Madeline Zima Meets World

Summary

Pod Meets World – "Madeline Zima Meets World" (Nov 17, 2025)

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)

Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong
Guest: Madeline Zima

---

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and lively episode, Danielle and Ryder sit down with actor Madeline Zima, best known as Grace Sheffield on "The Nanny," to discuss her journey as a child actor, navigating Hollywood as a family, and the long-term impacts of growing up in show business. They share thoughtful reflections on family, authenticity, and the often-overlooked resilience found among former child stars. The conversation ranges from the mechanics of multicam sitcoms to intimate stories of self-discovery, with humor and sincerity throughout.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Growing Up in Show Business

• Early Start: Madeline booked her first job at 28 months (21:16), as the face of a national Downy campaign, outshining a thousand baby hopefuls:
  “I was just about 2 years old, and I somehow booked the job, and I managed to keep working.” (21:54)
• Family in the Industry: Both Madeline’s sisters worked as actors, and her driven mother orchestrated their careers, even after losing her sight (31:06). The Zima “mini-empire" was sustained by the entire family pitching in.
  “She just finished a novel... She did it on an app called Plod where you just dictate and then it records everything down.” (31:07)

2. Navigating Child Stardom

• Success Stories ("Club" for Former Child Actors): All discuss the stigma of child acting and wish more attention was paid to positive outcomes. Madeline notes:
  “I always want to highlight the success stories because people don’t ever do that. Like, Ryan Gosling was a child actor.” (22:39)
• Industry Realities: Ryder observes the imposter syndrome that plagues child actors, seeing untalented kids getting jobs and questioning their own legitimacy (43:07).

3. Personal Growth, Insecurity, and Childhood

• Acting Without Training: Madeline (and Ryder) reflect on the journey from instinctual acting as children to later seeking training, only to realize their original instinct was often correct (40:03–42:30).
• Resilience & Rejection:
  “I absorbed more rejection by the time I was 11 years old than most people will absorb in their whole lives.” –Madeline (44:14)

4. On "The Nanny" and Sitcom Life

• Working with Fran Drescher:
  “I remember just her voice... and at some point I realized she was important in the room.” (48:39)
  Fran's unyielding self-belief and how she secured the show (pitching to the CBS president on a plane) left a profound impact on Madeline.
• Set Dynamics & Child Perspective: "The Nanny" set was more adult-focused, less centered on the kids, which shaped Madeline’s experience (68:55).
• Kid Schooling Struggles: Both Danielle and Madeline recount unsuccessful attempts at public school, bullying, and the challenges of being “the outsider” (57:56).

5. Handling Recognition, Fame & Boundaries

• Fan crushes—Ryder and Danielle, as “object of affection” for fans, reflect on the disconnect between character and self (24:09–26:24).
• Madeline receives less of this, but sometimes gross references from her more adult work (“Californication” et al.), and values having friends intervene when fan comments cross the line (26:24).

6. Behind the Scenes Stories and Life Lessons

• Live Audiences, “Laughers,” and Directing: They all reminisce over the thrill and value of performing before a live studio audience and the later use of paid “laughers” (62:16–62:49).
• Set Food and Wardrobe Flashbacks: The delight and neuroses formed over set food (“craft service”) and lifelong struggle with picking outfits as adults, stemming from having outfits chosen as child actors (65:23).
  “I, like, I just hate putting on clothes…I realized it was like, oh right, because we always had little quick change rooms.” –Ryder (65:30)

7. Standout Career & Iconic Moments

• "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" & Meeting Leonard Cohen: Madeline shares that the famous singer-songwriter was on set (dating Rebecca De Mornay), but she was too young to realize the significance at the time (34:27).
• Working With Julianne Moore: A full-circle moment when Moore greeted her warmly years later:
  “...she’s like, you know, I thought of you...I was thinking of how you were doing. And I was like, you remember me?” (35:45)
• "Mr. Nanny" with Hulk Hogan:
  Hogan’s kindness and behind-the-scenes fun, including working with wish kids and surviving wild stunts (76:19–77:55).
• Twin Peaks & David Lynch:
  Madeline’s story of bravely suggesting a technical change to Lynch:
  “Do you think maybe instead of just doing the blood, maybe we just do a plate and you can add the blood later...and he’s like, you know what, Tracy? That’s a pretty good idea. Let’s do that.” (73:04–74:44)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Surviving the Industry
  “I’m really proud of the person that I’ve become because I’ve faced down so much.” –Madeline (44:55)

• On Boundaries & Authenticity
  “The courage to stand up and allow yourself to be seen and to speak from an authentic place…you beat the big boss inside that critical internalized voice.” –Madeline (79:15)

• On Fran Drescher’s Vision
  “She happened to be sitting next to Jeff Saganski…and by the time the plane landed, she basically had [a deal for The Nanny].” (50:48)

• On the Child Actor Experience
  “We were told how to be a child… from age 10 on, I stopped being a child and just started pretending to be a child…” –Danielle (81:51)

• On Being a ‘Trooper’
  “I hate that term. ‘Trooper’ is so triggering…after you’ve hurt yourself and you’re not paying the company and you’re like…” –Madeline (53:21) “So be true to yourself. Don’t be a trooper.” –Ryder (79:17)

---

Timeline of Key Segments

• [19:53] Madeline Zima joins the show
• [21:16] Early start in acting, first commercial at 28 months
• [22:39] Reframing "child actor" successes
• [23:48–26:24] Handling childhood crushes & one-sided fame
• [31:06] The Zima family’s "mini-empire" and mother’s resilience
• [34:27–35:45] "Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and working with Julianne Moore
• [40:03–42:30] Natural instincts vs. formal acting training
• [44:14–44:58] Rejection and resilience
• [48:39–50:39] First impressions of Fran Drescher and her business acumen
• [57:56–60:29] The difficulties of school as a young TV star
• [62:16] Life with live audiences, set school, and the “banking hours” system
• [68:55–69:56] “The Nanny”: Set atmosphere and kid vs. adult storylines
• [73:04–74:44] Twin Peaks & David Lynch: Standing up for herself on set
• [76:19–77:55] Stories from "Mr. Nanny" with Hulk Hogan
• [78:06–79:20] Advice to her younger self: “Trust that little voice inside.”
• [79:33] Madeline’s current projects: New web series & films

---

Closing Section: Advice & Takeaways

• Advice to Her Younger Self
  “Trust yourself more…The more you trust that and move from that place of honoring yourself, you will be happier…you beat the big boss inside that critical internalized voice of the world that says you can’t do it. And then you feel like—you know what, I did.” (78:06–79:15)

• Current Projects

  • Web series "What's Her Face" (with her sisters)
  • Indie films "Reunion" and "The Bench"

---

Episode Tone & Vibe

The conversation is open, nostalgic, honest, and supportive—a mix of reminiscence and real talk about the entertainment industry’s highs, lows, and oddities. The camaraderie among former child actors shines, with laughter and vulnerability in equal measure.

---

For New Listeners/Fans

This episode gives an authentic look behind the scenes of 1990s TV, the real-life dynamics of child actors, and the power of owning your narrative later in life. Even if you don't know "The Nanny" or "Boy Meets World," you'll find universal lessons about resilience, boundaries, and the joy of embracing your past.

Transcript

[Madeline Zima]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you know Tide has been upgraded to provide an even better clean in cold water. Tide is specifically designed to fight any stain you throw at it, even in cold butter. Yep. Chocolate ice cream. Sure thing. Barbecue sauce. Tide's got you covered. You don't need to use warm water. Additionally, Tide pods let you confidently fight tough stains with new coldzyme technology. Just remember, if it's gotta be clean, it's gotta be tied. Okay, confession time. I tried to host a Friendsgiving last year with, let's say, questionable results.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes, we remember. You made mashed potatoes that somehow had the consistency of drywall.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, this year I'm taking notes from you both. I'm stocking up at one of my favorite places in the world, Whole foods market. Their 365 brand has everything I need without wrecking my wallet.

[Promotional Announcer]

Same I got a no antibiotics ever Turkey for just $1.49 a pound with prime and even snagged organic green beans and mushrooms for the casserole.

[Ryder Strong]

Now I'm hungry. I'm all about their frozen appetizers Quiche trio Butterfly Shrimp. It's like hosting with cheat codes.

[Danielle Fishel]

See Friendsgiving redemption arc in progress.

[Ryder Strong]

Enjoy. So many ways to save on your Thanksgiving spread at Whole Foods Market.

[Commercial Announcer]

Time for a sofa upgrade Introducing Annabe sofas where designer style meets budget friendly prices. Every anibe sofa is mod allowing you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquids simply slide right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years, but don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space. Today sofas start at just $699 with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get early access to Black Friday now. The biggest sale of the year can save you up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Home Depot Announcer]

With Black Friday savings at the Home Depot you can get up to 40% off plus up to an extra thousand dollars off. Select innovative appliances like GE add a touch of ease to your holiday with the all in one combo to wash and dry your laundry in one machine and refrigerators with built in convenient features like the dual dispense auto fill water pitcher shop Black Friday savings on select GE profile appliances. Plus get free delivery now at the Home Depot. Free delivery on appliance purchases of$396 or more. Offer valid11.5 through12.3 US only. See store online for details.

[Madeline Zima]

Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap. You're almost at the finish line.

[Danielle Fishel]

But first.

[Madeline Zima]

There, the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Adler learned his first curse word, which was ass.

[Ryder Strong]

That's barely a curse word. That's acceptable on television. That's fine.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's probably where he heard it. And he, he said, he said ass. He said something about like, somebody was going to beat someone's ass. And Jensen said, what did you just say? And he was like, I'm going to beat that guy's ass. Jensen was like, oh, that is another, another word for but. And we just prefer that you say but. And he was like, okay.

[Ryder Strong]

So he hasn't, he hasn't acknowledged the power yet?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, he hasn't went through a phase.

[Ryder Strong]

I guess it was probably like seven or eight where it was like when he realized he could get a rise out of by swearing. And then, oh man, it was just over, right? Well, we said like, you can swear at home, just don't swear in front of other adults or other kids. And once he knew he had that freedom, it was like car rides would just become a swear fest. And then it was like wanting to find songs or things where people swore. And that was like, oh, my God. He just wanted to like, keep quoting them and talking and was like, okay, dude. And then he finally, he exhausted himself. But it took a while, right? It was like a good six months of just having to swear. And like, I finally was just like, you know, it's boring.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's.

[Ryder Strong]

It's actually like a sign of a limited vocabulary. Like if you can't find a more creative way to say something and you just think that saying the F word is funny. It's, it's, you know, minimal humor.

[Danielle Fishel]

Adler has been trying to figure out what the F word is for years.

[Ryder Strong]

So have I. I mean, you know, it's a verb, it's a noun. It's so many things.

[Danielle Fishel]

The F word. And then one day he said, mom, I know what the F word is. And I said, you do? And he goes, yeah, freaking. And I went, exactly, yeah, that is an F word. It is. That's a word that starts with F. It's a variation. And then yesterday Again, he asked Jensen, does the F word stand for fox?

[Madeline Zima]

So close.

[Danielle Fishel]

So, so close.

[Ryder Strong]

But, oh, my God.

[Madeline Zima]

Thankfully.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thankfully, you haven't crossed that bridge.

[Ryder Strong]

So. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Anyway, I'm. I just can't believe it. But he's six. We've done a really good job in our house of not cursing around our kids. We just. We just don't do it. As a matter of fact, for a while, Adler was saying, oh, shucks.

[Ryder Strong]

Which was, like, so cute.

[Danielle Fishel]

My favorite thing he would ever say. Oh, shocks.

[Ryder Strong]

Indy's brought what the heck into our life.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's what we say.

[Ryder Strong]

He's like, dad, what the heck?

[Danielle Fishel]

That's what we say.

[Ryder Strong]

That's great.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Or shoot. Shoot.

[Ryder Strong]

No, Alex made the mistake last month, literally a month, maybe a month and a half ago, because she decided that she swore too much. And she was like, I want to swear less. So she told Indy that she. She would pay him a dollar every time she.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Ryder Strong]

It's up to $38. And India's holding her to.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's like, I want every last one he want.

[Ryder Strong]

And she's like, no, come on. And then. And then we were in Costa Rica for her birthday, and he was like, how many times did you swear in Costa Rica? You should have kept track for me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Even when he's not around.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, that's what he's claiming. He's like an accountant now. He suddenly, you know, he just loves it.

[Danielle Fishel]

He loves.

[Ryder Strong]

And then he tried it with me. I'm like, no, there's. There's no effing way I'm gonna keep track of my swears. I'm. I'm fine with the amount of swearing that I do. I like it. I'm very comfortable with it.

[Danielle Fishel]

What does Indy like to spend his money on?

[Ryder Strong]

That's a good question. Nothing. I mean, there's nothing the kid wants for nothing. Like, we, you know, if he wants something for real, we usually buy it for, like, Christmas or his birthday. Usually gets big things that he wants. And then, like, if we go somewhere, like, he always needs clothes because he's growing. So we're constantly buying him, like, shirts that he wants. As far as, like, we go somewhere and he's like, I want a T shirt from this place or whatever, we'll buy it for him. So that's like. And then stuffed animals. He has, like, an entire stuffy kingdom. Oh.

[Danielle Fishel]

So, yeah, my kids are both into stuff.

[Ryder Strong]

I never was into stuffed animals.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

So, but. So every time we're like, somewhere, he begs for, like, a little Stuffed animal if we're traveling.

[Madeline Zima]

So.

[Ryder Strong]

So we end up buying him that. But, like, otherwise, what else do you want, kid? Like, I don't know what you need. And yet he wants money. He wants the idea of money. And we, like, we did open up a, like, little bank account for him. And, you know, we try to keep track of it, but he never spends it. He never needs it. So it's like, what are we doing? This is. So anyway, Alex owes him 38 bucks, and he's holding her to it, even though I don't know what he would do with it.

[Danielle Fishel]

But, yeah, my kids have gotten gift cards for their birthdays, and then they've just kind of sat in a drawer. And then every now and then, Jensen, like, since I've been, you know, during the Dancing with the Stars run, Jensen would say, if you guys are really good this week, this weekend, I will take you shopping and you can use your gift card. And they would be like, what? And then they get to walk into a store and pick something with their gift card. And I think it's also the cutest thing that both of them are obsessed with. They still have more money on the gift card. So, like, they had a $25 card, but they only bought a $15 thing. And then they come home and they're like, look what I got. I spent my own money on it, and I still have money on the gift card. And I'm like, wow, they really. They. They're enjoying that.

[Madeline Zima]

You know what else Adler really likes.

[Ryder Strong]

And it's kind of funny to me.

[Madeline Zima]

Is that he likes spending the gift card money. But I've asked him, well, bring this money along in case you need more. And he's like, the actual money.

[Danielle Fishel]

It'S not the same.

[Ryder Strong]

Uh, we've been having this weird thing the last couple weeks where we've realized Indy has a very accurate assessment of the value of money.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, we would have. We assumed, because he talks about, like, wanting to be a billionaire whenever he talks about money. Talks about it in, like, kid terms. But at one point we were like, how much do you think that would cost? We asked him about a car or something, and he nailed the price. Exactly. And then we were like, how much do you think our house costs? Nailed it. We were like, so now our big thing is we just quiz him on, like, how much do you. And he's pretty accurate. I have no idea where he got this because we don't talk about money in front of. It's like, not like something we. But at somewhere along the way. And I encourage. Because I've had this conversation with other parent friends who they just assume their kid doesn't. But I ask your kid, ask your kid, like, how much do you think? And I think right around this age. So Indy's going to turn 11 next month. I think that's like, when you really do start kind of figuring it out. Like, the idea of like a million dollars, right, Kind of gets into perspective and you're like, what does a million dollars buy? Or I don't know how he's picked it up, but he actually has picked it up. And, like, we're kind of impressed. I'm like, all right, dude. But he still doesn't do anything with money or what, you know, he wants to buy. But yeah, he. I mean, he wants to be a billionaire, right? And I keep saying to him, I'm like, doesn't that sound kind of miserable?

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, what would you do? It's not going to sound miserable to him. No, no.

[Ryder Strong]

But I don't know what he wants to do with it. Like, he just wants the status. Right. But, like, what would you. I was like, do you realize if you're a billionaire, everybody around you is constantly asking you for money because they know that it's. You can afford it and you're never going to, like, really lose it. And he's like, yeah, I guess that's true. But.

[Danielle Fishel]

But, like, I think about that and I think, why would that bother me if it's never going to. It is true. It's never going to actually affect me if, like, I would.

[Ryder Strong]

I would love to have it away and then everybody. But think about it. You have, like, you have, like, probably 10 people in your immediate circle, like family. And like, you know that you'd be like, I'm going to help them out. I'm going to buy them a house. And then if you're really worth a billion dollars, going to have like another 20 people going like, hey, could you help me out? And you'd be like, yeah, I'll help you out.

[Madeline Zima]

Listen, I don't mean to put Danielle on blast here, but her charitable heart is humongous.

[Danielle Fishel]

That all sounds amazing to me.

[Ryder Strong]

She helps people.

[Madeline Zima]

She helps people secretly in an so many times.

[Ryder Strong]

Financially, yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

But. But also, I do think then it would be like, once you've asked and I have helped you say, it's like, I need help with a down payment for a house. And. And I would be like, yes, absolutely. Know my medical bills or, you know, yes. Or I am struggling to put food on the table. Yes. But then once you're like out of that situation, if it were like three months later or even a year later and you were like, I really want to take a trip, I'd be like, we. No, no, we did that already. I.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

I helped. I gave you.

[Ryder Strong]

It would never end. It would never end.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ryder Strong]

You would be in this. You'd be in this position of like endless loop and. Yeah. And it's like, where do you draw the line? Because I feel like, well, my. The people in my town, people in my country, you know, I just want to help every.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. That is the thing. Yeah. I'd have no money. That's why I want to be a billionaire. I want to be a billionaire so that I could give it all away.

[Ryder Strong]

And that's why you'll never be a billionaire. Because you got to be somewhat prudent and somewhat selfish.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're right. Welcome to Pod Meets World. I'm Danielle Fishel.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm Ryder Strong.

[Danielle Fishel]

And we are missing Will Friedle. He really wanted to be here, but he is traveling home from Connecticut, so we will sadly miss him. For today's interview, we will be taping a live episode of Pod Meets World at Disney California Adventure park on December 4, 2025.

[Promotional Announcer]

If you live in the Southern California area or if you can be in the Southern California area on December 4, we have an opportunity for you to.

[Danielle Fishel]

Join us between now and November 24th of 2020. You can enter for your chance to win tickets to attend the Coast 103.5 Private Holiday Party at Disney California Adventure park on December 4, 2025. Including an overnight stay at the Disneyland Resort hotel for a family of four and two. Day 1 Park per day tickets to Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure Park.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus you'll have the chance to meet us while we're taping an episode of Pod Meets World inside Disney California Adventure Park.

[Promotional Announcer]

Visit coast1035.com podmeetsworld now to enter for your chance to win.

[Commercial Announcer]

Time for a sofa upgrade. Introducing Annabe sofas. Where designer style meets budget friendly prices. Every anibe sofa is modular allowing you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces. Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquids simply slide right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a supportive memory foam blend. Plus our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space.

[Danielle Fishel]

Today.

[Commercial Announcer]

Sofas start at just $699 with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get early access to Black Friday now. The biggest sale of the year can save you up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Danielle Fishel]

My family tells the same stories whether it's the year the turkey caught fire or the time all the cousins dressed in matching pajamas. I love the memories, but I always think, man, I wish we had that on tape.

[Ryder Strong]

And you probably do. It's just sitting in a dusty shoebox somewhere next to your old camcorder and a Paula Abdul cassette single straight up.

[Promotional Announcer]

That's where Legacy Box comes in. You send them your old VHS tapes, film reels, Super 8, whatever. They digitize everything. It's super easy and the best way to remember that year that you had a bowl cut.

[Danielle Fishel]

And right now they've got exclusive early access to their biggest deal of the year. Digitize your memories for just $9 per tape. That's saving you over 15 bucks each.

[Ryder Strong]

Plus, if you send them in now, Legacy Box will have everything digitized and ready to share by Christmas. So you could actually watch Uncle Jerry barf from Nana's Fruit Salad instead of just talking about it.

[Promotional Announcer]

You've heard about Legacy Box all year, but now is the best time to digitize your memories.

[Ryder Strong]

Hurry.

[Promotional Announcer]

This $9 deal won't last long.

[Danielle Fishel]

Head to legacybox.com meetsworld for early access to their best deal of the year. Don't wait. Secure your digitized memories by [e-mail] meets world.

[Ryder Strong]

Legacybox.com meetsworld from nursing and healthcare to business and IT, Rasmussen has a range of programs to fit your goals and.

[Promotional Announcer]

Passions no matter what your day to day looks like. Rasmussen's programs allow you to balance school with life while you pursue your degree.

[Danielle Fishel]

So if you're ready to pursue your education goals, Rasmussen is ready to help you take that next step.

[Ryder Strong]

Head on over to Rasmussen Edu and check out the opportunities waiting for you.

[Promotional Announcer]

Your future is a bright one. Rasmussen University can help you get there.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Flu season is here and our pharmacies have you covered with a free flu shot with most insurance plans. Plus it's cough and cold season and now through December 2nd. Stock up on all the season's essentials and get ready for relief with discounts on items like Mucinex, Cold and Flu, Kickstarter, Mucinex, Fast Max Products, Vicks, Daquil and Nyquil Combo pack Alka Seltzer plus also airborne and Afrin offers end December 2nd. Restrictions apply and offers may vary by location. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

When you own your own business, you own every decision. Catch the red eye or take the.

[Danielle Fishel]

6Am Make a new hire or promote internally.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Celebrate a win with the toast at the gate or unwind at the lounge.

[Sports Commercial Announcer]

Big props to this team.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Some decisions are a win win like earning eight times points on Chase Travel Introducing Chase Sapphire Reserve for business. With $2,500 in annual value, it's the business card that gives back all you put in. Visit chase.com ReserveBusiness to learn more. Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank. Any member of the IC subject to credit approval terms apply.

[Danielle Fishel]

One of my favorite Curb youb Enthusiasm episodes is from season four. It's called Wandering Bear, and there's a running joke where Larry, who was an early adapter to electric cars, thinks it's a mandatory courtesy amongst fellow Prius owners to wave at each other as they pass in the street, a little head nod to say I'm part of the club too. And I often think being a former child actor has the same unwritten rules. It's such a small group of people, some still in the business thriving, some who've entered a new field of work completely. But no matter what, we all share a unique experience that shaped our lives at a young, impressionable age, and it's impossible to fully explain to those who didn't live it. So I think a lot of us feel comfortable around fellow child actors knowing there's a shorthand and care we treat each other with. And so this week's guest, though we've never met her, is someone we would absolutely give the Prius wave to. She broke onto the scene at just seven years old in the 1992 thriller the Hand that Rocks the Cradle. Quite a first gig, and it wasn't much later that she would book the type of sitcom you dream of, playing Grace Sheffield on the Nanny, a hit show that lasted six seasons and catapulted Fran Drescher and the entire cast into the spotlight. But where some 7 year olds who grew up on a soundstage living in front of a live studio audience might rebel against the industry, now as an adult, she has continued to appear on tons of TV shows, including Grey's Anatomy Heroes, Californication, you, and hacks, as well as movies like Subservience and Bombshell. Also worth noting, as a child, she starred in the Hulk Hogan vehicle, Mr. Nanny. And, yes, I will be asking her about that. And so this week, we welcome to Pod Meets World, a fellow member of the club, it's Madeline Zima. Hi.

[Madeline Zima]

Hi, Madeline. Let me turn on. My.

[Danielle Fishel]

Turn on your camera so we can see.

[Madeline Zima]

Do you guys do that? Okay. I don't know. I'm really bad at.

[Ryder Strong]

Yay.

[Madeline Zima]

We did it.

[Danielle Fishel]

You did it. Listen, every time you enter a zoom room, there's always a. There's always so many things. You're like, am I gonna do it right? Is the camera on? Where's the mute?

[Madeline Zima]

A hundred percent. And then it's just. I'm. I'm like, I'm an. A Millennial. Like, I guess we all are. Ish. So like, every single time, technology just. I'm not good.

[Danielle Fishel]

I recently went on TikTok Live, and every time, the most embarrassing part is where I go. I'm like, wait, how do I. Is it this button? And, like, you're still on live as people are watching you be old and just not know how to leave. Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

It's called the millennial pause. Right? Yeah. Where it's like. And it's. We can't hide it. You know, I.

[Ryder Strong]

There are worse things.

[Madeline Zima]

I embrace getting older because what's the alternative?

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, Right, Exactly. The sweet, sweet sleep of death. So, Madeline, thank you for joining us as fellow members of a child. The child actor fraternity. We have a lot to chat about. You were born in Connecticut, like our dear friend Will Friedle, who unfortunately could not make it today. But when did you start making that trip into the city to start auditioning?

[Madeline Zima]

My first job was when I was 28 months.

[Ryder Strong]

What? Oh, you were. You were young.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, I was young. I was young. I'm actually happy. Will did not join because he was my childhood crush.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh. Oh, man. We're gonna have to redo this when he's here.

[Madeline Zima]

Oh, no, no, no. Yeah. So 28 months. My mom took me on an open call that she saw in the paper, which was for a national campaign called Come On Into Downey, if you'll remember.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Madeline Zima]

We were all so young, so I think it was, like, 1987.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Madeline Zima]

And I was just about 2 years old, and I was one of. I think thousands of. There was at least a thousand baby at the. At the open call, and I somehow booked the job, and I managed to keep working In a.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you remember the audition? What?

[Madeline Zima]

All I remember was having fun. No, I mean, like, I literally. No, I just felt like I owned that room.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, exactly. You walked out and you were like, I mean, I've got it.

[Madeline Zima]

Go home. 999 other babies. No, no, no. I, I, you know, I just. I honestly just always loved being around people and I loved playing make believe, like, I'm sure we all did, and do you know what I mean?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

So it's a natural part of being a kid. So I always kind of rail against when people are like child actors. And, you know, there's a lot of stank around that term. And I always want to highlight the success stories because people don't ever do that. Like, Ryan Gosling was a child actor.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

DiCaprio was a child actor. Reese Witherspoon was a child actor. I mean.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Like, super intelligent, beloved people who had to confront really early things like identity, success, showing up on time. Like, those are things maybe too early to confront at 24 months. So.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Madeline Zima]

Lots of damage. But there's also a lot of things that were, you know, insane still that I still feel like are amazing qualities.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Madeline Zima]

I feel like. Yeah. I don't know. I feel very grateful for my weird path, you know?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. We are right there with you. I mean, we talk about it all the time that, like, we're. Are there moments that are. That are tough or difficult? Sure. But also, like, some of those moments made us who we are today and, like, it wouldn't trade any of the lessons or the experiences.

[Madeline Zima]

Do you guys ever get. Can I ask you a question? I know that. Do you ever get tired of being asked both of you guys? I mean, I know Danielle, this is like the thing that everybody says to you, like, all the time. Do you get tired of people asking you, like. Or saying, like, I had a crush on you growing up? Is that, like, something that you like? How do you receive that gracefully to both you and Ryder?

[Ryder Strong]

I mean, it's just a thank you. I mean. Yeah, I don't know. It's. It's. There's. There's not much more you could say. I mean, I feel like people saying they have a crush is like, cool, thanks.

[Madeline Zima]

I'm their feet.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, yeah, it's also just like, you can't return the sentiment because you're just meeting them. Right. So you can't be like, oh, I also have a history with you, because you don't. But, yeah, it took me a long time to get comfortable with the idea that like one sided history is not necessarily a bad thing. You know what I mean? I used to be like, that's weird. Like, I don't know you. And I would be alienated by that and I'd kind of push the. I like, put up my walls. And it's only recently that I've been able to say, like, actually that's kind of cool. Like when I think about how I felt about people I saw in movies or on stage and, you know, yeah, I would. I had feelings for them. And I think, you know, the hardest part was when we were actually teenagers and we were meeting other teenagers. That was uncomfortable because then it was like, I know you, I love you, you're a part of my life. And you'd be like, no, I don't. You know, and you're like.

[Madeline Zima]

And they're like, we could probably date.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, we could hang out.

[Madeline Zima]

And you're like, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I agree with Ryder that the hardest part was as a teenager and then. And then always second guessing whether somebody was really interested in getting to know you or was kind of in love with the idea of you as an adult. I always accept it never gets old hearing that somebody had a crush. It never get. It's never like annoying or like whatever. It's always very complimentary. But there's definitely, I feel a dis. A distance from it. I. I know that what they felt was physical attraction. They thought I was an attractive person and they loved the concept of who they thought I was based on a character I was playing. So I'm. I'm very aware that they're not actually telling me they had a crush on me. They had a crush on their idea of me based on one aspect of me that is me, my physical appearance, and the other that's mostly written by Michael Jacobs. So really what they love is my physical body with Michael Jacobs. And I just say thank you, and it's. Yeah, it's never. What about for you? Is that an awkward situation for you?

[Madeline Zima]

I mean, people don't normally say that because I was young and not like I wasn't, you know, I mean, I had a long, awkward face. No, people don't really. People don't come at me like that. You know what I mean? Like, people will say things that are wildly inappropriate from the californication stuff, and they'll say things that are like, gross and then just hope that, you know, that you can laugh it off and move on or that witty to say. But most of the time you just stand there stunned, kind of like huh?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Cool.

[Madeline Zima]

I wish, I wish a guy would step in and just be like, back off, buddy. I wish I had like a. And I have, I have had some guy friends or like boyfriends or whatever. Be like, hey, like, yeah, yeah, I.

[Danielle Fishel]

Need you to take a step back, man.

[Ryder Strong]

Not that cool to say. Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

But no, like, I haven't. I haven't had too many people be like, crush on you growing up. Mostly people tell me they had a crush on Fran Drescher, and I'm like.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'll let her know.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, got her on speed doll right here. Hold on. Yeah, Fran. So Maroney.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm here with. What's your name? What?

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Kevin.

[Madeline Zima]

Kevin.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. You also have two sisters who are in the business. How did the of you were you. Were you guys attacking auditions as a trio?

[Madeline Zima]

Were we attacking? You know, we're, we're all just. We all just had the creative and performative bug. But then also my mother was a dancer. She owned her dance studio. And so she, instead of being a dance mom, because I was in dance, and then I had the chance to be like, okay, I'm gonna do this or do that. And I wanted to play make believe. And then my sisters were like, I was the oldest and they're like, we might do that. And then, so. And it just, we got incredibly, as you guys know, like, it's talent to a certain degree, but then it's also luck. And we all got lucky. And we were all on network shows in the 90s. So I was on the nanny, Yvonne was on ER, and Vanessa was on a short lived show called Murder One with Stanley, Tucci and Daniel. It was a Steven Bochko show. And we were just really were lucky. And yeah, I mean, I booked Yuli's Gold when I was on the Nanny and they wouldn't let me out to do it. And then my sister Vanessa ended up doing it and Peter Fonda won a Golden Globe for that. So, I mean, I feel so grateful for them because I truly don't know who I would be or if I would have survived, you know, like the rejection. 30 years of rejection leaves an imprint on you. And then having other people who were there every step of the way and they get it and they have your back is like, you know, the greatest gift. But you have brothers and sisters. And I worked with your brother, I think, on a movie. I think I worked with Chris. Right, that's your brother or no, Shiloh.

[Ryder Strong]

No, my brother. Your brother. Your brother. I was like, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

I was like, you must Work for Shiloh. I was just checked out.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. My brother Chris, I was like, brother's name is Shiloh. I got this so wrong.

[Danielle Fishel]

So wrong. No, my brother.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yes.

[Madeline Zima]

Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. On what movie?

[Madeline Zima]

I think on a movie called I am watching you. He was an ad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Yeah, my brother is an ad. He's been a line producer. He goes back and forth between those two.

[Madeline Zima]

That's so cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. I'll have to tell him I'm talking to you today.

[Madeline Zima]

Yes. I don't think I've ever met Shiloh, but I did do running charades one time at your house with Rachel Walker. Rachel Walker invited me to her house, and that's how I know that Ryder has an encyclopedic knowledge of film is very impressive. So.

[Danielle Fishel]

But yeah, it's so funny to me that how different Ryder and I are, because one of the ways my husband always knows when someone's actually met me or not is if they say anything about being at a chain restaurant. I met Danielle once in Orange county at an Applebee's and Jensen's like, yeah, that's right. That definitely happened. And with Ryder, anytime somebody mentions running charades, I'm like, yeah, that definitely happened. Like, happened. That definitely happened. You guys. You guys definitely hung out.

[Ryder Strong]

But. So how did your family manage three different shows at the same time? Was. Was your parents are bouncing between sets?

[Madeline Zima]

Like, no, my mom. My dad had a full time job. He's still a computer programmer. Even though he should have retired. He's like, I'm never going to retire. He still just got rehired at a new company doing computer programming.

[Ryan Seacrest]

How.

[Madeline Zima]

I know. And today is his birthday. Shout out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Happy birthday, dad.

[Madeline Zima]

Little Scorpio. Father. How did my mom manage it? I don't know. She's insane. My mother is, you know, she just finished a novel. She's just like the most ambitious person.

[Danielle Fishel]

Whoa.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. She's bedridden and blind and she did a novel. She was like. She did it on an app called Plod where you just. You dictate and then it records everything down and my sister helps her edit it. And she just. She's. She's the most ambitious person I've ever met. So it truly wasn't us. My mom did it all and would hire her sisters. She's the eldest of seven, so she's like a natural boss.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Madeline Zima]

Her sisters to take care of us. So we had Aunt Susie taking me to the nanny, and then, like, she would take Yvonne into, you know, whatever show and Then hire or have somebody else. Cousin April would take us to take Vanessa to, you know, like we were. It was like that she. She had employees and she was running, like a little mini empire, but not really because we weren't making that much money.

[Danielle Fishel]

But was she always blind or has she gone blind?

[Madeline Zima]

Oh, no, she's. She's gotten blind over years. Not to, like, bring down the vibe, but. Yeah, yeah, she's, you know, had like, long, long term stuff. Diet, healthy juice and all that stuff. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Anyway, wow.

[Madeline Zima]

Again, she's doing better than all of us.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, obviously the strongest, happiest brain ever wrote a novel. And I'm like, oh, God, I just. All I want to do today is take a nap. So I. I'm so, so impressed. Was moving to LA always something your family eventually, like, talked about doing eventually or was.

[Madeline Zima]

Again, I can't. I have to give all the credit to my mom because my dad had a job on the east coast in Pennsylvania. We had our. Our whole family there. And I think it's like, she took me. Pilot season was really happening on the west coast and I was working, so it was like, it seemed to make sense. And it was just her cockamamie idea to be like, I'm gonna take our whole family. She took me out, I think, just initially, and then booked a. A show called Our Song with George Hamilton and Lauren Tom, who played on. On Friends.

[Danielle Fishel]

We know Lauren.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. You know Lauren. She's just lovely, lovely. The sweetest. I've run into her recently and she just always is just like the loveliest human being. So I worked with her and that show didn't get picked up. And then I think the very next pilot season, I got the nanny. And so that was that. And it kind of was like, we have to stay out here now.

[Ryder Strong]

Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

Before we jump into the nanny, I want to ask you about Hand that Rocks the Cradle.

[Madeline Zima]

Ask me about everything.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. What was that audition like, considering it is such a creepy movie and it's for a great director in Curtis Hansen.

[Madeline Zima]

I mean, I can't remember the exact audition except for that. I. I wanted so badly to book it because there was, like, many, you know, callbacks. They, like, put kids through the ringer back in the day. Like, callbacks for, like, dude, like, why? But I remember I messed up. Like, my mom was like, you know, it'd be cute if you said, if I book this, will I get an academy? Aw. And I think it's something along the lines of, like, if I book this, am I going to get An Oscar Mayer Award. You know, like, I got the. I almost got the term right, but then not.

[Ryder Strong]

Which probably worked in your favor. They were like.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, exactly. So.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, that's so funny.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. And everybody was really nice on that set. Apparently. I got to meet Leonard Cohen, who I'm like, whoa. This fan of. Because he was. Was dating Rebecca De Mornay at the time. I don't remember. But I was watching the documentary I'm youm Man, which is a beautiful documentary if you haven't seen it. And I'm like, at my mom's house, she's like, you know, you met him, right? I'm like, what? I met. I met Leonard. The Leonard Cohen. And. Yeah, anyway, so I was like. I was floored by that.

[Ryder Strong]

But just goes to show how clueless we were when we were kids. I know situations just being like, well, this is just the way the world works.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

We just go from movie to movie and job to job and meet all these amazing people.

[Danielle Fishel]

So this was your first movie? It was also Julianne Moore's first movie. I mean, that's pretty awesome company. What do you remember about working with her?

[Madeline Zima]

She was lovely. And then her husband directed an episode of Californication later. And so I got to see her. She came to set. And I was so nervous that she would weirdly judge me for the nudity. Cause I was like, oh, her concept of me is when I was a baby. And then, you know, have done the nudity in this. In this show. And I, for some reason, felt like, oh, she's gonna look down on it. And I'd forgotten about Boogie Nights.

[Ryder Strong]

Boogie Nights. I was gonna say, this is Julianne Moore.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Madeline Zima]

And she was so nice. And she couldn't have been more warm to me. And she's like, you know, I thought of you. And she's like, I watched this movie, and it reminded me of you. And I was thinking of how you're doing. And I was like, you remember me? She was the. The sweetest. Like, that just makes. I'm sure you guys feel the same way. Having been in the industry a long time. Is when someone is talented and kind, and they. And they. In any. In any area of life, you're just like, oh, it gives me hope, you know, because those lovely, kind human beings who also have been doing it forever, and they get their moment. Like a Melanie Lynskey. I don't know if you guys know her.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

He's just like, every time I see her in something, it fills my heart with joy. Because she's so brilliant, but then also she's the kindest human being and it just. And Julianne Moore, from my slivers of, you know, like, snapshots of time with her was the same way. Yeah, Just like love just coming at you and kind of people bolstering each other up, you know?

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

We have quite a few connections between Boy Meets World and Hand that Rocks the cradle. First, a PA on the movie. Lynn McCracken would become our stage manager and then a director on Boy Meets world. And Matt McCoy was the original dad on our show, but he was replaced.

[Ryder Strong]

Got nixed after the pilot.

[Madeline Zima]

No, Matt McCoy is also a sweetheart.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yeah. So I feel like just with those connections, we're. We're already connected for life.

[Madeline Zima]

I. I mean, yes. On top of meeting each other's siblings. Minus Shiloh.

[Commercial Announcer]

Right, Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Minus Shiloh. We need to make that happen.

[Madeline Zima]

But I just. I've also just, like, loved you guys forever. Like, I have to say, I'm so, so grateful to be asked to be on the. On the podcast. And I feel like I'm like, am I one of the cool kids now?

[Danielle Fishel]

You are you guys.

[Madeline Zima]

Because you guys were always like, you know, in. In all the teen things, and everybody wanted, like, TGI Friday, like, TGIF of like, Step by Step and Boy Meets World. That was the must see tv, like Friends and for our generation, for the younger ones like that. People did not miss it. I didn't miss it. It was like. It was like that. Plus, I worked with Ben Savage. I worked with Ben on. On a very, you know, a Lifetime movie. Yeah. Recently or a couple years back. It was like maybe 10ish years ago called Lake Effects.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Lake Effects. That's so funny. Wow. The connections just keep rolling.

[Ryder Strong]

Well, so wait, what years was the nanny on?

[Madeline Zima]

The nanny was. Good question. I don't know.

[Ryder Strong]

Almost simultaneous.

[Madeline Zima]

I know my ages. I was six when we did the pilot, seven when it was picked up to series. Like, you know how long those were? So I was like, already the next. I was already a year older by the time I got picked up from series. So 6 to 7 to 13. I did.

[Danielle Fishel]

And you were born in 85.

[Madeline Zima]

I was born in 85, so I think 91.

[Ryder Strong]

It's about the same time. We were on the air at the exact same time.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. 92, 93 to 99, 98, something like that. I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, we were 93 to 2000. So, yeah, we were. We were overlapping. How long after Hand that Rocks the Cradle did You get the nanny a year. Okay. Wow. So pretty quick.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, I mean, I was working. I was just always working. I got really lucky and I was good and I showed up on time and had showered. I don't know, you know. So yeah, it was like the next year, I think. I don't know.

[Ryder Strong]

So it's interesting because you started so young because I mean, like Danielle and I didn't actually start acting until we were 10. We were late comers. Did you ever have a moment where you were like, do I know how to act?

[Madeline Zima]

Do I do it? Yeah, I mean, I still every day.

[Ryder Strong]

But did you ever, did you ever like take an acting class or like decide like make decisions about or did you just be like, I gotta, I'm gonna figure this out on the fly and keep going?

[Madeline Zima]

You know what's funny is that truly I had a lot of like insecurity around that because I started so young and I was like, I wasn't trained, you know, I didn't go to drama school or anything like that. And then later I did an acting class that kind of reinforced what I already was doing the whole time. Because as a child you're already accessing your imagination. You're already personalizing things like, oh, my mommy's sick. Like you're seeing your mom in front of you. You don't, you don't think. Like it's, you know, that whole thing of the process of, and the craft of acting is to learn how to do that. I was always just doing it, so. And I didn't have to access my inner child. My inner child shows up before I do. You know what I mean? I'm sure you guys feel that way too. There's like such a, like a strong part of that 10 year old part of yourself is more imprinted and you're more in touch with them than the average show. Right. Because it was the person showing up and having to be a professional a little earlier than most people. So I, it really, it reinforced later like, oh, the craft part of it. I already do all those things. I already find a song that means something or a smell or whatever. Like I had a process. I just didn't really have words for it. I was just kind of unconsciously, if that makes sense.

[Ryder Strong]

Sense, yeah, totally. It makes perfect sense. I feel like I actually went more the opposite direction. Like my insecurity drove me to like, oh, I have to figure out this craft. I must be doing something wrong. Only to like in my 20s come back around and be like, no, I think the Instincts were, were already there. Like, I need to go back to that sort of, like you said, like the childhood make believe part is that's the essence of acting, really. And. But I had to go like full circle to come back to it, you know, because I felt this pressure to, like, especially when I hit my early 20s and everybody was coming out of theater programs, you know, suddenly, like, my competition was like, all these people who had discovered acting at 18 or 20 and they were really, you know, well trained and could talk about acting in a way that I never could.

[Madeline Zima]

They had lingo. They had. But. But by the way, it didn't you. You know, it doesn't really matter, you know. Okay, cool. They've got the fancy lingo and they've got like wind in their sails from being like, I'm a whatever graduate. We didn't have, because we had the industry kind of giving us loops of like, this is how you're seen and you have a sense of how people see you. Perception and reality are something that you have to confront earlier on. Which feeds insecurity.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Not like ego, actually. Which is why I think, like, child actors and people who've survived in the industry a long time are such a special breed of human. Because we didn't kind of come to LA with like a grandiose sense of self, actually, the industry sort of found us when we were just mid stride, mid play, kind of doing our thing. And I think that that's, I think that's a kind of a beautiful distinction because you aren't afforded the, like, I'm the grandiosity of some people who come here and. Do you know what I'm saying? Yeah, I'm sure you've seen that.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Ryder Strong]

On the flip side, though, you also, like, I was thinking about this the other, like when we, we were kids, I remember being palpably aware that there were very untalented kids who would get jobs. Do you know what I mean? Like, which doesn't happen as much when you're an adult. Like, when you're an adult, it's like there's the pool of actors. It's like you don't just get apart because you look cute and can hit your mark. Whereas when your kids, like, I remember a lot of times being in situations being like, well, this person is not an actor.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

They're just, they're cute. They could. They say the lines right, and they got cat, or they're someone's kid, whatever. Which also feeds the sense of like, do I belong here? Is there A reason I'm here. Like, do I have a right to be here? I don't know.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. Yeah. The reality of the industry is, is a, is a rough one. And so the comparison and being super hyper aware and critical of both ourselves and everyone around us, we internalize the, the things that we sort of hear whispers of or have a sense of because kids are so intuitive. You don't even have to have someone tell you something. You could feel things, you know. Right. Like on that, you're like, oh, they're disappointed in the way that that was delivered.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Can you internalize those things? And it becomes the inner critic. That's not a critical parent. It's not a, it's the world. And you kind of internalize ideas about the way the world sees you towards yourself, which is not something that most people ever confront in their lives. Like, like me, I have, I had, you know, absorbed more rejection by the time I was 11 years old that most people will absorb in, in their whole lives.

[Ryder Strong]

Right.

[Madeline Zima]

You know, and having to confront that and like process it and do it in a healthy way without like, you know, a substance or whatever like that is. I'm really proud of the person that I've become because I've faced down so much.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

So many things that most people never look at.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Commercial Announcer]

Life gets messy. Spills, stains and kid chaos. But with anibe, cleaning up is easy. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out, so you never have to stress about messes again. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, our sofas feature changeable fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Get early access to Black Friday pricing right now. Now sofas start at just $699. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Ryder Strong]

From nursing and healthcare to business and it, Rasmussen has a range of programs to fit your goals and passions, no.

[Promotional Announcer]

Matter what your day to day looks like. Rasmussen's programs allow you to balance school with life while you pursue your degree.

[Danielle Fishel]

So if you're ready to pursue your education goals, Rasmussen is ready to help you take that next step.

[Ryder Strong]

Head on over to Rasmussen Edu and check out the opportunities waiting for you.

[Promotional Announcer]

Your future is a bright one. Rasmussen University can help you get there.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. As winter approaches, make sure you set aside some time for self care. Now through December 2nd. Get great savings on personal care essentials when you shop in store or online. Buy two participating self care items and save $3. Shop for items like Tresemme Shampoo, Dove Shamp, Dove Men's Care Body Wash, Dove Body Wash and Axe Shower gel and save $3 when you buy two or more items. Offer ends December 2nd. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

When you own your own business, you own every decision. Catch the red eye or take the.

[Danielle Fishel]

6Am Make a new hire or promote internally.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Celebrate a win with the toast at the gate or unwind at the lounge.

[Sports Commercial Announcer]

Big props to this team.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Some decisions are a win win like earning eight times points on Chase Travel Introducing Chase Sapphire Reserve for business. With $2,500 in annual value, it's the business card that gives back all you put in. Visit chase.com ReserveBusiness to learn more. Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank. Any member of the IC subject to credit approval terms apply.

[Home Depot Announcer]

With Black Friday Savings at the Home Depot you can get up to 40% off plus up to an extra thousand dollars off select innovative appliances like GE profiles add a touch of ease to your holiday with the all in one combo to wash and dry your laundry in one machine and refrigerators with built in convenient features like the Dual Dispense Auto Fill Water Pitcher Shop Black Friday savings on select GE Profile appliances plus get free delivery now at the Home Depot. Free delivery on appliance purchases of$396 or more offer valid11.5 through 123 US only. See store online for details.

[Danielle Fishel]

I want to talk to you about when you remember meeting Fran. Did you guys do a chemistry test?

[Madeline Zima]

Oh yeah, yeah. I was like who's this lady with the voice? I didn't know it was her show. I think I didn't know till like later. Like one of the again like one of the 17 million auditions that we hoops we had to jump through as good little trained monkeys. And I was like this lady with the voice. And then at some point I realized she was important in the room. Right?

[Danielle Fishel]

You were like oh she's the star likes me.

[Madeline Zima]

And I remember, I do remember there was a choice that my mom specifically told me not to do, but I had for Some reason gotten locked into it. You know, when you're an actor, you get locked into a line reading or whatever. And I was like. I had said a line and went like this, which is such a. Like a little kid thing. I went, you know, like something like that. I did it in the room and I was like, no, why did I do that? I screwed it up, but I still somehow got the job. I think I was again by that point, like, kind of more polished and stuff. Apparently, I auditioned for Diane Keaton when I was young for a movie called the Good Mother. She didn't direct it, but she was in the chemistry read. And I did remember this, that, like, I said, hello, Diane, and somebody said, oh, this is Diane and this is everyone else. And I said, hello, Diane. Hello, everyone else. And I guess it was so sassy that he was like, she's too slick. And I couldn't. So being too slick for Diane Keaton, which I'm honored just to have been called that.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

But it worked out in the Nanny because you kind of had to be sort of, you know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Sitcom polish.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. I remember just her voice and that. I was like, this voice isn't gonna go up again. And that was the whole thing. Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

So funny. And by all accounts, it seems like she really had to stand up for herself a lot on this show. And in the 90s, that was not an easy thing for women in the industry. Do you recall her ever having to be kind of a tough ass and put her foot down so she could accomplish her vision?

[Madeline Zima]

I think that's just naturally who she is. Yeah, that's just naturally who she is. I think there's even. There's even, like, old. I'm gonna get called. Someone's gonna throw a spear at me for saying this, but there's old interviews of Fran where she's like, yeah, I'm a. And she kind of just owned that way before. That was something that women could own.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Madeline Zima]

And she could stand in the fact that she made that happen for herself. Do you guys know how the Nanny got greenlit and got made?

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Madeline Zima]

She was on a flight. On a flight. Like a first class flight. And she happened to be sitting next to Jeff Saganski, like, the president of cbs, and she started pitching him her show. And. And, like, by the time the plane landed, she basically had unbelievable. Like, stuff like that doesn't happen anymore. But she just was one of those people who, like my mother, believed in herself and in spite of everything else and everyone else, someone could be that part of Ourselves, where we internalize the critic. She didn't have that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Had an internal part of herself that was like, I'm doing this, and.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

You know, I'm the star. And I feel, you know, like, comfortable with all that. And then it's. Yeah. So I definitely saw many moments like that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you think that influenced you at all? Like, did that. Was that okay? I love that.

[Madeline Zima]

But I also was like, you know, there's. Everyone is a teacher, right? So, like, there are certain things that you take from every single person, and you're like. Some things you're like. And some things you're like, you know, so there. Both of those things were true on that set. You know, I think it was beautiful to have a woman be so powerful and owning herself so much. But also, you know, I think I was young and didn't know to celebrate all those things at the time either, because at that time, women still were judged really harshly. And I probably was a part of that, you know, societal soup, if that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

I didn't learn until later that, like. About feminism or about. Although my mom was always very, like, strong, powerful woman. But there were things about those. Those aspects of a. Of a personality that I really shied away from that I. That I. That I didn't feel safe in, if that makes sense.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think as a child, it. As an actor, it's impossible to have embraced seeing that because we are told, and it's apparent when you look around you, that being a team player and being easy to work with and being directionable, those are the things that get you work. Those are the things that make you an asset. And we're constantly chasing the validation of I. They like me because I'm easy to work with. They like me because you're a trooper.

[Madeline Zima]

I hate that term. Oh, my God. I. Dude, the word trooper is so triggering because I've done so many horror films where you're just like. Like, kind of basically abused. Horrors are horrible to work on. I don't know any actor who actually enjoys it. Writer. Writer.

[Ryder Strong]

I went through my face. I went through my face. But no, no, now. Now I want to direct them and just.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah, sure, sure.

[Madeline Zima]

And they're profitable. I get it. I get it. But, like. But, like, as a girl in a horror film, up to be naked and.

[Danielle Fishel]

Covered, take your shirt off, Throw the.

[Ryder Strong]

Blood on your tongue. Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And it's freezing.

[Ryder Strong]

And it's freezing.

[Madeline Zima]

And you're covered in sticky, you know, cold blood, and you're like, you know, so. And then they're like never high budget trooper no and they're not budget. You're making like you know, $5 barely covering your gas to get to debt to be honest.

[Ryder Strong]

Maybe you have a honey wagon if you're on location and yeah no I.

[Madeline Zima]

Know I've done so many of those and so I I whenever people would be like you're such a trooper, it's usually after you've hurt yourself and you're not paying the company and you're like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, right.

[Madeline Zima]

Filed for workers comp and like why didn't I do that? Anyway, yeah.

[Commercial Announcer]

Life gets messy. Spills, stains and kid chaos. But with Anabe, cleaning up is easy. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you never have to to stress about messes again. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, that means fewer stains and more peace of mind. Designed for real life, our sofas feature changeable fabric covers allowing you to refresh your style anytime. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa effortlessly. Perfect for cozy apartments or spacious homes. Plus they're earth friendly and built to last. That's why over 200,000 happy customers have made the switch. Get early access to Black Friday pricing right now. Sofas start at just $699. Visit washablesofas.com now and bring home a sofa made for life. That's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Ryder Strong]

From nursing and healthcare to business and it Rasmussen has a range of programs to fit your goals and passions, no.

[Promotional Announcer]

Matter what your day to day looks like. Rasmussen's programs allow you to balance school with life while you pursue your degree.

[Danielle Fishel]

So if you're ready to pursue your education goals, Rasmussen is ready to help you take that next step.

[Ryder Strong]

Head on over to Rasmussen. Edu and check out the opportunities waiting for you.

[Promotional Announcer]

Your future is a bright one. Rasmussen University can help you get there.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. As winter approaches, make sure you set aside some time for self care now through December 2nd. Get great savings on personal care essentials when you shop in store or online. Buy two participating self care items and save $3. Shop for items like TRESemme Shampoo, Dove Shampoo, Dove Men's Care Body Wash, Dove Body Wash and Axe Shower gel. And save $3 when you buy two or more items. Offer ends December 2nd. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

When you own your own business, you own every decision Catch the red eye or take the 6am Make a new.

[Danielle Fishel]

Hire or promote internally.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Celebrate a win with the toast at the gate or unwind at the lounge.

[Sports Commercial Announcer]

Big props to this team.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Some decisions are a win win like earning eight times points on Chase Travel. Introducing Chase Sapphire Reserve for business. With $2,500 in annual value, it's the business card that gives back all you put in. Visit chase.com ReserveBusiness to learn more. Cards issued by JP Morgan Chase Bank. Any member FDIC subject to credit approval terms apply.

[Home Depot Announcer]

With Black Friday savings at the Home Depot, you can get up to 40% off, plus up to an extra thousand dollars off select appliances like lg, America's most reliable line of appliances. Check out the newest LG refrigerator with new mini craft ice straight from the dispenser shop. Black Friday savings on select LG appliances plus get free delivery now at the Home Depot. Free delivery on appliance purchases of $396 or more. Offer about 115 through 123 US only. See store online for detail.

[Danielle Fishel]

So as the show starts to catch fire, it becomes a global sensation. How did you keep a level head and what was your school situation? Were you in a traditional school or were you homeschooled?

[Madeline Zima]

What were.

[Danielle Fishel]

What were you doing?

[Madeline Zima]

I want to know what you guys were doing, too. I. I was. I was in regular school. So was I. Oh, my God, What a mistake. Our parents. So bad. Okay, sorry. But, like, no, our parents messed up. Like, I was in public school in Burbank.

[Ryder Strong]

There weren't a whole lot of options back then. Like, now you meet child actors and they're all like, online school or they do, like, correspondence courses. Like, I went to a tiny, like, alternative hippie school in Northern California, and they were just. They were just like, do whatever you want, which was fine, but, like, otherwise there wasn't that many options.

[Madeline Zima]

Unless, you know, like, yeah, dude, I was bullied. I don't know about you, Danielle. Were you bullied in school? Like, for me, it was brutal. Like, I was not, like. Like, I don't know. I. I was. I was. Yeah, people would come after me and, like, chase me down after class. Like, it was. It was so bad that they took me out of school actually.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. In Burbank, I feel like. Were there not other child actors at your school?

[Madeline Zima]

I didn't, you know, no, not. Not at. Not at Miller elementary and not at John Muir. John Muir was really bad. But no, there were no other child actors I should have been in. And. And then eventually I was Homeschooled. Yeah, but it was. It was not. It was a bad move. It was a bad.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Madeline Zima]

Because I was there for. Right. You're, like, working for three weeks and you have hiatus, so that one week a month, I'm back in school.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's exactly what I did.

[Ryder Strong]

And you're the outside. I'm the EP target.

[Madeline Zima]

Well, did you go. Did you have other child actors that were, like, at the. Were you in public school?

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, I was in public school, yeah. And I. And. And there were other child actors, not necessarily in junior high, not necessarily other kids that were gone as often as I was. And so there was like. I don't. I wouldn't even call it bullying. There were some people that would, like, you know, throw an insult at me occasionally, like, oh, the princess is back.

[Madeline Zima]

Welcome.

[Danielle Fishel]

But, you know, where have you been? Like, there was some of that, but I. I was never like, aggressively. I was not. I would never even call it bullying. And then in high school, after, I had already been, because we started Boy Meets World when I was in sixth grade, so I went through sixth, seventh, and eighth, and then basically all those same kids just moved to high school with me. And by then it was just like, yeah, old news. Danielle's. You know, Danielle's famous, and I had no issues.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, I was never experiencing, like, the famous part. Like, nobody wanted to be my friend because of. On the Nanny, I think because on your show, it was a little bit more about the kids.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, we were the stars of the. Totally.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Madeline Zima]

And your storylines were important, and so yours is important. On the Nanny, we were. We were sort of props, like, both, like, on. You know, just. We weren't really. We had one or two storylines the first season, and then that was, like, not really. We weren't really like a part. We were part of the show just because the show was called the Nanny, but we weren't really like an. It didn't feel like we were a really important part of the show.

[Ryder Strong]

So how many of you were. How many of you were there? There was Nicole, Tom, you, and Ben Salisbury.

[Madeline Zima]

It was three of us.

[Ryder Strong]

And were you guys all in set school together?

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, we were all in set school together.

[Ryder Strong]

One studio teacher or did you have two?

[Madeline Zima]

We had one. One studio teacher. And then eventually they all graduated, and I got to have two studio teachers. I had Leslie Hall. I don't know if she's still around or not, but she was amazing. And then I had Murray Medna. I don't know. I don't know. The last guy's what his last name was not Mednick, but. But he did. He did my. I had, like, a private, you know, school education in a way, because he taught me Latin, like trigonometry and something else, like at the same. And algebra at the same. Like, he would come in special days just for my, like, yeah, you know, elective courses. So I was grateful for that extra attention around my schooling to a certain degree. But, yeah, yeah, we were all in set school banking hours, guys. Remember that?

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah. Remember the banking hours you're gonna bank today. All right. We've got enough banked hours. You can work all day.

[Madeline Zima]

I love those days when I got to just be on. I don't know about you guys. Were you just saying that? You're like, I'm one of the big kids. I get to do what I actually enjoy doing? And, like. And I just felt like it was the best.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, absolutely. We always talk about loving the multicam aspect of Boy Meets world, being in front of a live studio audience. Did you like that putting on a weekly play aspect of it all?

[Madeline Zima]

Oh, yeah. It was so exciting. And honestly, I think everybody felt like once we got rid of the live audience, that the show started to decline.

[Ryder Strong]

Do you know why you guys got rid of the audience?

[Madeline Zima]

I don't know. It wasn't obviously above my pay grade, but I have no idea. But I know that once we started having the laughers come in. Did you guys have laughers?

[Danielle Fishel]

Not on boy, no.

[Madeline Zima]

Did you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Shows I. On shows I direct now, we use laughers.

[Madeline Zima]

Oh, cool. So you guys both direct now? I've directed a little bit, but it's been very hard to, like, break in that. So it's the best feeling. Right. Every. All the. All the. In all the experience that you guys have, you finally get to put it into something and be sensitive to the actors, communicate. And then when the children on set, you have this extra understanding and sensitivity around that. Like, it's. It's. It's a Val. Again, there's amount. The amount of experience and value that you bring from just that much skin in the game.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Madeline Zima]

That hours doing something like Jodie prosperous. What?

[Ryder Strong]

And actors feel it. They. They like, they. When you walk on set and you're an actor who's turned director, they're so much more comfortable. They're just immediately like, oh, you get what's going on here. And it puts everybody at ease. It's like a superpower. It's so wonderful.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, yeah. Like, Jodie Foster is one of the same, like, where you're just like, right. But it's funny, though, to me, the perceptions in the industry where it's like, Jodie Foster is this amount of value, and then, like, I've always felt, like, lesser because of being a child actor. I don't know if you guys felt that way.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

So it's like you almost have, like, more of a chip on your shoulder to prove. Like, I have intelligence and, like, and all these other things to offer. Yeah. I don't know. But that's so cool that you guys both direct. I didn't know that you directed too, Danielle.

[Ryder Strong]

That's so cool.

[Danielle Fishel]

On a weird. What's gonna feel like a tangent, but it is a related note. Do you have any trouble picking out your clothes or getting. Getting dressed on a regular basis?

[Madeline Zima]

I have executive dysfunction, like, on a major level. I don't know if you guys have that because you know so much, so many decisions were decided for you. So that. That. That confidence in yourself definitely is something that, like, when I'm not resourced and haven't, like, meditated and done yoga, taking care of myself, I. I definitely get overwhelmed. And when I'm hungry. When I'm hungry, it's like, my partner is like, you need to eat. Because I can't. Like, I can't function if I. I get beyond hangry. It's just like, I leave my body or something like that.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah, you need craft service. Always there.

[Madeline Zima]

I know my favorite part of set. It's like, this is 90% of why I still do this all the time. And I still always, like, will steal, like, a banana or an apple. Like, like, I've got a squirrel away.

[Danielle Fishel]

Gotta bring this home. Gotta bring this home.

[Madeline Zima]

Gotta bring food home, storing it for later. You guys have that?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Yeah, we. Yeah. And it's.

[Ryder Strong]

Right before we started this podcast, I realized that, like, I practically have a panic attack every time I'm getting changed. Like, I, like, I just hate putting on clothes. And I, like, went into the other room to ask my wife. I was like, does getting dressed stress you out? And she's like, what are you talking about? And I realized it was like, oh, right. Because we always had, like, little quick change rooms between scenes that we'd had to go and, like, change while the audience is waiting, the whole crew. And I just totally internalized that. I still, like, can't stand changing clothes. It's.

[Danielle Fishel]

I also have no idea what does or does not look good on me. I have no idea what my taste or style is. I just. If I don't go into the room and have a fully put together outfit of like, here's your belt, here's your shoes, and I'll hang it all back up. I. I'm. I'm neat and tidy, and I'll do it fast. I'll be. I'm a trooper. I'm a team player. But. But I just don't know. It's been picked for me. Where's my Polaroids?

[Madeline Zima]

You know, I'm the same. I literally put this sweater on, and then I looked at the. At the frame beforehand. You know, you check the. The thing on the zoo. And I was like, that looks crazy. I was like, I better take that off.

[Ryder Strong]

So now you're freezing.

[Madeline Zima]

It's not too cold. But, yeah, I definitely have that. And clothes have always stressed me out. I don't like shopping. I don't like putting on outfits. The whole thing I rejected. So, yeah, I'm not a girl who's into clothes. Never have been.

[Danielle Fishel]

While researching the nanny, I did uncover one of the weirdest facts about the show. Roger Clinton, the brother of President Bill Clinton, appeared in three episodes.

[Madeline Zima]

Was it? Wow. I didn't even know that. But, yeah, he was really nice. He was really nice. Everyone was. You know, my mom was in love with Bill Clinton. Everybody was so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Like, maybe Bill will come.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you think Bill will come?

[Madeline Zima]

No, he was. Yeah, he was president. He was president, you know? Yeah, he was just really nice. Roger Clinton was a sweetheart, from what I remember. Very, very nice to me. You know, anybody who had kids and came on set was just like, love.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

And even people who didn't have kids, but it was just exciting to be, like, breathe the same air as them. Like, Elizabeth Taylor was on the Nanny.

[Ryder Strong]

Whoa.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. And there was a memo that went around that was like, we weren't allowed to look in her eyes.

[Danielle Fishel]

I was gonna say. I knew it was gonna be that.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah. Just like, crazy rules that were, like, from a bygone era of golden age of Hollywood royalty. Yeah, yeah. And Donald o', Connor, who's the guy who does the, like, backwards flip in Singing in the Rain. And he worked with Marilyn Monroe in some movie, but he would tell me stories about Marilyn Monroe when I was little. Jason Alexander was on the Nanny and did, like, the time step with me. I was like, I know how to do a time step because of my little bit of dance background. So, like, you know, showing. He's like, very good. And I was like, george Castanza likes my time step, you know, and he was so sweet. So it's like I always remember the people who were so generous and like, lovely with me, you know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, we grew up in a really like Boy Meets World was a very family environment, but that's partially, and maybe mostly because we were a kid, more of a kid slash family show. What was set like for you guys? Was it. Did it feel more like an adult environment that you were thrust into or did it, did it also feel.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, it did feel more like it wasn't. I'm always like, I'm always, you know, I don't have much of a filter, so it's really difficult all the time. I'm like, okay, just. It was, it was an adult environment for sure. It wasn't like, you know, it wasn't oriented around the children.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, right, yeah, right.

[Ryder Strong]

You know, grown up show that had kids on it.

[Madeline Zima]

Exactly, exactly. And then there were a lot of grown up, you know, jokes. And it's like, we gotta throw the kid out of the room so we can make the. The joke about sex out of that. I think, you know, there's probably like, will be like a mashup somewhere of like all the times they threw Gracie out of the room so that she could say something sassy or whatever. So it was more like that. And. But again, like, I wouldn't change any of it for the world. I'm not like, I'm not shading the show. It's that I learned so much and I, and I, and I grew so much from watching everyone and everything. You know what I mean? But I had awareness of like, like a dirty joke earlier.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Children.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, right. That makes sense.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

The fashion of the nanny has had a bit of a TikTok resurgence. Lot of pantsuits. And I know that even Sabrina Carpenter has found inspiration in the outfits. Are you surprised by the nanny renaissance?

[Madeline Zima]

No, I'm not. Because again, it was ahead of its time being like a female forward show and a show that was. Yeah, like, like outfit changes. That's like the whole thing now, you know, Sabrina Carpenter does it. Taylor Swift. It's like, change those outfits, girl. It's.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's.

[Madeline Zima]

It's kind of impressive how. How much fashion was on the show. And Brenda Cooper, who was the costume designer, deserves full credit for that because she was pulling like Bob Mackie and all these designers way before Sex and the City even, you know, it's like it was just ahead of its time. And then, you know, everything that's old becomes new again, as you guys know, back around. So it doesn't surprise Me that people are really, like, digging into the Nanny and France. Fashion was like, it was really the star of the show, aside from, like, you know, her voice and. And her chemistry with Charles Shaughnessy. So, like, you know, I mean, Charlie, you know, when I say things weren't oriented around the children. Charlie. And, like, there were a lot of people who were great on the show. So I'm not trying to go and all that stuff. I just want to clarify that. But, yeah, no, I'm surprised about the Renaissance. It's just it. It's just. It makes perfect sense to me.

[Danielle Fishel]

You have gone on to appear in so much stuff. When you're filming Californication or Hacks or High Potential, does the Nanny ever come up? Do people talk to you about it?

[Madeline Zima]

You know, Californication? Not really. Not really. I mean, I. No, no, People don't really ask. You know, on sets. People are all too busy, you know, doing their own thing and.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

Work.

[Madeline Zima]

So people aren't really, like, what was it really like working with that person? Some people will ask about David lynch because yes. Is such a cult favorite. So people will ask about David Lynch.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, that's my next question. So if you want to go right into it, go for it.

[Madeline Zima]

Unless you ask a question. Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

You appeared in the 2017 revisit of Twin Peaks, and he passed away at the beginning of this year. So I wanted to hear about what your experience was like with him.

[Madeline Zima]

I have. I have such fond memories of working with David Lynch. I got to work with him for two whole days, which was a luxurious amount of time to shoot, like, basically two scenes. Right. And I, I. There was such a sense of like, Like a cult following around him. Like, he's the cult leader, and everyone's like, yes, sir. No one looks like, you know, that whole thing. But I'm. I've never played that game because I've just been doing this so long. I'm not, Not. I'm not really starstruck by most people, musicians for sure, but like, actors or like directors, I'm like, I know the game. And even with David Lynch, I just didn't have. Although I was a fan, I wasn't like, I wanted to ask questions, and I wasn't afraid to ask questions. So there is a scene where they're. They're, you know, spraying me with a ton of. It's like 250 gallons of blood. Right? And I'm.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Madeline Zima]

Naked and everyone. We got one shot with the blood. We got one shot with the Blood. And everyone's just, like, you know, stressed and freaking out. Not David, of course. He's like. He's like, you know, one of those people they talk about, like, Steve Jobs, where reality bends and warps around them. Like, he's like, onset smoking, which was, like, not allowed, but of course he was smoking on that. Just, like, in his aura bubble. And everyone's like, okay, we got one shot with the blood, and they're about to call action. And I just, like, raised my little hand, my little naked hand, and I was like, excuse me? And everyone's like, dead, dead silent. And I was like, do you think maybe instead of just doing the blood, maybe we just do a plate and you can add the blood later if you wanted, and then you could do the blood after. That way you have an option. And it was dead silent. I mean, everyone just was like, you're like, you really just told David lynch what to do. And. And he's like, you know what, Tracy? That's a pretty good idea. Let's do that. So literally, we did two takes. We did one that was dry, where they could add the blood later, and one with the blood. And afterwards, the first AD came up to me and was like, you're a very brave girl. And I was like, oh, am I? I didn't realize.

[Ryder Strong]

Like, I just.

[Madeline Zima]

Just did something that made perfect sense to me from a. From an experiential standpoint. And then. And then also he took it in, because great directors, like, you guys know, great people, like, are open to the best idea in the room, no matter where.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally. Best idea wins.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, Best idea wins. Egos aside, let's have room for the best idea. So that's my experience of David, which.

[Danielle Fishel]

Was, what a cool story. What a great experience. What a proud moment for you.

[Madeline Zima]

Like, yeah, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Where you're like, yes, I have been paying attention. And to have had the confidence to say, listen, I'm not. I'm the one in this body who's about to have this blood sprayed. And to think if it goes wrong, and then I'm gonna be in this high stress. They're gonna. They're not never gonna be happy if something goes wrong. They're not go, say, we only get one take. We're gonna have to do it again on another day. And, like, if I just raise my hand and make a suggestion, I guess it could go one of two ways. But the. The, like, that's just incredible. I'm so proud of you. I, like, wanna. I just am, so. That's so incredible. I'm so. I'm so thrilled we know that story.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, well, it. It was, again, a testament to him as a. As a open, you know, collaborative artist.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I also cannot let you leave without talking to you about the 1993 cinematic experience that is Mr. Nanny. You appeared in the movie alongside star Hulk Hogan. It is about a former pro wrestler who is hired to be a bodyguard slash nanny for bratty kids whose dad is also being stalked by his business rival. I need to know everything about this experience.

[Madeline Zima]

I was. Okay, so there's so many things. He was there with his kids.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Okay.

[Madeline Zima]

His name is Terry. And I just remember him like there was some scandal about him right before we started. Like, it was that he had smoked marijuana. Right. Which is now nobody cares. But back in the day, that's the scandal of Hulk. So I'm sure there's no. I know that there's. He's. He's had some other stuff come out, which I haven't heard, but people have, you know, and then I was like, I didn't know. I don't know what the deal is, but my little snapshot of an experience with him was that he was really the sweetest to me. And he had a wish kid on set more than once. And he was just, you know, how come? I mean, you know, like, just. He would do his bit for whoever and was very sweet and we tortured him. I mean, we literally, like, had to do all these crazy stunts with him and he gets electrocuted and, you know, but he was so sweet. The director was so sweet. I worked with Sherman Helmsley from that old. I can't remember 227. The Jeffersons. The Jeffersons, Sherman Helmsley and Mother Love. And they were both just so warm and sweet. I have so many pictures of Mother Love just like holding me when I'm like, kiddo, and. And everybody was just great. Like, I just. It was one of those things where I felt. I kind of felt like, respected and like a part of it. Right. You know, like a. A part of the. The whole process. And, And. And yeah, Hulk Hogan was just super, super nice to me as a kid, which was my memory of him.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, that's. That's good to hear.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

My last question for you is if you could go back in time and talk to, let's say, seven year old Madeline, what advice would you give her now? What would you say to her?

[Madeline Zima]

I mean, I do this all the time in therapy. Is this the therapy session?

[Danielle Fishel]

This is the therapy part.

[Ryder Strong]

What?

[Madeline Zima]

Pod Meat's World is I would tell her like, I would tell like any young girl to trust themselves more and that like that little voice inside is right. No matter what anyone else tells you. And the more you trust that and you move from that place of like honoring yourself, you will be happier. People will recognize you more because there'll be more of you there and, and you'll be proud of yourself like I was that day on set with David. Where normally you could just let that moment go by, but the, the courage to stand up and allow yourself to be seen and to speak. Speak from. With, you know, from a authentic place that you just. Yeah, you just, you. You get a point. You know, you kind of, you, you level up. You beat the big boss inside that, that critical internalized voice of the world that says you can't do it. And then you feel like, you know what I did?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, that's great.

[Madeline Zima]

I feel fantastic.

[Ryder Strong]

So be true to yourself. Don't be a trooper.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right?

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Put that on a shirt.

[Madeline Zima]

You feel something, say something.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Madeline Zima]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Madeline, what are you working on now? Where can people find you? Tell us everything.

[Madeline Zima]

Okay, well, I am releasing a web series that me and my sisters wrote together. I'm just little snippets of it called what's Her Face. That's just for fun. It's very lighthearted. It's about three child actors growing up with arrested development and unexpected. Able to sort of put their grown up undies on. And then I did two films recently, one called Reunion with Ryan Hansen and Jake Choi. And. And it's. It's. It's gonna be so funny. It's about a 20 year high school reunion and I'm trying to remember everything else. And then I just did a movie called the Bench that will be coming out with Rel Howery. Lil Rel. Yeah, from Get Out. And so. Yeah, well, you know, just plugging away. I'm still managing to get work and I feel so grateful and I'm so grateful to be here with you guys. So thank you. I feel like one of the cool kids now.

[Danielle Fishel]

You are officially a part of the cool kid pod meets world crew. Thank you so much for spending your time with us. It was wonderful talking to you, getting to know you a little bit and just thank you for. Thank you for being here with us.

[Madeline Zima]

Thank you guys for having me. It was just a joy.

[Ryder Strong]

Yeah.

[Madeline Zima]

Good to see you. Bye. Bye. Take care.

[Ryder Strong]

Oh, she got out quick. She did not have the millennial pause exiting.

[Danielle Fishel]

She did not. She knew exactly how to exit. You know what I Bet. I bet Tara helped her exit. They were like, out. She's so cool.

[Ryder Strong]

She's so cool. My God.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, it's so, it's. I cannot believe that it still surprises me after this many conversations with former child actors, how many things in common we have. It's, it shouldn't surprise me at all, but the only thing I think she said that I didn't totally resonate with was when she talked about how in touch with her inner child she is. And I was like, I feel like I don't have any access to my inner child because I, I think I stuffed it so much. I think I, I, to me, you know, But I mean, we had a different experience. We were, were told how to be a child. We were given line readings on how to be a child.

[Ryder Strong]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Instead of being told to discover how to do it. And so I think from the, from age 10 on, I stopped being a child and just started pretending to be.

[Ryder Strong]

A child or just trying to be a grown up as quickly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, well, yeah, I became an adult pretending to be a child. And so it was like there was no real discovery of childhood or teenagehood even. And then that's what I spent my 20s and 30s doing. I guess so. Yeah. But wow, she was really. And that story about David lynch and her saying like, hey, guys, we could shoot a plate.

[Ryder Strong]

We could do it a different way. This doesn't have to be this hard.

[Danielle Fishel]

I can really help you out. Anyway, well, thank you all for listening to this episode of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod Meets World show. You can send us your emails podmeetsworldshowmail.com and we've got merch.

[Ryder Strong]

Maybe we can do the merch as a plate and add the will later.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're a genius. Pardon me, writer. Send us out.

[Ryder Strong]

We love you all. Pod dismissed. Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, Wilfred L And Ryder Strong, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer and editor, Tara Sugbash, producer Matty Moore, engineer and boy meets world superman Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon. Follow us on Instagram odmeatsworld show or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.com.

[Promotional Announcer]

ABC Wednesday, it's.

[Ryder Strong]

The CMA Awards live.

[Madeline Zima]

That's what I'm talking about. With performances by Laney Wilson, Kelsey Ballerini.

[Ryder Strong]

Zack Top, Ryan Lee Green, Ella Langley.

[Madeline Zima]

Kenny Chesney, Megan Maroney, Brandy Carlisle and.

[Promotional Announcer]

The hottest Collab Brand Amanda Lambert and.

[Ryder Strong]

Chris Stapleton, Jabuzzi and Stephen Wilson Jr. Big X the Plug featuring Luke Combs. It's country music's biggest night, hosted by.

[Madeline Zima]

Your girl, lainey Wilson. The CMA Awards live, Wednesday, 8, 7.

[Ryder Strong]

Central on ABC and next day on Hulu.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Flu season is here and our pharmacies have you covered with a free flu shot with most insurance plans. Plus, it's cough and cold season. And now through December 2nd. Stock up on all the season's essentials and get ready for relief with discounts on items like Mucinex, Cold and flu Kickstart, Mucinex, Fast Max products, Vicks, Daquil and nyquil Combo Pack Alka Seltzer plus also Airborne and afrin. Offers end December 2nd. Restrictions apply and offers may vary by location. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

[Ryder Strong]

Ah, greetings from my bath festive friends. The holidays are overwhelming, but I'm tackling this season with PayPal and making the most of my money. Getting 5% cash back when I pay in 4. No fees, no interest. I used it to get this portable spa with jets. Now the bubbles can cling to my sculpted but pruny body. Make the most of your money this holiday with PayPal. Save the offer in the app ends 1231.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

See paypal.com promoter points can be redeemed for cash and more. Paying for subject to terms and approval. PayPal Inc. And MLS 910457 what a.

[Sports Commercial Announcer]

Matchup we got, y'.

[Ryder Strong]

All.

[Sports Commercial Announcer]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. A game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere. And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what a girl's best friend is, not diamonds.

[Madeline Zima]

Her lawyers.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

From executive producer Ryan Murphy comes a fiery new legal drama.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's our own boutique women representing women.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Women you can't afford to miss.

[Madeline Zima]

Make it R showtime, ladies.

[Danielle Fishel]

Stand up straight and breeze into that room like a storm no one saw coming.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Announcer]

Hulu Original Series All's fair now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers terms apply.

[Madeline Zima]

This is an iHeart podcast.