Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer, actress, model, and author known for her breakout role on Dance Moms and her globally recognized performances in Sia’s music videos.
Over the years, she has built a diverse career in entertainment and become a youth icon, expanding her influence from viral dance performances to Hollywood roles.
Who is Maddie Ziegler?
Maddie Ziegler is an American dancer, actress, model, and author best known for rising to fame as a child star on the reality television show Dance Moms.
She gained widespread recognition for her expressive dance performances and quickly became a standout talent on the show.
Her global breakthrough came in 2014 when she starred in Sia’s music video Chandelier, which went viral and showcased her emotional storytelling through dance to a worldwide audience.
Since then, Maddie has successfully expanded her career beyond dance into acting, modeling, and writing.
She has appeared in films such as The Fallout and West Side Story, worked with major fashion brands, and authored a bestselling memoir, The Maddie Diaries.
Known for her versatility and creativity, she continues to build a strong presence in the entertainment industry while inspiring young audiences around the world.
What is Maddie Ziegler Full Name?
Maddie Ziegler’s full name is Madison Nicole Ziegler. Although she is widely known as Maddie, her full name appears in official credits, publications, and formal records.
Early Life of Maddie Ziegler
Maddie Ziegler was born on September 30, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From a very young age, she showed a strong interest in performing arts, especially dance.
She began taking ballet lessons at just two years old and joined the Abby Lee Dance Company by the age of four.
There, she trained in multiple styles such as jazz, lyrical, tap, and contemporary, spending much of her childhood practicing and competing in dance events.
For her education, Maddie initially attended Sloan Elementary School in Murrysville.
However, as her dance career started to grow and her schedule became more demanding, she switched to homeschooling in 2013.
This allowed her to balance her studies with her increasing commitments in dance and television.
At just eight years old, she gained national attention after appearing on Dance Moms, which marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry.
Maddie Ziegler Parents and Siblings
Maddie Ziegler was born to Melissa Ziegler-Gisoni and Kurt Ziegler, who played important roles in her early life and career.
Her mother, Melissa, became widely known through her appearances on Dance Moms, where she strongly supported Maddie’s dance journey from a young age.
Melissa and Kurt divorced in 2011, after which Melissa married Greg Gisoni in 2013.
Greg, who works as a corporate executive, became Maddie’s stepfather and helped raise her in a supportive family environment.
Maddie has a younger sister, Mackenzie Ziegler, who is also a dancer, singer, and actress. The two sisters gained fame together on Dance Moms and share a very close bond.
Maddie has two older half-brothers, Ryan and Tyler Ziegler, from her father’s previous marriage. She also has two step-siblings, Matthew and Michele Gisoni, from her stepfather’s side.
Growing up in a blended family, Maddie has often spoken about the importance of family support in her life, which has helped her stay grounded despite her early rise to fame.
What is Maddie Ziegler Nationality and Ethnicity?
Maddie Ziegler is American by nationality, as she was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
In terms of ethnicity, she has a mixed European background, including German, Polish, Italian, and Irish ancestry.
This diverse heritage reflects her family roots and contributes to her distinctive appearance.
Maddie Ziegler Age
Maddie Ziegler is 23 years old as of 2026, having been born on September 30, 2002.
She started young and has grown into a successful, multi-talented performer. Based on her birth date, her zodiac sign is Libra.
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Maddie Ziegler Height and Weight
Maddie Ziegler is approximately 5 feet 7 inches, which is equal to 170 centimeters or 1.7 meters tall, and weighs around 52 kilograms, which is equal to 114 lbs.
Her physique reflects her years of professional dance training, giving her a lean and athletic build.
Her posture, flexibility, and body control have played a major role in her success as a dancer.
Even as she transitioned into acting and modeling, her physical discipline remained an advantage.
Maddie is known for her expressive face, blue eyes, and light brown hair, which complement her artistic performances.
In the fashion world, her height and graceful appearance have made her a natural fit for runway shows and brand campaigns.
Her overall look blends elegance with youthful energy, helping her stand out both on-screen and in editorial shoots.
Maddie Ziegler Professional Journey
Maddie Ziegler began her professional career as a dancer at a very young age and has since evolved into a successful actress, model, and author.
Her journey reflects steady growth, creative exploration, and a successful transition from reality television to mainstream entertainment.
Early Career and Dance Moms Breakthrough (2011–2016)
Maddie Ziegler started her professional journey in 2011 when she appeared on the reality TV show Dance Moms at just eight years old.
Trained at the Abby Lee Dance Company, she quickly became the standout performer due to her emotional expression and technical precision.
During her time on the show, she won numerous dance competitions and gained national recognition.
Her performances, especially lyrical routines, were widely praised and helped her build a strong fan base.
By the time she left Dance Moms in 2016, Maddie had already established herself as one of the most recognizable young dancers in the world.
Global Fame Through Sia Collaborations (2014–2017)
Maddie’s career reached international heights in 2014 when she starred in Sia’s Chandelier music video.
The performance went viral and became a cultural phenomenon, earning billions of views online.
She continued working with Sia on multiple projects, including Elastic Heart, Big Girls Cry, and The Greatest.
These collaborations showcased her ability to convey deep emotions through movement and made her a global sensation.
She also performed live with Sia at major events like the Grammys and Saturday Night Live, further expanding her reach.
Transition Into Acting and Film Roles (2016–2022)
Maddie Ziegler began transitioning into acting around 2016, starting with smaller roles and voice acting in the animated film Leap!.
Her first major live-action role came in The Book of Henry (2017), marking her entry into Hollywood. In the early 2020s, she took on more serious roles.
She appeared in Music (2021), directed by Sia, and delivered a strong performance in The Fallout (2021), which earned critical attention.
The same year, she appeared in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, further solidifying her presence in the film industry.
Expanding Career and Recent Projects (2023–Present)
From 2023 onward, Maddie has continued to expand her career with diverse roles and creative ventures.
She was also recognized in Teen Vogue’s New Hollywood 2024 feature, highlighting rising stars shaping the future of the industry.
She starred in Fitting In (2023) and My Old Ass (2024), showcasing her growth as an actress.
In 2026, she appeared in the action-thriller Pretty Lethal, where she played a bold and complex character, highlighting her versatility beyond dance-focused roles.
Alongside acting, she has also expressed interest in producing and developing her own projects, signaling a shift toward creative control in her career.
Modeling, Writing, and Brand Collaborations (2015–Present)
Parallel to her acting career, Maddie has built a strong presence in fashion and publishing. She has worked with major brands like Ralph Lauren, Fendi, and Tiffany & Co., and signed with IMG Models.
In 2017, she released her memoir The Maddie Diaries, which became a New York Times bestseller.
She later authored a fiction series for young readers, further establishing herself as a writer.
Her collaborations in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries, combined with her strong social media presence, have made her a well-rounded public figure and influencer.
She was also recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, highlighting her growing impact in the entertainment industry.
Maddie Ziegler’s professional journey reflects a successful evolution from a child dance prodigy to a multi-talented entertainer.
With continued growth in acting, fashion, and creative production, she remains a prominent figure in modern pop culture.
Maddie Ziegler Movies and TV Shows
Maddie Ziegler has appeared in several films and television shows:
Movies
- The Book of Henry (2017)
- Leap! (2016)
- Music (2021)
- The Fallout (2021)
- West Side Story (2021)
- My Old Ass (2024)
- Pretty Lethal (2026)
TV Shows
- Dance Moms (2011–2016)
- Pretty Little Liars
- Drop Dead Diva
Maddie Ziegler Books
Maddie Ziegler is a published author who has written a memoir and a fiction series for young readers.
Her books reflect her journey, creativity, and experiences growing up in the spotlight.
- The Maddie Diaries (2017)
- The Audition (2017)
- The Callback (2018)
- The Competition (2019)
Maddie Ziegler Songs
Maddie is best known for her appearances in music videos, especially with Sia:
- Chandelier
- Elastic Heart
- The Greatest
She has also explored singing and contributed to film soundtracks.
Maddie Ziegler Awards and Achievements
Maddie Ziegler has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career in dance, entertainment, and media. From winning competitive dance titles at a young age to being honored by major global platforms, her achievements highlight her growth and influence in the industry.
- Time Magazine’s Most Influential Teens (2015, 2016, 2017)
- Forbes 30 Under 30 – Hollywood & Entertainment (2023)
- Teen Choice Awards Winner (various categories)
- People’s Choice Awards Winner
- New York Times Bestselling Author – The Maddie Diaries (2017)
- Multiple National Dance Competition Titles (Abby Lee Dance Company)
These accomplishments reflect Maddie’s journey from a talented young dancer to a globally recognized entertainer and influencer.
Why did Maddie Ziegler Quit Dancing?
Maddie Ziegler did not fully quit dancing but stepped away from competitive dance to focus on her evolving career.
She left Dance Moms partly due to the intense pressure and stressful environment she experienced growing up on the show.
As new opportunities in acting, modeling, and writing emerged, she chose to prioritize those paths.
While dance is no longer her main profession, it remains an important part of her identity and creative expression.
What happened to Maddie Ziegler?
Maddie Ziegler did not step away from the spotlight after Dance Moms-instead, she successfully transitioned into a broader and more mature career in entertainment.
After gaining global recognition through her work with Sia, she transitioned into acting, appearing in films like The Fallout, West Side Story, My Old Ass, and Pretty Lethal (2026).
This marked her evolution from a child dance star into a serious actress. In recent years, Maddie has also expanded into modeling, writing, and creative development.
She continues to work with major fashion brands, publish books, and explore producing her own projects.
Rather than fading from fame, she has grown into a versatile and independent artist, building a long-term career beyond her early success on reality television.
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Who is more famous, Maddie or Jojo?
Both Maddie Ziegler and JoJo Siwa are highly successful, but their fame differs depending on the audience and industry.
Maddie Ziegler is more recognized in film, fashion, and artistic performance, especially due to her work with Sia and her transition into Hollywood movies.
On the other hand, JoJo Siwa has a larger presence in mainstream pop culture and youth entertainment, with a massive fan base built through music, YouTube, merchandise, and television.
In terms of global visibility and commercial reach, JoJo is often considered more widely famous, while Maddie is seen as more critically respected in the entertainment industry.
What disease does Maddie Ziegler have?
Maddie Ziegler does not have any diagnosed disease or serious medical condition. There are no reliable reports suggesting that she suffers from any chronic illness.
Some confusion comes from her role in the film Fitting In (2023), where she portrayed a character with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.
However, this was only part of her acting role and does not reflect her real-life health.
In reality, Maddie has only spoken about experiencing anxiety and the pressures of fame, which are common and manageable.
Maddie Ziegler Net Worth 2026
Maddie Ziegler’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million as of 2026. This wealth reflects her long-standing career across multiple industries.
Her income sources include acting roles in films and TV, brand endorsements, modeling contracts, and book sales.
She also earns from social media partnerships, where she collaborates with global brands.
Her early success on Dance Moms and viral music videos helped establish her financial foundation.
Over time, she expanded into Hollywood, which significantly increased her earnings.
Maddie has also invested in real estate, including a property in the Hollywood Hills.
Her diversified income streams and smart career choices have contributed to her financial stability at a young age.
Maddie Ziegler Husband
Maddie Ziegler does not have a husband and is not married as of 2026.
She has not publicly announced any engagement or marriage, and there are no confirmed reports suggesting otherwise.
However, she is currently in a relationship with Daniel Hackett, professionally known as Kid Culture, a Grammy-nominated music producer.
The couple made their relationship public in 2024 and have since been seen together on social media and at select public moments.
While they keep their relationship relatively private, it appears to be stable and supportive.
Does Maddie Ziegler have a Baby?
No, Maddie Ziegler does not have a baby. There are no confirmed reports that she has any children, and she is currently focused on her career.
Is Maddie Ziegler Dating Anyone?
Yes, Maddie Ziegler is currently dating music producer Kid Culture (Daniel Hackett). Their relationship became public in 2024, and they keep it mostly private.
Maddie Ziegler Boyfriend
Maddie Ziegler is currently in a relationship with Daniel Hackett, professionally known as Kid Culture, a Grammy-nominated music producer.
He is known for working with top artists like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Cardi B, and Usher on major hits.
The couple made their relationship public in June 2024, when Maddie shared photos of them together on social media during his birthday.
Before that, they had kept things private, choosing to stay out of the spotlight.
Even after going public, Maddie and Kid Culture prefer to maintain a low-profile relationship, occasionally sharing glimpses of their time together.
Their relationship appears to be supportive and grounded, with both focusing on their respective careers while maintaining a strong personal connection.
She continues to balance her professional growth with her personal life, keeping most details of her relationship private.
Maddie Ziegler Ex-Boyfriend
Maddie Ziegler’s most notable past relationship was with Australian singer-songwriter Eddie Benjamin.
The two began dating around March 2020 and were together for over three years, making it one of her longest and most public relationships.
During their time together, Maddie and Eddie often appeared in each other’s social media posts and were occasionally seen collaborating creatively.
Eddie, who is also a musician and performer, supported Maddie’s artistic projects, and the couple shared a strong connection both personally and professionally.
Their relationship was generally kept low-key compared to many celebrity couples, but fans followed their journey closely.
In early 2023, reports confirmed that Maddie and Eddie had ended their relationship. Despite the breakup, there was no public drama, and both appeared to move forward respectfully.
Maddie has since continued focusing on her acting, modeling, and creative ventures, while keeping her personal life more private.
Who had a Crush on Maddie Ziegler?
JoJo Siwa is one of the most notable people who has publicly admitted to having a crush on Maddie Ziegler.
She has shared in interviews and on social media that she admired Maddie during their time on Dance Moms and even had a childhood crush on her.
Additionally, dancer Gino Cosculluela was also rumored to have a crush on Maddie during their time on the show, which was sometimes referenced as part of the storyline.
Among all mentions, JoJo Siwa remains the most widely recognized figure to openly confirm having a crush on Maddie.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Maddie Ziegler has transformed from a young dancer on reality television into a multi-talented global entertainer.
Her journey reflects growth, resilience, and creative ambition.
From viral performances to Hollywood roles, she continues to redefine her career while inspiring millions.
With new projects and expanding influence, Maddie remains one of the most dynamic young figures in entertainment today.
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Last Updated: March 17, 2026
