Madison Elise Rogers has spent much of her life blending into the background. The young actress, who stars as Lindy in 1923—Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel, alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren—describes herself as naturally shy. But through acting, she has found self-assurance and purpose.

“I love the feeling that I get when I completely step into a character,” Rogers says. “There’s a part of me that loves to hide, and acting allows me to disappear into someone else’s skin. I really live for it.”

Stepping Into Lindy’s World

Portraying Lindy was an emotionally intense experience. Introduced in season one, Lindy is a sex worker drawn into the orbit of Donald Whitfield (played by Timothy Dalton), whom Rogers describes as “a very powerful, wealthy, dangerous man.” While her role was initially limited to two episodes, she returns in season two—now airing on Sundays on Paramount+— with an intriguing plot twist on the horizon.

To prepare for the role, Rogers immersed herself in Lindy’s world. “I journaled a lot as her,” she explains. “There are so many moments we don’t see, and sitting with her in those in-between spaces helped me understand what was going on in her mind.”

She also relished the opportunity to work with Dalton, a screen legend known for his turn as James Bond in the 1980s. “When I first got the role, I was a little intimidated,” she admits. “It was surreal to be working with someone like him. But he’s incredibly comforting and humble. Even off-camera, he’s always in theatrical mode—it’s fascinating to watch.”

Though she doesn’t share scenes with Ford or Mirren, Rogers recalls a backstage encounter with the latter before filming season one that has stayed with her. “I was getting my hair done, and she was getting hers done too. She walked up to me, grabbed my hands, and said, ‘This crew is so amazing. You’re in such good hands.’”

That moment provided reassurance. “Being part of a cast this incredible is nerve-wracking,” she says. “Her words really helped.”

A Path Less Traveled

Rogers’ journey to Hollywood was anything but conventional. Born in the small town of La Grange, Tennessee, she moved frequently between Memphis and Mississippi. She was enrolled in a Montessori school before being homeschooled, only entering public school for the first time in fourth grade.

“That was complicated for me,” she admits. “I had never taken a test before. I had never done anything like that.”

Acting became an outlet. Enrolled in acting lessons at the age of eight, she found a way to channel emotions she struggled to express. “It gave me confidence,” she says. “It helped me become more comfortable with myself.” That passion carried her through multiple moves and schools, ultimately leading her to Los Angeles at 19.

Dreams, Influences, and What’s Next

Inspired by actors like James Dean, Ava Gardner, and Winona Ryder, Rogers has long admired performers who bring intensity and authenticity to the screen. Her dream collaboration? Tim Burton. “I would even just stand in the background or something,” she jokes.

She’s also a devoted fan of The Twilight Zone—“I watch it every single night,” she says—and The White Lotus.

Beyond 1923, Rogers has several film and television projects in the works. In her free time, she enjoys baking and getting creative in the kitchen.

As for advice to aspiring actors, she offers simple yet heartfelt encouragement. “As cliché as it sounds, never give up on yourself. If it’s something you really want to do, your time will come. Just stick with it.”

Photography Credit: Ssam Kim