‘Pretty Little Liars’ Star Bailee Madison: “You Are Enough.”

If you grew up watching Bailee Madison on your TV screen, you probably feel like you know her. She’s been in everything—from Bridge to Terabithia to Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. The girl has been booked and busy since she was basically in diapers (literally, she booked a commercial at two weeks old). But what happens when a child star spends her formative years playing other people? Where does the real Bailee fit in? That’s precisely what she unpacked on The Squeeze, the podcast hosted by Taylor Lautner and his wife (also named Taylor—yes, Taylor squared is a thing). And let us tell you, this episode was a ride.

Bailee got real about self-worth, mental health, and the weirdness of growing up with a filmography longer than some actors’ entire careers. And, of course, she did it all with that signature sweetness and wisdom beyond her years. But don’t get it twisted—this girl isn’t just all smiles and sunshine. She’s been through it. And if you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt lost in your 20s, or struggled to find your identity, grab your emotional support beverage and get cozy. This one’s for you.

The Identity Crisis of Bailee Madison, Child Star

One of the episode’s most powerful moments came when Bailee admitted that, for a long time, she didn’t know who she was. After spending years playing different characters, she’d go home, look in the mirror, and feel completely disconnected. “There was no connection to myself when I was going home at night,” she confessed. “And I think that really was messing with me.”

Let’s take a second to appreciate how real that is. Sure, most of us haven’t spent decades on film sets, but raise your hand if you’ve ever lost yourself in a job, a relationship, or the never-ending pressure to be who everyone else expects you to be.

Bailee also opened up about how tough therapy has been for her (same, girl). “I just haven’t, I don’t think, found my person yet,” she admitted. And let’s be honest—finding a therapist you actually vibe with is harder than finding a decent person on Hinge.

But she’s working on it. And if you’re struggling too, let this be your sign to keep looking. Your person is out there. And in the meantime? Talk to the friends who truly see you. Because, as Bailee Madison said, sometimes your people are the ones sitting right beside you, holding space for your messy, beautiful, work-in-progress self.

When Work Is Your Entire Identity (And How to Take Your Life Back)

Bailee also got into the grind—and, more importantly, the dangers of never stopping.

“My home is a set. I never feel homesick because you quickly make that your home,” she said.

Oof. That one hit. How many of us define ourselves by our work? Raise your hand if your email inbox has more control over your life than you do. (Guilty.)

The kicker? Bailee Madison admitted she’s never actually said she needed a break. She’s just had breaks forced on her—like during the Hollywood strike or, you know, a global pandemic. Sound familiar? If you only take breaks when you’re physically incapable of functioning, you might be a workaholic. And listen, hustle culture is cute until your body and brain stage a full-on rebellion.

So here’s an action item: Take a break before life forces you to. Schedule a day off. Say no to something. I promise, the world won’t stop spinning.

Your Twenties Are a Scam, Actually

Bailee turned 28 this year, and like the rest of us, she’s realizing that this decade is one long, chaotic identity crisis. “I’m like, get me to my thirties,” she joked. 

Her 20s have been a time of serious reflection, especially after spending four years on PLL: Original Sin. Between the isolation of filming in upstate New York and playing a seriously heavy role, she found herself questioning everything. “We were kind of living in the show,” she admitted. And that’s exhausting.

The lesson here? Give yourself grace. Your 20s (and, honestly, life in general) are messy. You will question everything. You will lose people. You will change your mind 500 times. And guess what? That’s normal.

What Can We Take Away From This?

If Bailee’s episode on The Squeeze taught us anything, we’re all figuring it out as we go. But here are some key takeaways:

• You are enough. No, really. You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone—not your boss, not your partner, not even yourself. You’re already whole.
• If you feel lost, you’re not alone. Bailee’s been in the industry for over two decades, and she still has moments when she wonders who she really is. It’s okay not to have everything figured out.
• Talk it out. Whether it’s a therapist, a bestie, or your dog (who definitely understands you), just get the words out. The worst thing you can do is bottle it all up.
• Take a damn break. Burnout is not a badge of honor. Rest is productive.
• Your twenties are weird, but they won’t last forever. And if you’re already in your 30s or 40s? Guess what? It gets better.

If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just done with trying to have it all together, remember Bailee’s words: You are enough. And if that’s the only thing you take from this, it’s more than enough.

Now, wear some comfy sweats, blast your favorite throwback song, and give yourself some grace. You’ve got this.