for when we can reunite and enjoy all of the adventures that await.
What is your life motto?
I have a few. One of my go to’s is: chance favors those who are prepared.
Social Media.
Instagram: @MadeleineArthur
Twitter: @MadeleineArthur
Facebook: @MadeleineArthur
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Megan Toriglia
Talent: Madeleine Arthur
Fashion Stylist: Cheyenne Hoffman
Hair: Aimee Cox
Makeup: Jada Cianne Arriola
Tearsheets: Caitriona Moran, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Laurel Scimeca, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine