Madison Bailey has risen to fame through her role in the popular Netflix series Outer Banks, but her talent extends beyond this renowned show. Initially starting her acting career in the mid-2010s with minor appearances in various television series, Bailey has emerged as a prominent figure in the industry. With the anticipation building for Outer Banks season 4 and her future endeavors, viewers eagerly await her performance. Although she is predominantly recognized for her work in Outer Banks, Bailey's filmography demonstrates her versatility as an actor, proving that she can excel in a diverse range of projects.
When observing Bailey's career trajectory, it becomes apparent that her future prospects extend far beyond her current role in Outer Banks. Since making her breakthrough, she has consistently secured new projects, showcasing her talent through a series of consecutive appearances. As her career has progressed, Bailey has sought more high-profile roles, allowing her to establish a notable presence on screen. While every actor must start somewhere, and although some of Bailey's early work may not have reached the same level of quality or impact as her later endeavors, it is evident in all of her performances that she possesses the innate qualities of a star.
10 Swamp Murders (2013-2017)
9 Supercool (2022)
"Swamp Murders," released by Investigation Discovery, is a captivating true-crime series. Delving into the intriguing mysteries surrounding corpses discovered in swamps, the show utilizes riveting interviews with those connected to the cases and compelling reenactments. Despite running for several years, "Swamp Murders" was unable to garner a widespread following, remaining somewhat niche. In season 3, episode 6 of this gripping series, titled "Murder in the Badlands," Bailey makes a memorable appearance as Mary Hold Bear, an acquaintance of the unfortunate victim. Although her screen time is limited, Bailey's exceptional portrayal of a malicious character truly leaves a lasting impression.In Supercool, Neil (Jake Short) longs for popularity as a high school student. A twist of fate grants his wish, transporting him into a new reality where he suddenly becomes popular. Despite its unique concept and talented, yet underrated, cast, the film failed to make a significant impact upon its release. Within Supercool, Bailey portrays the character of Emily, one of Neil's classmates and a close friend of his love interest, Summer (Madison Davenport). While Supercool may not showcase Bailey's best work, it does mark one of her early supporting roles in a major feature film.
8 Council of Dads (2020)
Though Council of Dads met an unfortunate end after its first season, its sincere premise demonstrated promising potential. In this series, Scott (Tom Everett Scott) and his wife Robin (Sarah Wayne Callies) enlist the support of their close friends to form a "council of dads" for their children following Scott's untimely demise due to cancer. Bailey portrays Jules, a novel companion to Scott's son Theo (Emjay Anthony), who has also experienced the loss of a parent. Jules plays a vital role in helping Theo adapt to this significant change. Bailey's portrayal of Jules across three episodes of Council of Dads showcased her remarkable acting abilities, particularly in handling emotionally weighty material.
7 Constantine (2014-2015)
Constantine, based on the DC Comics character, had a single season on NBC before its cancellation, despite receiving positive reviews. However, the actor Matt Ryan reprised his role as John Constantine in various episodes of the Arrowverse on The CW. One notable appearance was in the series finale of Constantine titled "Waiting for the Man," where Madison Bailey portrayed Caroline, a kidnapped child bride. This marked Bailey's debut in a TV series and served as a memorable starting point for her career.
6 Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020)
5 Mr. Mercedes (2017-2019)
: In the world of comedy entertainment, Impractical Jokers has become a household name. This improvised reality show features a talented group of comedians, namely James "Murr" Murray, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, and Brian "Q" Quinn. Their friendship and hilarious shenanigans are showcased not only on the show but also in their recent film. Joining these comedic masters on the big screen are renowned personalities like Paula Abdul, Jaden Smith, and Will Ferrell. While Impractical Jokers: The Movie incorporates some scripted elements, it still retains the same beloved humor that fans have come to adore. A notable appearance in the film comes from the talented Madison Bailey, who portrays an unnamed character that engages in a spirited high-five with Joe at a local bowling alley. This movie marks a significant milestone for Bailey, as it serves as her debut in a widely distributed film.
The crime series Mr. Mercedes is based on the Stephen King books titled Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch. Starring Brendan Gleeson as retired detective Bill Hodges and Harry Treadaway as antagonist Brady Hartsfield, the show garnered positive reviews throughout its three-season run on Audience. In "Gods Who Fall," the fourth episode of Mr. Mercedes season 1, Madison Bailey appears as Chloe in a scene set in a diner where Jerome (Jharrel Jerome) notices Brady. Although her performance in Mr. Mercedes may not be the most memorable among her movies and TV shows, it showcases her ability to seamlessly integrate into a series for a single episode.
4 Creepshow (2019-present)
Based on the 1982 horror-comedy film and comic book of the same name, Shudder's Creepshow is an acclaimed anthology series. It has featured renowned actors such as Justin Long, Giancarlo Esposito, Reid Scott, and D'Arcy Carden in various episodes. In the second part of Creepshow season 1, episode 3 "All Hallow's Eve/The Man in the Suitcase," Bailey takes on the role of Carla. Surprisingly, rather than portraying a typical horror victim, Bailey's Carla embraces greed and torture. This distinctive portrayal highlights the actress's versatility and ability to delve into darker roles.
3 American Horror Stories (2021-present)
Bailey makes an appearance in another horror anthology series named American Horror Stories, which serves as a companion spin-off to Ryan Murphy's renowned American Horror Story franchise. Although not as widely popular as its predecessor, American Horror Stories season 3 is on the horizon, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of familiar faces. The show has already featured a multitude of talented actors who have collaborated with Murphy in the past, including Matt Bomer, Billie Lourd, and Naomi. In American Horror Stories season 1 episode 3, titled "Drive In," Bailey takes on the role of Kelley, one of the main characters, alongside Rhenzy Feliz as Chad. As the protagonist, the actress delivers a compelling performance, making American Horror Stories one of Madison Bailey's most commendable ventures in movies and television shows.
2 Black Lightning (2018-2021)
While the DC Extended Universe continues to struggle both at the box office and with critics, The CW has carved out its own success with the Arrowverse shows based on DC Comics. One standout in this lineup is Black Lightning. Cress Williams takes on the role of the eponymous vigilante hero, who is enticed back into action after retiring from the superhero life. In the series, Bailey shines in the portrayal of Wendy Hernandez, a young girl possessing the remarkable ability to manipulate air. In a market overflowing with superhero content, it can be quite challenging for an actor to make a lasting impression in the genre. However, Bailey manages to stand out by bringing depth and authenticity to the character of Wendy.
1 Outer Banks (2020-present)
Outer Banks, an immensely popular Netflix series with a massive fan base, delves into various themes beyond its initial plot centered around a lost treasure. This teen drama also delves into classism, friendship, and romantic relationships. Joining the ranks of this captivating show is Madison Bailey, who portrays the character of Kiara "Kie" Carrera. Despite hailing from a privileged background as part of the wealthy "Kooks," Kiara chooses to associate herself primarily with the working-class "Pogues." The contrasting social status and her personal desires become a prominent source of conflict for Kiara throughout the series. Madison Bailey's outstanding portrayal of Kie perfectly captures the intricacies of her character, cementing Outer Banks as one of her finest contributions to the realm of film and television.