Caitlin Thompson and Us | Madison Simmons

This week on That Was Us, Sterling and co-host Ryan Michelle Bathe are joined in studio by Caitlin Thompson, who played Madison on This Is Us. From Madison’s evolution from comedic relief to a fully realized character, to the realities of navigating Hollywood as a woman and a mother, Caitlin reflects on her years on the show, her transition from acting to writing, and the experiences that have shaped her both personally and creatively.

In this episode, Caitlin chats about:

* Her transition from acting to writing and how her feature script Ohio Girl became her calling card as a writer

* Her writing process and why she needs to feel personally invested in the stories she tells

* Madison’s evolution from comedic relief hiding behind a mask to a fully dimensional character who found her voice

* The meaning behind the saying “every baby comes with a loaf of bread” and how it connected to Caitlin booking a series regular role on This Is Us

* The challenges of filming Season 5 while navigating postpartum life, breastfeeding, and COVID protocols

* How motherhood changed her perspective

* The unrealistic expectations placed on women in Hollywood

* The extra demands women face in auditions, from wardrobe expectations to the pressure to fit a certain image

* Filming the overlapping dialogue scene between Kevin and Madison and why it became a defining moment for her as the character

* Finding creative fulfillment and community as a mother, including writing and making time for herself