Madison Iseman – Still The King

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) What are the most recent projects that you are working?

A) I’m just focusing on “Still The King” for the most part.

Q) Tell us about your character Charlotte and how was she originally described to you.

A) I read the breakdown for Charlotte when I got the audition and instantly fell in love with her. She is a fun, fifteen year old girl. She has a single mother, who is played by the amazing Joey Lauren Adams. She is kind of gone her whole life simple. She’s a very witty, smart girl and kind of plays the role of the adult. She kind of lets her father back into her life when he shows up in her life fifteen years after she was born. She’s a very subtle character and after reading the sides I thought she is fifteen and needs to be a little more youthful. When you are at that age, you are curious and exited. So, the one element I added to it was that she was a little more youthful fifteen year old.

Q) Where do you connect and relate to her?

A) I connect with her personality wise a hundred percent. She does her own thing and doesn’t really need anyone to make her happy. She is very independent, which I think is awesome. She walks the beat of her own drum. There are a lot of differences, too. My parents are still together and have been around my whole life. That was interesting to try and dive into the darker areas of her world. So, we have a lot in common like what she likes to do, the music she likes, she likes to write and is into boys. At the same time, we have had different childhoods.

Q) How did you connect with Billy Ray Cyrus? Was the chemistry instantaneous?

A) Billy Ray is absolutely incredible and such a sweetheart. It was interesting because I didn’t really know how it was going to go. On the first day on set, he was like, “I’m not really an actor. I go off instinct. So, I think it would be kind of cool if we just grow as our characters grow.” I was like, “That’s awesome!” So, we didn’t really talk or get to know each other the first couple of weeks, but through filming we are great friends now. He is amazing and an incredible dad. I think that is an aspect that added to the show.

Q) What can you tease that we’ll get to see as far as story arc for Charlotte this season?

A) You’re going to see the bond between everyone as they finally start to get to know each other and feel more like a family. There will be twists and turns and ups and downs. You really see how the relationships go with everyone she knows. She kind of grows into a stronger person. Charlotte will kind of bring you back down to reality in all of the craziness.

Q) What makes CMT a great platform for “Still The King?”

A) It’s amazing! They are really amping it up this year. They wanted to make scripted series their new thing like with “Still The King” and “Nashville.” It’s their baby too because everyone is really excited about it and want to watch it grow. There is a lot of love behind it. CMT has a great following. There are people from seven to sixty years old watching it. I think that’s the cool part of it, too. There is not a strict age range and anyone can relate to it. CMT loves the project so much, which makes it easy for you to love it, too.

Q) What have been some of your favorite behind the scenes moments?

A) Every day was a fun day. I don’t remember one day where it felt like work. I loved everyone I worked with. We had incredible guest stars and we’d laugh on every take. One of the directors yelled at us to stop laughing, but we couldn’t. Probably one of my favorite episodes is where my grandmother comes to town and she is played by Lin Shaye. I can’t tell you what happens, but I remember that day where Billy Ray and I looked at each other and thought this was too perfect. There was just a lot of moments of nonstop laughing.

Q) What have you learned from working alongside Billy Ray and Joey?

A) Everything is still new to me and a learning process. I’m always open to trying new things and learning new things. Everyone I have worked with have helped so much and I watch the way they work. Joey Lauren Adams is incredible and I just sit and watch her scenes alone. They are so good! I just hope to be at their level one day.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive?

A) Social media is fun. My generation is kind of always on it. So, it’s kind of easy for me. I’ve had other cast members ask me what to do, which is kind of cool. It’s just so easy for me. I love Twitter, Instagram and all of that.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching “Still The King?”

A) It’s really just a good time. I think if anything they will take from it to hold your family a little tighter and love a little more. It’s a big loving show with a bunch of kooky people who love each other. There is no strong message, but everyone needs to laugh and a good time.