Martha Madison (born Martha Anne Butterworth; July 27, 1977) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Belle Black on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives.
Early life and education Madison was born in Newport News, Virginia and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended Cypress Creek High School. In 1999, she graduated from Texas A&M University, where she was also the captain of the dance team, with a degree in psychology. The same year, she moved to New York City to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She danced with the Peyari Dance Project for two years. However, after several injuries, she was forced to retire from dance.
Career
Film and television Madison had a minor role in the film Kate & Leopold (2001). In 2003, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She briefly appeared on the NBC soap opera Passions in 2004.
From 2004 to 2008, Madison played Belle Black on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. In 2007, she appeared on and episode of The Tyra Banks Show to help model/host Tyra Banks through "soap opera school." In 2008, she appeared in the Without a Trace episode "Rewind", and in the Criminal Minds episode "The Big Wheel" in 2009. From 2010 to 2014, Madison appeared on the soap opera web series The Bay as Marly Nelson-Foster.
In June 2011, Madison temporarily took over the role as Elizabeth Webber on General Hospital. She and General Hospital Lilly Melgar currently co-hosted SoapBox with Lilly and Martha.
In 2015, Madison began starring as Miranda Winterthorne in the soap opera web series Winterthorne. She returned Days of Our Lives later in the year.
Personal life Madison announced her engagement to restaurateur A.J. Gilbert on July 29, 2006. Martha-madison.com The couple married on August 25, 2007. On November 3, 2013, she gave birth to their daughter.
In July 2009, Madison and Gilbert opened a gastropub in Studio City, Los Angeles called Henry's Hat. Henry’s Hat was sold in August 2012. The couple also own Luna Park in Hollywood and San Francisco.
Philanthropy and activities In 2005, Madison was named an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and helped re-design their website. At the time, her mother had been living with multiple sclerosis for nearly 25 years.
Filmography Year Film Role Notes2001Kate & LeopoldOffice Woman 2003Law & Order: Criminal IntentSusan Watkins Episode: "Cherry Red"2004PassionsLolaApril 8–14, 20042004–2008,2015–2023Days of Our LivesIsabella "Belle" BlackAugust 10, 2004 – March 24, 2008, November 25, 2015 – September 12, 2016, January 24 – February 20, 2017, December 4, 2017 – March 27, 2018, August 21 – November 8, 2018, March 18 – July 9, 2019, June 8, 2020 – November 9, 2023, November 8, 2024, December 2, 2024–present2006Biker Mice from MarsCatalina Cat/Cataina Mouse (voice)Episodes: "New Cats in Town" and "The Tender Mouse Trap"2007The Singles TableMarried woman Episode: "The Work Dinner"2008Without a TraceJolieEpisode: "Rewind"2009Criminal MindsKateEpisode: "The Big Wheel"2009The Mother of Invention Chandra2011General HospitalElizabeth Webber # 2Temporary recast: June 8–20, 20112011Undercover BridesmaidSallyTelevision film2010–14The BayMarly Nelson-Foster26 episodes2015WinterthorneMiranda Winterthorne 4 episodes2016One MississippiBibby BaxterEpisodes: "The Cat's Out", "Let the Good Times Roll"2016Ladies of the Lake Vivian Montgomery4 episodes2017Great NewsBelle BlackEpisode: "War Is Hell"2018To The Beat! ClareAlso associate producer2018The Price for Silence Deana2019A Place Called HollywoodSissy Satire3 episodes2019-2020Days of Our Lives: Last Blast ReunionBelle BlackWeb Series
Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result Indie Series Awards Best Lead Actress - Drama Winterthorne Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Days of Our Lives
References
External links
Martha Madison Reprise her roles on DAYS.