
Picture this: a small-town gal from Goose Creek, South Carolina, packing her bags and diving headfirst into the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. That’s exactly what Madelyn Cline, the 27-year-old breakout star of ‘Outer Banks,’ did to chase her Hollywood dreams. But let’s be real - trading Southern charm for the fast-paced LA scene ain’t no walk on Venice Beach.
When Madelyn first rolled into town, she felt like a fish out of water in this sprawling city of dreamers. She confessed to Paper magazine that while she knew who she was deep down, the lingo and lifestyle of LA threw her for a loop. It’s like stepping onto a movie set where everyone’s already got the script - except you.
Getting used to the City of Angels wasn’t just about finding the best taco spot on Sunset Boulevard. Madelyn described the vibe as a constant game of adaptation - think of it as code-switching, but less about culture and more about survival. ‘You’re a chameleon,’ she mused, reflecting on how she had to switch up her style and energy to fit in.
‘I didn’t get it at first, but someone told me early on - every time you step out your door in LA, it’s the biggest audition of your life. And they weren’t lying,’
Madelyn shared. That raw piece of advice stuck with her, turning every coffee run into a potential casting call. Over time, she learned to embrace the chaos, even if it meant some tough lessons along the way.
Living and working in LA comes with its own set of curveballs, and Madelyn’s had to dodge a few to find her footing. ‘You learn the hard way, whether you like it or not,’ she admitted, adding that those rough patches forced her to take a hard look in the mirror. It’s that sink-or-swim mentality that’s pure SoCal - if you don’t get your act together, the city will chew you up faster than traffic on the 405.
But Madelyn’s not just surviving - she’s thriving by taking on roles across genres, from rom-coms to gritty dramas. The actress believes it’s all about buying into the magic, no matter the script. ‘Doesn’t matter if it’s camp or drama - if you believe in it, that’s what makes it good,’ she explained, channeling that artsy, free-spirited LA energy.
For Madelyn, the key to nailing any role is simple: don’t overthink it. ‘Don’t try to tell the joke - the joke’s already there. Just play the game,’ she said, summing up her approach to acting. It’s that kind of laid-back yet passionate mindset that’s helping her carve out a space in Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
From feeling clueless on day one to owning her place in the industry, Madelyn Cline’s journey is pure LA inspo. She’s proof that with a little grit and a lot of belief in the magic, even a small-town dreamer can shine brighter than the Hollywood sign on a clear night.