Madison Elise Rogers of ‘1923’: Emotional Rigidity Destroys Authentic Performances In Television And Film

I had the pleasure of talking with Madison Elise Rogers. Madison is an American actress best known for her role as Lindy in 1923, the Paramount+ prequel to Yellowstone. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Rogers spent much of her early life in the South, moving between Tennessee, Mississippi, and Memphis before relocating to Los Angeles at 19 to pursue acting professionally. Initially drawn to performance as a way to overcome shyness, she quickly developed a deep passion for storytelling, leading her to a career in film and television.

Rogers’ early work included roles in independent films and short productions, with appearances in Fluorescent (2015), Mr. Fish (2016), Closer to God (2014), and The Circle of a Coven (2014). She also had a role in the television movie Kingmakers (2015) and appeared as Young Sage Calaghan in Still Single (2016). Though she steadily built her career with smaller roles, her breakthrough came in 2022 with 1923, a Western drama created by Taylor Sheridan and starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Originally cast for two episodes, her character quickly resonated with audiences, leading to an expanded role in the second season.

Rogers’ trajectory into the entertainment industry was shaped by both personal and professional influences. Growing up in LaGrange, Tennessee, she attended a Montessori school before transitioning to public education. As a child, she had limited exposure to television, spending much of her time outdoors. Acting classes, which her mother encouraged as a way to help her gain confidence, became a turning point. The studio where she trained required long commutes, but the experience proved invaluable, fostering both her skills and determination.

After moving to Los Angeles, Rogers secured an agent and began auditioning for various projects, starting with commercials and independent films. Her transition from small-scale productions to a high-profile series like 1923 marked a significant milestone in her career. Reflecting on her experiences on set, she has spoken about the impact of working alongside established actors, recalling moments with Helen Mirren and Timothy Dalton that shaped her perspective on the industry.

Beyond her work in 1923, Rogers has hinted at additional projects in pre-production, though details remain under wraps.

Off-screen, Rogers enjoys baking, cooking, and painting, hobbies she credits with bringing balance to her life. While she maintains a degree of privacy, she remains active on social media, offering glimpses into her work and personal interests. She has also expressed admiration for director Tim Burton, citing his films as a major inspiration.

As she continues to expand her body of work, Rogers remains focused on developing complex characters and deepening her craft. With a growing presence in television and film, she is steadily establishing herself as a rising talent in Hollywood.

Yitzi: Madison, it’s a delight to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share a bit about your childhood and how you grew up?

Madison Elise: Thank you for having me!

I grew up in a very small town called LaGrange, Tennessee. I lived there until I was about eight years old. I didn’t have cable — just a few channels — so I spent a lot of time outdoors. I was a very shy kid and went to Montessori school until I was about six or seven.

To help with my shyness, my mom signed me up for acting classes. My acting studio was about an hour away, so we’d wake up early and make the drive every day. It really helped me become more comfortable with myself. I’m still a little shy, but it gave me the confidence to put myself out there.

Eventually, we moved closer to my acting classes, to Memphis, Tennessee, which cut the drive down to about 20 minutes. I moved in with my grandmother and started public school for the first time in fourth grade. That was a big adjustment — I had never taken a test or used textbooks before, so it was a completely different experience.

After that, I went to middle and high school in Mississippi, and when I was 19, I moved to Los Angeles. And here I am!

Yitzi: Amazing. So, can you tell us a bit about how you first entered the entertainment industry? Tell us about your first big breaks and how that all developed.

Madison Elise: Yeah, well, it wasn’t something I really thought much about when I was living in Mississippi. I didn’t know how to make it a career, but I had always been such a fan of the industry. I loved Disney Channel as a kid, I loved movies — it was something I knew I wanted to be a part of.

When I got to L.A., I had an acting teacher who recommended an agent to me. I started going out for auditions for the first time, and that’s where it all began. I started with some commercials and indie projects, and that’s how I got my foot in the door. My first big role would be this one — playing Lindy in 1923.

Yitzi: Amazing. You must have some incredible stories from working on different sets, different projects, and living in different places. Can you share one or two stories that stand out from your professional life?

Madison Elise: Oh my goodness. Well, I think the moments I’ll remember forever are from 1923 because I got to work with people I’ve respected and looked up to my entire life.

One moment that really stuck with me was right before going on set with Helen Mirren. We were both getting our hair done — I was dyeing mine red for the role, and she was getting a touch-up. She came right up to me, took my hands, and told me, “This crew is so incredible. You’re in such good hands.” It really put me at ease.

Another great memory was from filming in Montana. Timothy Dalton and I had a day off, so we decided to take a little road trip through the mountains. Our radio wasn’t working, so we just sang songs and enjoyed the scenery. We had no actual destination — we just thought, “We’re here, we have to see something.” It was such a fun, spontaneous experience.

Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting out in acting and the lesson you learned from it?

Madison Elise: That’s a really good question. I’ve probably made a billion mistakes!

But hmm… I’d say one of the biggest things was not letting loose enough. When I was first starting out, I would cling to my lines so much that it actually restricted me. I was so focused on getting everything exactly right that I wasn’t allowing myself to be free in the moment. That wasn’t just one mistake — it was something I gradually learned over time. I had to realize that it’s okay to let go, to trust myself, and to not be so rigid with the script. Once I started doing that, everything changed for me.

Yitzi: That’s great. Beautiful answer. We love hearing stories about how someone who’s a little further ahead in their career opens a door or creates an opportunity that changes someone’s trajectory. Do you have a story like that — either where someone did that for you or where you did that for someone else?

Madison Elise: Yeah, I’d say the advice I’ve gotten from Timothy Dalton has really changed the way I approach my work. It opened my mind in a lot of ways and helped break down a barrier for me as an actor. His guidance has been so valuable — it’s really helped me grow.

Yitzi: That’s great. Amazing. You have such an impressive body of work, Madison. We know about 1923, but can you share with our readers some of the exciting things you’re working on now or might be working on in the near future?

Madison Elise: Yeah, I’m working on a project that’s currently in pre-production, so I can’t say too much about it yet. But it’s something I’m really excited about, and as soon as I can share more, I will!

Yitzi: Amazing. So, let’s talk a little about 1923. Yellowstone is a huge hit, and 1923 has also been incredibly successful. Having a rating higher than eight on IMDb is pretty rare. Tell us — why do we have to watch it?

Madison Elise: Oh my goodness. I think it has a little bit of everything for everyone. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, and I think we all need something like that. If you’re looking for a show where you can press play and just get completely lost in the story, this is it.

Yitzi: That’s a great answer. In general, what do you think it is about the Yellowstone universe that captures so many people’s hearts and minds?

Madison Elise: I think a lot of it comes down to Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling and his ability to write such incredibly layered characters. He creates characters that so many people can see themselves in, and the dynamics between them feel real and relatable. He tells stories so poetically that it’s impossible not to connect with them. That’s what makes these shows so special and so beloved.

Yitzi: That’s a great answer. What lessons do you think our society can take from the themes of 1923?

Madison Elise: Hmm. I think one of the strongest themes in the show is family — and also community. Those themes really stand out, and I think people not only enjoy them but also take something meaningful away from them.

Yitzi: Beautiful. How would you compare and contrast your personal character, Madison, with the character you play, Lindy? How are you similar, and how are you different?

Madison Elise: Well, it’s funny because I think, at her core, Lindy is a lot like me. I brought a lot of myself to her. There’s an openness to her, and a bit of naivety, that I felt was really important for her character. So, in that sense, we have the same foundation.

As for what’s different — well, I’ve never been through the things she’s experienced, thankfully. That alone makes us very different. She’s a woman in a situation where she’s being taken advantage of by a powerful, wealthy man, and I honestly don’t know what I would do in her position. But at her core, I still feel like we share a lot of similarities.

Yitzi: That’s great. Beautiful. So, apparently, Lindy became a fan favorite. What do you think it is about her that resonates so much with audiences?

Madison Elise: I think, as a woman, a lot of women can see themselves in her. We’re not just seeing her as a sex worker — we’re seeing her as a woman in a difficult situation, one that might feel familiar to some people.

She starts off as this sweet, open, naive girl, and then we watch her be taken advantage of and ultimately transform. I think that’s what connects with people — because it’s a reminder that this could happen to anyone in the wrong circumstances. That kind of relatability is powerful.

Yitzi: That’s great, beautiful. This is our signature question. You’ve been blessed with a lot of success. Looking back to when you first started, what are five things you know now that you wish you had known then?

Madison Elise: Yeah, I would say:

1. Be more confident.
2. It’s okay to say no.
3. Rest is productive.
4. Don’t be afraid.
5. Be more spontaneous.

Yitzi: Beautiful. Can you share with our readers any other self-care routines you practice to help your body, mind, and heart thrive?

Madison Elise: Yeah, for me, I find it really helpful to connect with my childhood self. I like to watch a Disney movie or do something comforting that brings me back to my true self. I really live for those moments — they help me reset.

Yitzi: That’s great. You mentioned that you started acting to overcome shyness, but you still have a bit of that in you. For someone who’s shy or feels socially anxious — afraid of speaking in public — what do you do to handle being on a set with hundreds of people, including famous actors?

Madison Elise: Yeah, I think what’s always helped me is finding my own sense of privacy within it. I really try to connect with myself so I don’t get overwhelmed by the fact that I’m on set with so many people.

I focus on what I’m doing — whether it’s the lines I have to say or the character I’m working on — so that my attention is on the work rather than on how many people are around me. Also, something that helps is realizing that not everyone is actually paying attention to you. It can feel like all eyes are on you, but in reality, most people are focused on their own tasks. Keeping that in mind makes it a lot easier.

Yitzi: This is what we call our “matchmaking question,” and sometimes it works. We’re very blessed that prominent leaders in entertainment and business read this column, so this is a chance to maybe connect with someone. Is there a person in the world — or in the U.S. — whom you’d love to collaborate with, have coffee with, or even have a power lunch with? We can tag them on social media and see if we can make it happen.

Madison Elise: Yeah, I would say… well, I’m a gigantic Tim Burton fan. I always have been since I was a child, and I still am. Edward Scissorhands is one of my favorite movies of all time. So, if I could meet anyone for coffee, it would definitely be Tim Burton.

Yitzi: So, this is our final aspirational question. Madison, because of your great work and the platform you’ve built, you have enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would it be?

Madison Elise: I would say we need more empathy as a collective. I think if people led with empathy, it would go a long way and make a real difference in the world. It’s something we could all use more of right now.

Yitzi: Beautiful answer. So, how can our readers watch 1923? How can they continue to follow and support your work?

Madison Elise: Please watch 1923 on Paramount+ on Sundays! It comes out at midnight every Sunday. It’s an amazing show, and this season is going to be incredible. I’m so excited for everyone to see it!

You can follow me on Instagram @madisoneliserogers

Yitzi: Madison, it’s been so delightful to meet you. I wish you continued success and blessings, and I hope we get to do this again next year when you have another exciting, huge project.

Madison Elise: Me too! Thank you so much.

Yitzi: Have an amazing day. Bye-bye.

Madison Elise: You too. Bye!