IN CONVERSATION WITH AMIAH MILLER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Amiah Miller is entering a defining new chapter. After breaking onto the global stage as a child in War for the Planet of the Apes, she has steadily evolved, building a résumé across film, television, and fashion, including serving as the face of Chanel’s Chance fragrance. Now, she steps into her breakout young-adult role in Taylor Sheridan’s highly anticipated Paramount+ series The Madison, starring opposite Michelle Pfeiffer. The series premiered on 14th March and has already been renewed for a second season.

The Madison feels like a pivotal moment in your career. What drew you to the project? 

What drew me to The Madison was how emotional it felt. Even though it’s set against this really expansive world, the heart of it is so deeply human. It’s about grief, family, identity, and trying to find your footing when life shifts beneath you. That stayed with me, and I rarely find myself so invested that I actually cry and laugh out loud while reading a script. I knew instantly that it was something special and a project I wanted to be a part of. 

What can you share about your character and her place within the story? 

My character Bridgett is the eldest granddaughter of Stacy and Preston. She’s an angsty teenage girl from New York who’s had quite a privileged upbringing. The pace and energy of Manhattan is all she knows, so when she gets to Montana, she definitely experiences a major culture shock. She’s in a completely foreign setting, trying to navigate all the sudden change happening around her. What I love about her is how over time, Montana gives her the space to grow, evolve, and discover her strength. 

How was it working opposite Michelle Pfeiffer?

Working opposite Michelle was such a dream. She really took me under her wing, which felt surreal as she’s someone I’ve greatly admired for so long. She’s just incredibly inspiring, and brings immense depth and presence to every scene she’s in. Honestly, just being around that energy taught me a lot. 

Taylor Sheridan’s projects often explore complex emotional landscapes. How does The Madison reflect that?

The Madison really leans into the complexity of family and loss, but in a very grounded way. It doesn’t shy away from the messy or uncomfortable parts of being human. There’s a softness in the tone as well. Moments of warmth and connection balance out the heavier themes in a beautiful way. 

The Madison has already been renewed for a second season. How does that shape your perspective going into it?

It’s really special, because we’ve all grown so close through this experience. It genuinely feels like a second family, so going into the second season felt a bit like going home in a way. I think that kind of connection naturally deepens the work and makes everything feel even more honest. 

You broke out in War for the Planet of the Apes at a young age. How do you reflect on that experience now?

I look back on that experience with nothing but gratitude. It was such a huge opportunity to have at that age, and I truly feel like it changed the trajectory of my life. I learned so much about the craft of acting, collaboration, and what it really means to be part of something bigger than yourself. It definitely gave me a strong foundation and validated that acting was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Growing up in the industry, how have you navigated the transition from child actor to adult roles?

I’ve tried to be really intentional about the projects I take on. I’ve never felt the need to say yes to something just for the sake of working. The project has to feel aligned with who I am as both an artist and a person. I’d say trusting my instincts has been the biggest part in navigating that transition. 

You were also the face of Chanel’s Chance fragrance. How does fashion intersect with your creative identity?

Chanel Chance was the first fragrance I ever purchased with my own money, so doing that campaign was quite literally a full circle moment for me. Fashion feels like another form of storytelling, I’m able to express different sides of myself without words. I love how clothes can shift your energy and how you carry yourself. It’s magical.

Is there a genre you feel particularly drawn to at this stage of your career?

I’m really drawn to stories that stay with you. Especially ones that feel slightly removed from the present, like period pieces. There’s something about stepping into a different time that allows you to disappear into a character in a deeper, more immersive way. 

How do you protect your sense of self while stepping into larger and more visible projects?

I think having a strong sense of self matters so much in this industry. I try to be really mindful with my time and energy, it’s all about staying connected to what keeps me grounded. A big part of that comes from my family, my close circle, and taking time away when I need it. Meditation has become a really important practice. It helps keep everything in perspective, no matter what’s happening around me. 

What does your regular day off look like?

My life can get pretty hectic at times, so on a regular day off I like to slow down and spend time in nature with people I love, whether that’s a beach day or riding horses, or doing something creative like crocheting or playing my guitar. I tend to journal a lot on those days, it’s when everything slows down enough for me to really take it all in.  

TEAM CREDITS

talent AMIAH MILLER
photography TAYLOR TUPLY
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA