Maddie Ziegler

Maddie Ziegler: A Journey from Dance Prodigy to Acclaimed Actress​

Madison Nicole Ziegler, professionally known as Maddie Ziegler, is an American dancer, actress, model, and author who has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and versatility. Born on September 30, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Maddie's early immersion in the performing arts set the stage for a remarkable career that spans dance, film, fashion, and literature.​

Early Life and Family Background

Maddie was born to Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni and Kurt Ziegler and is of Polish, German, and Italian descent. She has a younger sister, Mackenzie Ziegler, who is also a dancer and singer, along with two older half-brothers, Ryan and Tyler, from her father's previous marriage, and two older step-siblings, Matthew and Michele, from her stepfather Greg Gisoni's previous marriage . Raised in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, Maddie began taking ballet lessons at the age of two and joined the Abby Lee Dance Company at four, where she trained in various dance styles including tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and jazz .​

Rise to Fame: Dance Moms and Sia Collaborations

Maddie's breakthrough came in 2011 when she starred in the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms, showcasing her exceptional dance skills and emotional expressiveness. Her performances caught the attention of Australian singer-songwriter Sia, leading to Maddie's starring role in the music video for "Chandelier" in 2014. The video went viral, amassing over 2 billion views on YouTube, and established Maddie as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry . She continued to collaborate with Sia on several other music videos, including "Elastic Heart," "Big Girls Cry," "Cheap Thrills," and "The Greatest," further solidifying her status as a dance prodigy.​

Transition to Acting and Film Career

Expanding her artistic repertoire, Maddie ventured into acting, making her film debut in The Book of Henry (2017) as Christina. She gained critical acclaim for her role as Mia Reed in the HBO Max drama The Fallout (2021), which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival . Maddie also appeared in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story (2021) as Velma, and starred in the indie film Fitting In (2023), portraying Lindy, a teenager navigating life after a medical diagnosis . Additionally, she played the titular role in Sia's directorial debut Music (2021), a performance that sparked discussions about representation in film .​

Modeling, Fashion, and Authorship

Beyond dance and acting, Maddie has made significant strides in the fashion industry. She has modeled for renowned brands such as Capezio, Ralph Lauren, Fabletics, and Target, and launched her own clothing line, MaddieStyle, in 2016 . In 2017, she released her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, which became a New York Times bestseller, offering insights into her journey and experiences in the spotlight .

Personal Life and Advocacy

Maddie has been candid about her experiences growing up in the public eye, discussing the pressures and challenges she faced during her time on Dance Moms. She has expressed a desire to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and to support charitable causes. Maddie has partnered with organizations like the Starlight Children's Foundation and Dancers Against Cancer, participating in campaigns to raise awareness and funds for children with chronic illnesses and cancer patients .​

Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations

As of 2025, Maddie continues to evolve as an artist, taking on diverse roles that challenge her creatively. She aspires to establish her own production company, drawing inspiration from industry figures like Margot Robbie and Reese Witherspoon . Maddie's journey from a young dancer in Pittsburgh to a multifaceted performer serves as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for the arts.​