Alright, let’s get real for a sec: Kiernan Shipka is one of those actors who sneaks up on you. One minute you’re thinking, “Oh yeah, she was that kid from Mad Men,” and the next, you’re binge-watching Chilling Adventures of Sabrina at 2 a.m. wondering how someone so young carries so many layers. I mean, c’mon — she’s practically grown up on screen, but unlike most child stars who peak early and vanish, Kiernan’s still climbing.
The Sally Draper Days — When She Was Mad Men’s Secret Weapon
Sally Draper. Remember her? The little girl with that serious stare, throwing shade at her parents in Mad Men. Kiernan was just seven when she landed that role, but man, she owned it.
I can still remember the first time I saw her on TV — she didn’t just play a kid. She was this whole mood. The way she handled all those awkward family fights? Honestly, more emotional depth than most adults I know.
Anyway, her time on Mad Men wasn’t just a “kid on a TV show” gig. It was like watching a masterclass in growing up on screen. Seven seasons, y’all. Seven. That’s a lot of teenage angst and emotional rollercoasters to act through. And she did it without turning into one of those cringe-y child stars you want to avoid at parties.
From Kid to Cool: Breaking Out of the Child Actor Trap
Fast forward past the Mad Men finale, and Kiernan didn’t just rest on her laurels. Nope, she dodged the classic “child star stuck in tween roles” trap like a pro.
I’ve seen plenty of actors try to pull off that transition. Some flail. Some totally disappear. Kiernan? She picked her projects like she was building a secret lair for her acting career—layer by layer.
I learned the hard way that not every role has to be blockbuster to be good. She took roles in indie flicks and even did voice work, which — not gonna lie — is harder than it looks. That voice acting in The Legend of Korra? Jinora’s wisdom and chill vibes? Kiernan nailed it.
Witch, Please! Kiernan’s Big Break in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Okay, y’all, here’s the kicker. If you haven’t seen Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, stop what you’re doing and at least watch the first episode.
Kiernan’s Sabrina is nothing like the 90s cartoon version with that sunny smile and pointy hat. No, this Sabrina wrestles with dark magic, family drama, and existential questions that make your last therapy session look like a casual chat.
- Dual roles? Check.
- Teenage rebellion? Double check.
- Witchy powers + emotional depth = chef’s kiss.
Side note: I once tried to learn a spell from the show just to make my houseplants grow. Spoiler alert: They’re still dead. RIP, Gary. That’s my sad fern.
Anyway, this role seriously put Kiernan on the map as a cool lead — not just some cute kid.
Hidden Treasures: Lesser-Known Films and Voice Work
Beyond all the buzz around Sabrina, Kiernan’s got some cool under-the-radar stuff.
- One & Two — this indie movie where she plays a girl with strange powers living in a creepy farm house. Watching it is like stepping into a slow-burn dream you can’t wake up from.
- The Silence — a Netflix horror flick where she’s a deaf girl battling monsters. I gotta say, she made me jump more than once, and I’m not easily scared.
And here’s a weird one: she voiced Jinora on The Legend of Korra. Not a ton of people know that, but if you do, you get major bonus points.
Cameos and Collabs – Getting Cozy with Hollywood’s Big Shots
She’s not just doing leads — Kiernan’s rubbing elbows with the big dogs.
- Worked with Timothée Chalamet in a Prada short film. (I’m still jealous.)
- Had a stint in Feud: Bette and Joan where she hung out with legends like Jessica Lange.
- Made a guest appearance on Riverdale, which is like the pop culture crossover nobody asked for but secretly loved.
These small but mighty roles prove she’s got range and street cred.
When Kiernan Gets Silly: Comedy and Romance
Don’t let the witchy image fool you — Kiernan can do light and fluffy too.
She starred in Let It Snow, a feel-good holiday movie that’s basically the cinematic equivalent of a warm mug of cocoa. Watching her in that, you see she’s got comedic chops and a natural charm that’s hella infectious.
Honestly, I’m rooting for her to do more rom-coms. Because, why not?
Style Star Alert! Kiernan’s Fashion Game Is On Point
On the red carpet, Kiernan is killing it. She’s got that effortless cool vibe — the kind that makes you want to raid her closet.
I once saw her wearing a dress that reminded me of the cracked watering can I bought at Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave. Weird comparison? Maybe. But both have that perfect mix of classy and quirky.
What’s Next? Spoiler: It’s Looking Wicked Good
She’s got a few projects lined up:
- A thriller with Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. Yes, really.
- Possible Sabrina spin-offs or movies — fingers crossed.
- Indie films that promise to keep showing off her acting chops.
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m excited.
How Kiernan Picks Her Roles (Hint: It’s Not About the Fame)
She’s talked about this in interviews — Kiernan goes for roles that challenge her, not just the shiny, popular ones.
I respect that. Because let’s be honest, Hollywood can be shallow sometimes. But Kiernan? She wants characters with heart, weirdness, and a bit of magic.
Fan Faves: The Roles That Made Us Love Her
Here’s my personal hit list:
- Sally Draper in Mad Men — a total emotional powerhouse.
- Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures — the ultimate teenage witch vibes.
- Ally Andrews in The Silence — fierce, smart, and deaf, a rare combo.
- Jeanette in Let It Snow — sweet and funny, no smoke and mirrors.
Why She’s a Role Model for the Young and Ambitious
Her characters often deal with identity, family drama, and all those awkward phases we all know too well.
My neighbor Tina swears her niece watches Kiernan’s shows for inspiration. “It’s like she’s the cool big sister we never had,” Tina says.
Final Thoughts – Kiernan’s Journey from Kid Star to Leading Lady
She’s still young but already has a career most actors only dream of.
From sassy kid on Mad Men to a full-on witch queen, Kiernan Shipka movies and tv shows cover a range that’s wicked impressive.
Anyway, watch this space — she’s just getting started.
