Madeleine McGraw is an American actress who gained widespread recognition for her lead role as Gwen Blake in the horror film The Black Phone. Born on December 22, 2008, she began acting at a young age and has since built an impressive filmography spanning horror, family films, television, and voice work. She is also known as the older sister of Violet McGraw, another rising star in the genre.
McGraw’s breakout performance opposite Ethan Hawke in The Black Phone (2021) established her as a compelling young talent. She followed that with a lead role in the Disney Channel series Secrets of Sulphur Springs and has continued to take on diverse projects, including voice work in Toy Story 4 and a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her career reflects a smooth transition from child actress to sought-after teen performer.
How old is Madeleine McGraw?
Key facts to know
- She rose to fame through horror and thriller roles, including The Black Phone and American Sniper.
- Her younger sister Violet McGraw is known for roles in M3GAN and The Haunting of Hill House.
- Despite common online searches, Madeleine did not appear in the 2022 film M3GAN; that role belongs to her sister Violet.
- She began modeling at age four and appeared on the cover of Pottery Barn Kids.
- She stands 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) tall, according to her IMDB profile.
- She has a twin brother, Aidan McGraw, and an older brother, Jack McGraw, both of whom also act and model.
Snapshot facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Madeleine Grace McGraw |
| Date of Birth | December 22, 2008 |
| Place of Birth | San Jose, California, USA |
| Parents | Colin McGraw (father), Jackie McGraw (mother, also manages her career) |
| Siblings | Violet McGraw (sister), Aidan McGraw (twin brother), Jack McGraw (older brother) |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Breakout Role | Gwen Blake in The Black Phone (2021) |
| Notable TV Series | Zoey Campbell in Secrets of Sulphur Springs (2021–2023) |
| @madeleinemcgraw (verified) |
Who are Madeleine McGraw’s parents and sister?
Parents
McGraw was born to Colin McGraw and Jackie McGraw. Her mother, Jackie, also serves as her manager, overseeing her career decisions. The family is based in California, where Madeleine and her siblings grew up.
Siblings
Her younger sister, Violet McGraw (born 2011/2012), is also a prominent horror actress, best known for playing Cady in M3GAN and for roles in The Haunting of Hill House and Black Widow. Madeleine also has a twin brother named Aidan McGraw and an older brother named Jack McGraw; both brothers have worked as actors and models.
Many online searches mistakenly associate Madeleine McGraw with the film M3GAN. She did not appear in that movie. The role of Cady was played by her sister Violet McGraw. Madeleine and Violet are separate performers, though they have collaborated on other projects.
What movies and TV shows has Madeleine McGraw starred in?
Early career
McGraw began modeling at age four, appearing on the cover of Pottery Barn Kids. Her first acting role was in the short film Hide and Seek (around 2012). She made her television debut in a 2014 episode of Bones as Molly Blake.
Breakout roles
Her first major film role came in 2014 when she played McKenna, the daughter of Bradley Cooper’s character in American Sniper. She later appeared in the horror drama series Outcast (2016–2017) as Amber Barnes.
In 2021, she delivered her breakout performance as Gwen Blake in Blumhouse’s The Black Phone, opposite Ethan Hawke. That same year she began starring as Zoey Campbell in the Disney Channel series Secrets of Sulphur Springs, which ran for 27 episodes until 2023.
Voice acting
- 2017: Voiced Maddy McGear in Cars 3.
- 2018: Played young Hope van Dyne in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- 2019: Voiced Bonnie, the new owner of Woody, in Toy Story 4.
- 2021: Voiced young Katie in The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
Recent work
In 2024, McGraw starred in The Curse of the Necklace alongside her sister Violet. She is set to reprise her role as Gwen Blake in The Black Phone 2 (2025) and will appear in High Stakes Holiday (2025), a project produced by her mother.
McGraw’s career spans horror, family drama, superhero blockbusters, and animated features. This versatility has earned her a reputation as a rising “scream queen” while also allowing her to grow as a voice actress and dramatic performer.
What is Madeleine McGraw’s role as Gwen in The Black Phone?
In The Black Phone, McGraw plays Gwen Blake, the younger sister of the protagonist Finney. Gwen is a determined and intuitive girl who experiences psychic dreams that help her search for her brother after he is abducted by a serial killer known as the Grabber (played by Ethan Hawke).
The role required McGraw to convey both vulnerability and strength. The film was a critical and commercial success, and her performance was widely praised. She will return as Gwen in the upcoming sequel The Black Phone 2, scheduled for release in 2025.
What is the timeline of Madeleine McGraw’s career?
- 2008: Born on December 22 in San Jose, California.
- ~2012: First acting role in the short film Hide and Seek.
- 2014: Feature film debut as McKenna in American Sniper; also appears in an episode of Bones.
- 2016–2017: Stars as Amber Barnes in the horror series Outcast (14 episodes).
- 2017: Voice role as Maddy McGear in Cars 3.
- 2018: Plays young Hope van Dyne in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
- 2019: Voices Bonnie in Toy Story 4.
- 2021: Breakout role as Gwen Blake in The Black Phone; begins lead role in Secrets of Sulphur Springs (2021–2023).
- 2024: Stars in The Curse of the Necklace with sister Violet.
- 2025: Returns as Gwen in The Black Phone 2 and appears in High Stakes Holiday.
Is Madeleine McGraw in the movie M3GAN?
A frequent point of confusion arises because McGraw’s younger sister, Violet, played the child lead Cady in the 2022 horror film M3GAN. Madeleine McGraw did not appear in that film.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Madeleine McGraw was born December 22, 2008. | No official confirmation of height from non-IMDB sources; most estimates place her around 5 ft 3 in. |
| Her parents are Colin and Jackie McGraw. | Some online sources refer to her mother as “Lisa McGraw,” but this has not been confirmed. |
| She played Gwen Blake in The Black Phone and will reprise the role in the 2025 sequel. | Future projects beyond 2025 have not been announced. |
| She is not in M3GAN – her sister Violet McGraw stars in that film. |
What makes Madeleine McGraw a notable young actress?
McGraw represents a growing trend of child actors who move seamlessly between mainstream Hollywood and genre work. Her role in The Black Phone demonstrated her ability to hold her own opposite an established star like Ethan Hawke, while her voice work in Toy Story 4 and Mitchells vs. the Machines showcased her range.
She has been described by some outlets as a “scream queen” for her frequent appearances in horror and supernatural projects. Beyond acting, she maintains an active social media presence, using Instagram to connect with fans and share behind-the-scenes content. Her family, including her sister Violet and twin brother Aidan, are also in the entertainment industry, making the McGraws a notable Hollywood family.
As she enters her late teens, McGraw is positioned to take on more adult roles while continuing to build on a strong foundation of varied credits.
What do authoritative sources say about Madeleine McGraw?
“Madeleine McGraw is an American actress. She gained recognition for her roles in various horror-themed projects including The Black Phone.”
— Wikipedia
“Madeleine McGraw recently starred as fan-favorite Gwen in the feature film THE BLACK PHONE from Blumhouse.”
— IMDB
“Actress known for playing Amber Barnes on the show Outcast, McKenna Kyle in American Sniper…”
— Famous Birthdays
These sources, along with her verified Instagram account, provide the most reliable and up-to-date information about McGraw’s career and personal life.
What is the key takeaway about Madeleine McGraw?
Madeleine McGraw is a talented young actress who has already amassed an impressive body of work across film, television, and voice acting. Her breakout in The Black Phone and her continued presence in popular series like Secrets of Sulphur Springs have made her a familiar face to audiences. As she steps into more leading roles, she is one to watch. For another biography of a young celebrity, see Shiloh Jolie-Pitt.
Frequently asked questions about Madeleine McGraw
What is Madeleine McGraw’s height?
According to IMDB, she is 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m). Some other sources estimate slightly different measurements, but this is the most commonly cited figure.
Does Madeleine McGraw have any other siblings besides Violet?
Yes, she has a twin brother named Aidan McGraw and an older brother named Jack McGraw. Both have acted and modeled.
Is Madeleine McGraw in American Sniper?
Yes, she played McKenna Kyle, the daughter of Chris Kyle (portrayed by Bradley Cooper).
What is Madeleine McGraw’s net worth?
Her net worth has not been publicly disclosed. Any figures online are speculative.
Does Madeleine McGraw have an Instagram account?
Yes, she has a verified Instagram account at @madeleinemcgraw, where she shares personal updates and career content.
Who is Madeleine McGraw’s twin brother?
Her twin brother is Aidan McGraw, who also works as an actor and model.
What is The Black Phone 2?
It is the sequel to the 2021 horror film. Madeleine McGraw will reprise her role as Gwen Blake. It is scheduled for release in 2025.
Is Madeleine McGraw related to the actress who played Yelena Belova?
Her sister Violet McGraw played young Yelena Belova in Black Widow. They are the same person – Violet is Madeleine’s sister.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.