Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddie Patrick.
Maddie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be an actress. I used to go over my aunt’s house a lot and every time I went there, I headed directly for this big coffee table book called “A Day in the Life of Hollywood.” In it are beautiful and interesting photos of life in Hollywood during one 24-hour period in the early 1990s. I loved the glamour and gritty behind-the-scenes moments of Hollywood. I wanted it all.
So I started taking acting lessons when I was younger, but then my attention turned to softball, for one reason or another. During my sophomore year, I injured my back twice during the softball season. After the second time, I walked off the field and never played again. So during my junior year, I had to ask myself what I liked to do since I wasn’t playing anymore. Then I remembered I used to act. So I auditioned for the fall play, got a part, and have been acting and performing consistently ever since.
I’ve studied and regularly perform improv, sketch, storytelling, and stand-up comedy. I also make comedy videos and write features, pilots, and stories. I naturally migrated towards comedy because, well, I love to make people laugh. And I love making people laugh while I’m on a stage or on a screen. It’s like a drug for me. I learned how to make jokes when I was young because humor was the way I coped with bullies and people always commenting on my body. I hated that they did it, but it also gave me the gift of comedy.
I eventually moved to LA when I was 26. I had been doing the “regular” “adult life” since graduating college and, well, I couldn’t stand it. I was miserable and unhealthy. I learned about and regularly practiced meditation while trying to cope with all that emotional baggage, and started teaching classes and private sessions while in LA.
But changing your external circumstances doesn’t always heal everything inside. A few years later, I went through what most people would categorize as a nervous breakdown or a dark night of the soul. It was horrible while it was happening, but after it started to abate and up until now, the lessons it taught me have been profound. I have a newfound peace within me and it’s helped every area of my life. As an extension of that peace, I still do private meditation lessons and I also read tarot cards. I’m constantly learning about new ways to deepen my understanding of myself, my connection to the world, and how to laugh at everything, especially my fears.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not always! As I said, there was a nervous breakdown and tons of anxiety (I’m genetically pre-disposed). There was self-doubt – a lot of it. There have been jerks and broken promises and flaky people and the loss of loved ones. But everything great I have in my life now is because of everything I’ve ever been through. I may not have liked it, but I’m grateful for it all.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Maddieness – what should we know?
Maddieness is my branded business. I’ve been using the moniker ‘Maddieness’ since I was a teen because I loved the way my name could fit into ‘madness.’ The name suits me though because I look sweet & kind, but I’m a bit of an oddball and pride myself in portraying other oddballs in my work. I did a fantastic short film called “L’Ambassador” where I played a sociopathic wife who travels to France to have her lover kill her husband. I also did an award-winning Hollywood Fringe show called “From Toilet to Tinseltown” where I played Moaning Myrtle (from Harry Potter) doing her own one woman show. I really love playing these unapologetic characters who are not trying to be kind, nice, or what you think they should be.
As for my meditation sessions and tarot readings, I’m proud that I integrate a lot of what I learn into a unique style. I’ve gotten more into tarot readings lately because of the way it helps me connect with others. Tarot tells a story and I love listening to my client’s stories, hopes, dreams, and fears in reaction to their tarot reading. Tarot doesn’t necessarily show us the future – it shows us what we already know and need to hear.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Laughing at myself, not believing it’s too late for anything, and meeting my fears then pushing past them.
Pricing:
- I offer 3 card, 25 min. readings for $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maddieness.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/xmaddiepatrick
- Other: www.maddieness.com/tarot
Image Credit:
Stephanie Nelson Photography, Greggywawa Photography, Adastra Films
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
