Madison Shamoun is a well known face in the entertainment industry, most known for her roles on Black-ish and #BlackAF. With the recent rise in the Black Lives Matter movement, Shamoun has made sure her face is a familiar one in the movement as well. We were lucky enough to catch an interview with this up and coming star. Please read below for our exclusive chat.

Where are you based?
Los Angeles!

San Diego is almost two hours outside of LA by car (approximately 120 miles south), yet has vastly different cultures pertaining to the entertainment industry. Do you feel growing up in San Diego, an arm's length from the entertainment industry, influenced your perception of the industry?
That’s interesting because I feel like they are so opposite! I grew up in San Diego thinking I can’t wait to get to LA, that’s where everything is happening. A huge portion of the industry shoots in LA, and most of the working professionals live in or slightly outside of LA, so I always felt I needed to be here. To me, San Diego was a small fish. There is lots of Theater in SD but it’s definitely small in comparison to LA.

Do you remember the first moment in film, television, or theatre that left a deep impression on you? What inspired you to get into film?
It’s so strange. I think the moment I decided to become an actor was when I was about six years old or so. I was watching The Phantom of The Opera film adaptation at a neighbor’s house, and I just remember being in absolute awe. The lead character, Chrsitine, was singing opera, dancing ballet, and it was just so stunning all around. I thought to myself, I have to do that. I have to be Christine one day.

You've appeared in shows such as ABC’s Black-ish and Netflix’s BlackAF series, both of which depict affluent black families. Can you talk about your experience working on these shows? What are your thoughts on the importance of shows like Black-ish and BlackAF?
I could not have had a better time working on both projects. It was truly a joy and I feel so lucky! It hasn’t always been this way. Growing up, I could probably only name two shows that depicted black families that were successful and thriving, whereas I could name dozens of shows portraying white families. I can’t stress how important it is to feel and see yourself represented in television. I hope young POC are watching these shows and feeling included and showcased and understood.

Diversity has been a huge topic of discussion within the entertainment industry. As a black woman working in entertainment, what are your thoughts on the current state of diversity within casting?
It’s getting better! My only hope is that it continues to do so. People want to see stories that are a reflection of real life and real life has everyone in it. The entertainment industry should mirror that.

You have been actively protesting for Black Lives Matter in LA. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience?
It’s just heartbreaking. I went to the first one in Santa Monica, and I had never been to one before. All sorts of people came together to take a knee, pay tribute, and let marginalized voices be heard. The escalation to violence was unfortunate, because the protests were entirely peaceful, and the destruction that did happen wasn’t from anyone at the protests. It was upsetting for so many reasons.

It seems like the major media isn’t covering the movement as much. Do you have any thoughts on how these voices can continue to be heard?
Keep your foot on the gas! Whether that means supporting black businesses and art, on social media or in real life. It’s not a movement that’s going anywhere, this is for life. Be ready to be an ally for life.

What would you like to see come from the movement?
I think a big one is police reform. It’s crazy how few hours are spent in academy training. I spent 4+ years training at a University to be an actor, and a Police Officer’s actual required study of the law is pretty minimal. I’d be interested to see specialists come in where needed, because officers are spread so thin.

In addition to your human rights activism, you also advocate in support of animal rights and follow a vegan diet. Why is this important to you?
I originally became vegetarian on a dare, but felt so much better afterwards. After learning about all my food sensitivities, allergies, and intolerances, I decided to become vegan and live a plant-based lifestyle for good. I later learned about all the animal cruelty that takes place in the meat/dairy industry and decided my veganism needed to go beyond what I eat. I can only control what I consume and use, and I choose to not consume or use any animal products. I do think it’s important to educate people about all the unethical ways in which we obtain these proteins. A lot of people simply aren’t aware, so beginning a conversation about it is really imperative, because once people know, it’s hard to go back.

How are you staying positive during these times?
I’m trying to keep busy and keep the focus off myself. Fostering dogs and staying in touch with friends and family keeps me sane.

What is your motto in life?
I don’t know if I have a life motto, but I do like to say, be honest in everything you do. Also, when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.

To learn more about Madison Shamoun, please follow her via the below platform:
Instagram: @madisonshamoun

Madison Shamoun Has Hope In The Entertainment Industry