Madison Pettis
A former Disney Channel star who gracefully navigated the transition from child actor to a versatile presence in film and television.
Born 1998 (age 28)·American actress·Birthday: July 22·Generation Z
Biography
Madison Pettis entered the public eye as a child, but her career has been defined by a steady, deliberate evolution. She broke out as the scene-stealing Peyton Kelly opposite Dwayne Johnson in 'The Game Plan,' showcasing a natural charm beyond her years. This led to her role on Disney Channel's 'Cory in the House,' cementing her status for a generation of young viewers. Rather than fading after the Disney era, Pettis intentionally sought varied roles to avoid typecasting. She voiced a lead character in the 'The Lion Guard,' starred in the TeenNick series 'Life with Boys,' and took on roles in family films and thrillers. Her work extends beyond acting into voiceover and brand partnerships, demonstrating a savvy understanding of the industry. Pettis represents a path of sustained relevance, building a filmography that grows with her and her original audience.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Madison was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Madison Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Madison's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Could drive
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Peyton Kelly in the Disney film 'The Game Plan,' which grossed over $140 million worldwide.
- Played a series regular role as Sophie Martinez on the Disney Channel sitcom 'Cory in the House.'
- Voiced the character of Princess Amber in the popular animated series 'Sofia the First.'
- Starred as the lead, Allie Brooks, in the YTV/TeenNick series 'Life with Boys.'
Did You Know?
She was a national spokesperson for the clothing brand Icing by Claire's as a teenager.
She is a trained dancer in styles including jazz, tap, and ballet.
She was homeschooled to accommodate her acting schedule from a young age.
“I love finding the truth in a character, whether it's comedy or drama.”
