While Madison Shamoun might be best known for her iconic roles on some of ABC and Netflix’s best sitcoms, like Black-ish and BlackAF, it would be a severe underestimation to assume the actor is limited to a specific character type. Fervent in ambition and hungry in attitude, Madison is not only starring as Skye in season four of the hit CW series, All American, but is also biting into a leading role opposite Julia Stiles in Amazon’s fresh new comedy series: The Lake.

As Shamoun’s character, Billie, attempts to reconnect with her birth father after being given up for adoption, she soon finds herself on a mission to win back a family cottage from her father’s step-sister, Maisy-May. Filled with the utterly addictive slapstick of a sitcom and peppered with sentimentality that tugs at your heartstrings, The Lake goes a long way to prove the multi-dimensional talents of Madison — who is quickly becoming one to watch for the forthcoming year.

And while Madison might have hit the ground running when it comes to her career, it is potent that there is far more space for the actor to conquer. From wanting a role on an A24 drama to some too-soon-to-disclose projects coming up, we caught up with Madison to find out what’s next, what her experience has been like in the industry thus far and what’s most important to her when choosing an acting gig.

To watch the trailer for The Lake and to read the full interview, scroll below now…

Hey Madison! How are you doing?
I’m doing alright, thanks!

Tell us about your year so far! What have been your highlights?
This has truly been a crazy year, where to begin! The launch of The Lake was a huge highlight, getting to work on a CW show, and shooting a magazine cover. I mean I could go on, there are so many things to be grateful for.

Let’s start with your acting! How did you first get into it?
I took a commercial workshop when I was a preteen, and when I was about 13 I told my dad I wanted an agent for Christmas. He laughed pretty hard, but I’ve been performing my whole life! At first, it was gymnastics and cheerleading, dance, and then musical theatre and commercials. I would memorise my favourite movies and then act them out with kids in my neighbourhood.

Do you remember your first performance? What was it and who saw it?
Oh, I absolutely do! It was a play called The Cat and The Mouse at my catholic elementary school. I played the cat! My whole family saw it, and when I got that first laugh from the audience I was hooked.

You’re best known for your roles in ABC’s Black-ish and Netflix’s BlackAF. What was your experience like on set for both programs? Are there any standout moments?
The thing that stood out the most was just how great everybody was. From cast to crew, truly good vibes all around. We had such an enjoyable time, it didn’t feel like work.

Would you say you are most comfortable working on a sitcom?
So funny you ask because not really. I’m a theatre kid. I’m most comfortable working on play-texts, drama especially, dissecting older works. Sitcoms are almost always comedy and more modern than the texts I trained in.

What type of show would you like to explore next?
I’d really love to do something dark. A drama for sure. Like in the sphere of A24.

What is most important to you when choosing the characters you play?
I’m not sure there’s a most important thing, it’s kind of a collective of things. I like to make sure the project doesn’t perpetuate any negative stereotypes, I want to be passionate about it. Stuff like that!

And what can you tell us about your leading role as Billie in Amazon’s The Lake?
Billie is wise beyond her years, and really just the coolest girl. She is reluctantly spending a summer with her birth father in cottage country, amidst some ridiculous family drama.

And what was it like singing on a series? How do you feel about your cover of Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be” being available on Spotify?
I think it turned out great! It was kind of a race to the finish on this one. Waiting for rights to songs from Universal. We recorded a couple of different options just in case, but I think for the character and the plot, this song rings true.

Finally, what’s next for you? What are you most excited for in the near future?
Ugh, I wish I could say, but I’m just excited to do it all! Features, voice-over, animation, superhero stuff. I want to do it all!