By: Kemberlie Spivey
Q) You’re joining “Sistas” in Season 10, a show known for deep friendships, messy love, and real conversations. What drew you to this particular world and this moment in the series?
A) It’s funny you ask that because I actually had little to no idea what I was auditioning for at first. I had worked with this casting director before and loved her, so when I saw her name on the email, I knew I wanted to put a tape in. Between you and me, I definitely skimmed that email a little too quickly, because what I thought was a one-off character on a Tyler Perry Studios show turned out to be a series regular role on “Sistas,” a huge Tyler Perry Studios and BET hit. So, there are two lessons here: one, keep practicing your craft and go after opportunities when something feels aligned — in this case, it was trusting the relationship with the casting director. And two, read your damn emails! HA!
Q) Season 10 of “Sistas” is already packed with drama—how did stepping into an established sisterhood with KJ Smith Black, Crystal Renée Hayslett, and Mignon Von feel on day one?
A) Imagine walking in on Season 10 of one of BET’s most highly rated shows. Nervous is an understatement! That said, my nerves disappeared pretty quickly. All of the women, the entire cast, and the production team were so welcoming. I walked into my dressing room and found a table filled with gifts – and not generic gifts, but incredibly thoughtful ones. KJ somehow knew my favorite lipstick and the exact shade I wear. I didn’t even know she knew who I was, let alone my lipstick color. Crystal got me a beautiful silk scarf and Mignon got me a really nice bottle of champagne. It immediately made me feel like I wasn’t just joining a cast, but stepping into a real sisterhood, and that meant everything, especially on day one.
Q) Without giving too much away—how did they initially describe your “Sistas” character?
A) The original breakdown said verbatim, “Mid 30s, Black, Female – A woman who oozes confidence and power, with striking beauty and a physique to match from years of dedication at the gym, she carries herself like someone who knows what they want and how to get it. Her skin is a rich, deep brown, her hair natural and often styled to complement her sharp features. An entrepreneur who has asserted herself with ease in a male dominated space, Madison is a woman who knows her worth, but deep down has a desire to find love and settle down. She is still searching for someone who can meet her on her level and build a partnership based on mutual respect and equality, even though she’s been told that she may be somewhat delusional. This internal conflict adds a layer of vulnerability to her otherwise poised and commanding exterior.”
My immediate reaction was, “That’s me! I am her! I am Madison.” As I started getting more information about her, I was honestly hungry to learn more and more. She came across as flirty, confident and driven – a woman who really knows herself. That made me even more excited to keep discovering who she is as the story unfolds.
Q) Tyler Perry is known for working fast and trusting instinct. What surprised you most about his creative process—and what did it teach you about trusting your own gut?
A) I realized I had to trust my instincts and be confident in the performance I was giving. Thankfully, my experience at Peloton prepared me for that. We teach classes live to tens of thousands of people every day, and there are no do-overs, no retakes, no resets. Once I connected those dots, something really clicked for me. From then on, I made sure I showed up ready and trusted what I brought into the room every time.
Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming – either on screen or between shooting scenes?
A) I worked as a makeup artist for sixteen years before finding my way to the bike. Oftentimes when I’m on set—whether it’s working with Nike, Sports Illustrated Swim or any other partners—I find myself gravitating toward the glam team. Makeup was my first love, so when I’m backstage, it feels like home.
Some of my favorite memories from filming were alongside my hairstylist, Kasi Rene, makeup artist Bridget Crider and costume designer Derron Cherry. They very quickly gave me the nickname “Madison Truitt with 2 T’s.” We spent a lot of time chopping it up and being straight-up fools between takes.
Q) Walking in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Runway Show and then being named a “2026 Swimsuit Rookie” was huge. Did that confidence boost carry over onto set when you joined a cast full of fan favorites?
A) I had a very wild summer in 2025. Fun fact: we filmed “Sistas” before I was named the 2026 SI Rookie. I think playing Madison may have actually influenced the way I strutted down that runway during Miami Swim Week. I carried some of the confidence and boldness that I embody for Madison into my walk. Madison is a bit more forward and flirtier than I am, so it was nice to have her with me for the fun of it all.
Q) What do you think it is about “Sistas” that continues to make it such a fan favorite series?
A) I think people continue to love “Sistas” because they truly see themselves in these characters. Yes, the storylines can be heightened for drama, but at the core the experiences and emotions are very real. The honest portrayals of mental health—exploring grief, anxiety, emotional suppression and the cost of carrying everything in silence—really resonate.
I think our writer, Courtney Claude, looks for ways to speak about important issues that exist within our community and gives them a launching pad to drive real conversations after the show. Fans may first show up for the actresses they love, but they stay because they feel connected to the sisterhood and the very real experiences these women represent on screen.
Q) You’ve inspired millions to bet on themselves—how does it feel to now inspire audiences in a completely different way through storytelling and television?
A) I’m no stranger to meeting people in their homes. I’ve been fortunate enough to connect virtually through Peloton for quite some time now. Meeting new audiences at home through TV screens as a character I’m portraying feels equally as awesome, but very different.
At Peloton, I’m not playing a role – I’m showing up as myself and I’m grateful that people relate to me. With the show, I am playing a role; it’s an art form. People are receiving my work. The thing about art is that everyone receives it differently – some will like it, while others will say it’s not for them. The beauty is that you can like or dislike something and still appreciate the work. As long as I make them feel something, my job is done.
Q) From Nike Athlete to actress—representation matters. What does it mean to you to show up on BET as a woman who doesn’t fit just one box?
A) What I hope people take from my journey, especially as I’ve transitioned into acting and television, is that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s too close. Dream beyond that. Once I realized the only person who could truly hold me back was me, everything opened up.
If you want to leave a 16-year career as a makeup artist and become a fitness instructor, do it. If you want to write a book even though you’re terrible with punctuation, do it. If you want to walk in the Sports Illustrated runway show representing dark-skinned, athletic-built women weeks before your 40th birthday, do it. If you want to start a new chapter and step into acting, do it.
Your mind is your strongest muscle. Don’t let fear steer. You are the gatekeeper of your own success.
Q) Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about that we should keep our eyes on?
A) Definitely look out for me this summer in Sports Illustrated Swim, and I may or may not have a big announcement coming this May.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and those who support your work?
A) Because of you I am…
PHOTO BY BONNIE NICHOALD