Madison Smith Talks ‘Salvation’ Season 2 [Exclusive Interview]

Even with the impending threat of an asteroid on a collision course with the earth, it’s possible for some characters to remain positive on the CBS series, Salvation.

One of those characters is a new face this season, Nate Ryland, played by Madison Smith. Nate is a high school friend of Jillian Hayes, though the two had lost touch — until now.

Smith recently shared a bit about his character with me and previewed his role on the upcoming web series, NarcoLeap.

Tell-Tale TV: How did you first get your start in acting? Was it something you always wanted to do?

Madison Smith: I got into acting after I decided to move on after sports. I was a college baseball player but I started to think my future was no longer in baseball.

I was looking for something to do with my life and my mom suggested acting. I got a pitter-patter feeling in my chest after she mentioned it and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

Tell-Tale TV: What made you excited to be a part of Salvation?

Smith: There’s so much to be excited about with Salvation. I watched Season 1 in less than two days and can’t wait for more. Luckily this season when I watch I get to be part of the show as well.

Tell-Tale TV: What will we learn about your character over the course of the season?

Smith: Over this season I hope the audience will grow to like Nate. Even with an asteroid coming towards earth, Nate still tries to be positive.

And he gets the chance to reconnect with Jillian (Jacqueline Byers), which he is quite excited about. With everything going on with Jillian, Nate gives her ways to cope with how she feels.

Tell-Tale TV: What was the biggest challenge for you in playing this role?

Smith: Lucky for me, Nate has such a positive outlook that he makes playing him a pleasure. And since most of my scenes have been with Jacqueline, who is an amazing actress, it made filming a breeze. No complaints here.

Tell-Tale TV: It seems there’s a spark between Nate and Jillian when they first run into each other. What can we expect from that relationship?

Smith: Nate and Jillian quickly become close again. Jillian still has Liam in her heart, much to Nate’s dismay, but things have a way of changing.

Tell-Tale TV: What else can you tease about what viewers can expect this season?

Smith: Oh, it’s tough not to tease everything. Re/Syst is in charge, what will happen there? Darius is Vice President, Grace and Harris killed someone and are trying to keep it quiet, Liam is being held by terrorists. All this has to go somewhere.

And then there’s Nate and Jillian. How will they cope with everything that’s happening? You’ll have to tune in.

Tell-Tale TV: If you found out an asteroid was really heading for earth, what do you think you’d do first?

Smith: I’d go to Disneyland. My girlfriend and I love it there and I can’t think of a better place to spend my last days with her.

Tell-Tale TV: What other upcoming projects do you have?

Smith: I have a web series coming out this month called NarcoLeap. It’s about a girl who has the ability to astral project. When she learns about her powers, her life gets turned around when a secret branch of the government attempts to bring her in to study what she can do.

I play Aidan Webb, her best friend and the only person she trusts with her secret. He’d do anything to protect her which gets him into quite a bit of trouble.

Tell-Tale TV: When it comes to performing, who inspires you most and why?

Smith: I look up to all the actors who are part of the Marvel universe. Seeing how hard they work and how humble they are makes me hope that one day I’ll get an opportunity like that and be able to handle it with the same amount of grace as they do.

Tell-Tale TV: When you aren’t busy acting, how do you like to spend your time?

Smith: I try and keep busy. I’m always in acting class trying to improve my craft but outside of that, I like to spend as much time as I can outside. In Vancouver, where I live, there are tons of hikes and beaches. If I have a day off I’m most likely on one of those.

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Be sure to catch Madison Smith on Salvation, airing Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.

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