Beau Garrett: A Return to Acting and a Powerful Role in ‘The Madison’
Beau Garrett initially contemplated stepping away from acting before landing the role of Abigail Reese in ‘The Madison.’ Having moved to Vancouver Island, started a family, and witnessed the industry disruptions of the pandemic and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, Garrett questioned her future in the business. “Living up here,” she shares, gesturing to the ocean view during a Zoom interview, “I wondered if this world was still for me. I love acting, but it felt distant.”
However, a self-tape audition request reignited her passion. Despite the challenges of balancing motherhood and remote filming conditions, Garrett’s talent shone through. She reached out to casting director John Papsidera, seeking feedback, and ultimately secured a test for a lead role in Taylor Sheridan’s highly anticipated drama, ‘The Madison.’
Five days later, a call from Sheridan himself confirmed her casting. “He chatted about the weather for a bit,” Garrett recalls with a laugh, “and then told me I got the part. It was surreal!”
Abigail Reese: Navigating Grief and Finding New Paths
In ‘The Madison,’ Garrett portrays Abigail Reese, the eldest daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Stacy Clyburn and Kurt Russell’s Preston Clyburn. The series unfolds after a tragic plane crash claims the lives of Preston and his brother, drawing the Clyburn family into the complexities of the Madison River valley. Abigail, recently divorced and raising two daughters, finds herself grappling with her own independence and attempting to support her grieving mother.
“Taylor [Sheridan] and I met years ago, and he coached me for an audition back then,” Garrett explains. “To come full circle and have him take a risk on me for this character was a real highlight.”
The first season culminates with Abigail returning to New York, but finding herself drawn back to Montana and a burgeoning romance with local sheriff Van Davis (Ben Schnetzer). Season 2, already filmed, promises to further explore Abigail’s journey.
Family Dynamics and the Weight of the Past
Garrett delves into the intricate relationship between Abigail and her parents, revealing a dynamic shaped by Preston’s tendency to avoid difficult truths and Stacy’s more direct approach. “Abigail always sought her mother’s approval, but her dad was the safe place,” she explains. “They had a lot of fun, like adventure buddies.”
She also highlights the impact of the family’s newfound wealth on their relationships. “There’s a real intimacy when a family comes from nothing and then experiences expansion,” Garrett notes. “Abigail and Stacy had a bond from early on that was different from Paige and Stacy, because when Paige came along, they had money and nannies.”
A Connection with Van Davis and a Search for Authenticity
Abigail’s connection with Van Davis represents a turning point in her life. “Van is the only person in her life right now that has softened her and maybe allowed her to experience loss,” Garrett shares. “She’s used to a dating cycle in New York where she feels judged, but Van is curious and non-judgmental.”
Garrett emphasizes the show’s ability to portray the complexities of grief and family dynamics. “This show is all those things,” she says. “It’s about people grieving and losing and suffering and navigating uncomfortable family situations. I’m grateful that people are responding and relating to it.”
Season 2 promises a lighter tone while continuing to explore the characters’ journeys. As Garrett concludes, “There is a lightness to season 2 that I think is going to be really engaging.”
