Madison Lilly Bailey has become one of Netflix’s most recognized young stars. Born on January 29, 1999, in Kernersville, North Carolina, she’s best known for playing Kiara “Kie” Carrera in the hit series Outer Banks. Her journey from a small North Carolina town to Hollywood stardom spans acting, music, and social advocacy.
At 26 years old and standing 5’8″ (173 cm) tall, Bailey represents authentic storytelling with meaningful representation. Her pansexual identity and mixed-race heritage make her a powerful voice in entertainment.
Quick facts about Madison Bailey
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Full Name | Madison Lilly Bailey |
| Age | 26 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Birthday | January 29, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Kernersville, North Carolina |
| Known For | Outer Banks (Kiara Carrera) |
| Relationship Status | Single (as of 2025) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
Personal Background
Madison Bailey’s early life centers around adoption into a family with six siblings, five through foster care. Her Mauritian and Italian heritage meant growing up as a person of color in a predominantly white household and community.
“I think not fitting in anywhere is something a lot of mixed people specifically struggle with,” Bailey told Seventeen magazine. This experience later connected her to her Outer Banks character navigating different social worlds.
She attended East Forsyth High School before transitioning to home schooling for her career. When her adoptive mother passed away in 2018, Bailey and two sisters honored her memory with matching family tattoos.
Madison Bailey Career Development
Bailey’s artistic journey began with music dreams from ages 5-12. Stage fright redirected her path when she realized “I’m actually really scared of singing in front of people,” she told L’Officiel.
Her modeling agency encouraged acting auditions, she recalled in an interview with L’Officiel. High school friends “forced” her to audition for the school musical during freshman year, igniting her passion for performance.
Professional work started in 2015 with small TV roles on Constantine and Mr. Mercedes. Early credits include Swamp Murders, Murder Chose Me, and an uncredited part in 2017’s Fist Fight.
Outer Banks Breakthrough
The career-changing role came in 2020 with Netflix’s Outer Banks. Playing Kiara Carrera, a wealthy teenager choosing loyalty to working-class friends over privilege, Bailey found her perfect character match.
She almost missed the opportunity. After no response to her initial audition, casting directors requested not seeing previous auditioners. Her agent convinced her to try again, leading to immediate callback and same-day booking in Charleston.
Rudy Pankow (JJ Maybank) later told Bailey, “I knew you were Kiara the second I saw you.” She has appeared in 40 episodes across four seasons, with a fifth and final season in production. Her older sister Katie works as her stunt double.
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Madison Bailey Musical Renaissance (2024-2025)
Bailey returned to music in 2024, releasing debut single “The Grey” under Republic Records. The acoustic track explores life’s in-between spaces. This first single represents what my message as an artist is, which is being your true self,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024.
Second single “Honestly,” released December 2024, addresses generational disillusionment and mental health challenges. She describes her style as blending Kacey Musgraves and SZA, inspired by Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, and Janelle Monáe.
She purchased recording equipment from Guitar Center and collaborates with writers David Charles Fischer, Grant Averill, Marty MARO, and Stephen Elrod. Her favorite karaoke song remains “Have You Ever Seen the Rain.”
Madison Bailey Personal Life and Relationships
Bailey dated former UNC Charlotte basketball player Mariah Linney from 2020-2025. They met on TikTok and became beloved for their open LGBTQ+ relationship representation.
In May 2020, Bailey came out as pansexual on TikTok: “Girls. Boys. Trans boys. Trans girls. Nonbinary babies. It’s what’s on the inside, boo.” The response was overwhelmingly supportive.
In April 2025, outlets such as TMZ and Daily Mail reported speculation about a possible breakup after Bailey and Linney unfollowed each other on social media, though neither has publicly confirmed the split.
Bailey has openly shared that she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at 18. Rather than hiding her experience, she uses her platform to raise awareness about mental health, often speaking about practices like meditation and crystal therapy as part of her self-care routine.
Professional Expansion
Beyond Outer Banks, Bailey diversified with Time Cut (2024) as co-producer, The Painter (2024), and upcoming Constance. TV credits span American Horror Stories, Council of Dads, and Black Lightning as Wendy Hernandez.
She appears in Fenty Beauty campaigns and selects roles carefully. “I have options in this industry for the roles I take,” she noted in 2023. “I’m content with where I’m at.”
Madison Bailey Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Bailey decompresses with puzzles and flower Legos. She received a piano keyboard from her then-girlfriend and frequents Jon & Vinny’s restaurant in Los Angeles (“60 times”).
Her hair care routine uses Kérastase Curl Manifesto, Ouai leave-in, and Living Proof curl cream, avoiding gel’s “crunchy” feel. She layers fragrances like Byredo’s Bibliothèque and Parfums de Marly’s Delina.
Travel demands led her to cancel gym membership in 2024, focusing on journaling and hydration habits instead.
Cultural Impact and Representation
Bailey’s authentic mixed-race, pansexual character portrayal resonates with audiences seeking diverse storytelling. Her openness about mental health, adoption, and LGBTQ+ identity makes her a youth role model.
“I don’t think you get anywhere by telling people you were the most confident,” she reflected. “I’ve been a mess this whole time. I’ve just been very passionate and consistent.”
She advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice, providing visibility for underrepresented youth in mainstream media.
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Madison Bailey Financial and Professional Status
According to Life & Style, Bailey’s net worth is around $500,000. Netflix actors typically earn $30,000 per episode, aligning with her 40-episode appearances.
Her father keeps her grounded with humor. When headlines read “It’s Madison Bailey’s World,” he jokingly offered testimonials about living with her. She invests strategically in music equipment and selective brand partnerships.
Future Outlook
With Outer Banks concluding, Bailey develops her music career and explores new acting roles. Constance represents continued growth as a performer balancing commercial success with social responsibility.
“Passion and family made me who I am,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. This foundation guides her career choices as she takes on new challenges in music and acting.
Conclusion
Madison Bailey exemplifies authentic modern entertainment. From Kernersville adoption to Netflix stardom, she maintains core values while building success. Her Outer Banks work, music career, and advocacy demonstrate positive platform use.
Her journey shows success comes from embracing complexity, not fitting predetermined molds. At 26, Bailey has established lasting influence on representation and mental health awareness, inspiring others to pursue dreams while honoring their roots.
FAQ About Madison Bailey
How tall is Madison Bailey?
She stands 5’8″ (173 cm) tall.
What is Madison Bailey’s age in 2025?
She is 26 years old, born January 29, 1999.
Is Madison Bailey adopted?
Yes, into a family with six siblings, five through foster care.
What is Madison Bailey’s ethnicity?
She is of Mauritian and Italian descent.
Is Madison Bailey dating anyone?
As of April 2025, speculation suggests she and Mariah Linney ended their relationship.
What mental health condition does Madison Bailey have?
She has borderline personality disorder, diagnosed at 18.
What is Madison Bailey’s net worth?
According to Industry outlets her net worth approximately $500,000 from acting and music.
What songs has Madison Bailey released?
“The Grey” and “Honestly” under Republic Records.
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