Maisy Stella: From 'Nashville' Star to Grown-Up Icon

When Maisy Stella first graced our screens as Connie Britton’s daughter in ABC’s musical drama *Nashville*, she was a young girl embarking on her acting journey. It was during this exciting yet nerve-wracking time that she received invaluable advice that would shape her career. After facing disappointment from an audition for a different role, which affected her confidence, a kind soul on set offered her a new perspective. “They said producers are looking for something so specific that it’s not personal if I don’t fit those specifics,” Maisy recalls. “That advice really hit home. It empowered me to keep auditioning for ten years, even when *Nashville* was my only gig.”

Fast forward a decade, and Maisy has now secured a leading role in *My Old Ass*, a heartfelt dramedy from writer-director Megan Park, produced by the talented Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley. The story follows a teenager who experiences a life-altering mushroom trip, allowing her to meet an older version of herself. *My Old Ass* became a standout at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with critics praising Stella’s breakout performance as reminiscent of Alicia Silverstone in *Clueless*. The film was sold to Amazon MGM for a whopping $15 million, which certainly shows that the stars are aligning for this rising star. Just a month later, she landed her next role in an ultra-secret project with J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot.

Reflecting on her journey, Maisy quips, “I’d give anything to remember who gave me that early piece of advice. It’s like I owe them my life!” During a recent Zoom chat from her Nashville home, she shared her feelings about leading *My Old Ass* compared to her earlier experiences on *Nashville*. “I had just turned 18 while filming, and I really began to understand myself,” she says. “Just like my character, I was learning to embrace my youth while aspiring to be a fully formed person. It was a completely different vibe to be at work without my mom there, even though she was an amazing support on set. This time, I really felt like