Actress - writer - producer - narrator
Actress Madeline McCray, a Harlem-born, New York–based creative catalyst, sparks transformation through the power of story, creativity, and holistic living. Drawing on more than six decades of life and over forty-five years in the entertainment industry as an actress, writer, producer, cabaret director, band manager, and audiobook narrator, she empowers people to break free from limitations, reconnect with their true selves, and step boldly into their next chapter.
Known as a team collaborator, McCray brings fresh ideas, energizes environments, and helps others reimagine possibilities. By connecting the dots across disciplines and perspectives, she inspires innovation, encourages healing, and pushes boundaries for lasting change. Proud and blessed to be a mom, nanema, and great-nanema, she grounds her artistry in love and legacy.
Described as ‘a brave, disciplined, and inventive actor,’ McCray is honored to portray Nia, the lead character in Remember Me, directed by Kiersten White, filmed in October 2025.
Theatre
Madeline McCray is a phenomenal artist; not only is she a talented actress, but she is a generous spirit, offering joy and grace, to those fortunate enough to work alongside her. I sincerely look forward to working with her again. -Sarah Norris, Director & Artistic Director, New Light Theatre Project.
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Granny is metamodernism, breathing new life into age-old fables, and McCray stands out as a natural-born storyteller who can make the ordinary entrancing. Her talent for crafting a Jamaican landscape from words is exceptional. - Gillian Russo/Plays to See
I am proud to have been a collaborator with such an extraordinary actress. In addition to being an outstanding talent, she is a generous and compassionate human being who is a joy to work with.–Seret Scott, Director of Fences by August Wilson
Ms. McCray is not only a talent of power, subtlety, humor and range, she is, as well, as disciplined and passionate a professional as I have encountered in my ten-year tenure as Artistic Director of this theatre. She has been a thorough joy and an utter delight — Bruce Bouchard, Artistic Director Capitol Rep
Caseload” Madeline anchored one of the most talented casts to ever do my work in the off-off-Broadway production of Caseload at the Workshop Theatre in New York City. She is fearless in her depiction of the hard-nosed Emma, a character imbued with the hard knocks of life, opposite her antagonist, Rob Morgan. -Levy Lee Simon, Playwright
Madeline played three principal roles in this four part play, each demanding bold stylistic work and careful character study and portrayal. In each role, her performance was superb. Madeline is a brave, disciplined and inventive actor and I recommend her to you.”–Liz Diamond, Director of Imperceptible Mutabilities In The Third Kingdom by Suzan Lori Parks
Madeline is one of the warmest, most thoughtful and gifted people I know. She performed an excerpt from A Dream To Fly a few months ago, when she came up to Castleton University. The students were mesmerized and gave her thunderous applause.— Ron Powers, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Author of Mark Twain: A Life, and Flags Of Our Fathers