Maddie Ziegler Now: 7 Shocking New Career Moves & Why She Skipped The Dance Moms Reunion
Maddie Ziegler, the prodigious dancer who became a household name on Lifetime’s Dance Moms, has successfully transitioned from reality TV sensation to a bona fide Hollywood actress and fashion icon. As of December 21, 2025, her career trajectory has soared with a series of high-profile film roles, major brand collaborations, and a firm separation from her reality television past.
The former star of the Abby Lee Dance Company is no longer just a dancer; she is a multi-hyphenate artist whose recent projects and personal life updates are setting the stage for an even bigger 2026. Her latest moves, including multiple lead roles and a notable absence from a much-anticipated reunion, have cemented her status as an independent force in the entertainment industry.
Maddie Ziegler: Complete Biography & Professional Profile
Maddie Ziegler's journey is one of the most compelling post-reality TV success stories, transforming childhood fame into a mature, respected career. Below is a detailed look at her life and professional milestones.
- Full Name: Madison Nicole Ziegler
- Date of Birth: September 30, 2002
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 23
- Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
- Occupation: Actress, Dancer, Author, Model
- Years Active: 2011–Present
- Sister: Mackenzie Ziegler (Dancer, Singer, Actress)
- Breakthrough Role: Starring in the reality television series Dance Moms (2011–2016)
- Iconic Collaborator: Sia (Starred in music videos for "Chandelier," "Elastic Heart," "Big Girls Cry," "Cheap Thrills," and others)
- Current Relationship Status: Dating Daniel Hackett (also known as music producer Kid Culture)
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $5 Million to $8 Million
- Notable Recent Films: The Fallout (2022), Fitting In (2024), My Old Ass (2024)
The Seven Biggest Career Shifts and Projects in 2024/2025
Maddie Ziegler has spent the past few years deliberately diversifying her portfolio, moving away from dance and focusing intensely on acting. Her current slate of projects highlights her commitment to dramatic and complex roles, proving her range far exceeds her reality TV roots.
1. Securing Lead Roles in Major Indie Films: The Shift to Serious Acting
The most significant change in Ziegler’s career is her commitment to challenging, lead acting roles. In 2024, she starred in the coming-of-age comedy-drama Fitting In, which saw her take on one of her first leading roles in a feature film. This was followed by the premiere of My Old Ass, a feature film co-starring Aubrey Plaza, further solidifying her presence in the independent film scene.
These roles are a stark contrast to her early work, showcasing her desire to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress. She has demonstrated an ability to handle nuanced characters, a quality that has impressed critics and casting directors alike.
2. Joining the Cast of the Netflix Rom-Com ‘In a Holidaze’
In a major mainstream move, Maddie Ziegler joined the cast of the Netflix romantic comedy In a Holidaze in late 2025, alongside industry veterans like Rob Lowe. This project marks a significant step into the lucrative world of streaming service originals, diversifying her work beyond indie features and bringing her to a massive global audience.
3. Starring in the Survival Thriller ‘Shiver’ and ‘Ballerina Overdrive’
Ziegler is set to take on the lead role in the thriller film Shiver, and a likely supporting role in the action-packed movie Ballerina Overdrive, which was filmed in the summer of 2024. The latter is particularly intriguing, as it blends her background in dance with a survival narrative, requiring a unique physical performance alongside co-star Avantika.
This mix of genres—thriller, action, comedy, and drama—shows a strategic effort to avoid typecasting and build a versatile resume.
4. The Definitive Decision to Skip the ‘Dance Moms’ Reunion
One of the most talked-about events of 2024/2025 was the Dance Moms reunion, which was attended by many of her former castmates. Crucially, Maddie Ziegler opted not to participate, a decision that was widely seen as a mature and professional choice.
She has been open about the negative experiences on the show, even stating that she felt she had to "dumb down" her personality during her time on Dance Moms. Her refusal to return for the reunion underscores her commitment to her new identity as a serious actress and her desire to close that chapter of her life entirely, focusing on future projects rather than past controversies.
5. Evolving into a Fashion and Brand Darling in 2025
Beyond the screen, Ziegler has become a prominent figure in the fashion world. She was notably seen walking the red carpet at the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in April 2025, demonstrating her elevated status as a style influencer. Her edgy and sophisticated fashion choices have been highlighted by various publications, and she has become the face of high-end campaigns, including Maison Margiela's new fragrance.
6. A Stable and Public Relationship with Daniel Hackett (Kid Culture)
In her personal life, Maddie has been publicly embracing her relationship with music producer Daniel Hackett, known professionally as Kid Culture. The couple has shared glimpses of their life together on social media, offering a sense of stability and happiness that contrasts with the drama of her early career. This public relationship has become a key LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keyword for fans tracking her life outside of work.
7. The Enduring and Evolving Relationship with Sister Mackenzie Ziegler
While their time on Dance Moms was fraught with the competitive pressure of the show, Maddie and her sister, Mackenzie Ziegler (Kenzie), now share a famously close and supportive relationship. Mackenzie has spoken about how their bond strengthened after they left the show, particularly when Maddie went on tour with Sia. Their close bond is a frequent topic of interest for fans, demonstrating a healthy family relationship despite growing up in the spotlight.
Maddie Ziegler’s Net Worth and Financial Empire in 2025
Maddie Ziegler's financial success is a testament to her career diversification. Her net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $8 million as of 2025, a figure that continues to grow rapidly.
The Sources of Her Wealth
Her income streams are varied, ensuring a robust financial foundation:
- Acting Salaries: Her current focus on lead and supporting roles in feature films and streaming projects commands significant salaries.
- Brand Endorsements and Modeling: Collaborations with major fashion and beauty brands, including her work with Maison Margiela, provide substantial endorsement income.
- Residuals from Dance Moms and Sia Videos: Her iconic performances in Sia's videos, such as "Chandelier" and "Elastic Heart," continue to generate revenue.
- Book Sales: Ziegler is a published author, having released her memoir, The Maddie Diaries, and a young adult novel trilogy.
By leveraging her early fame from Dance Moms and the global recognition from her work with Sia, Maddie Ziegler has successfully built a lasting career empire. Her strategic move into serious acting and high-fashion modeling ensures that her financial and professional growth will continue well into the future, far surpassing her initial success as a child dancer.
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