From Runway To Wicked: 7 Surprising Facts About Rebecca Mader’s Modeling Career And Her Life In 2024

English actress Rebecca Mader has captivated audiences for years, most famously as the delightfully wicked Zelena in the ABC fantasy series *Once Upon a Time* and the mysterious Charlotte Lewis in *Lost*. However, before she ever stepped foot on a major television set, Mader spent nearly a decade navigating the highly competitive world of high fashion and commercial advertising in New York City. As of December 2025, Mader continues to engage with fans and attend major industry events, proving her transition from a successful model to a beloved television star was a masterclass in career evolution. This deep dive uncovers the surprising details of her early modeling days, her pivotal move to acting, and what the star is focusing on in her life today.

Rebecca Mader: Complete Biography and Profile

Born in the historic city of Cambridge, England, Rebecca Leigh Mader’s journey to Hollywood was anything but traditional. Her early career was defined by the demanding schedule of a professional model before she successfully transitioned into the world of acting, securing roles that would make her a household name across the globe. Her ability to portray complex characters, from a time-traveling scientist to a scene-stealing villain, is a testament to her versatility.

• Full Name: Rebecca Leigh Mader
• Date of Birth: April 24, 1977
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 48
• Place of Birth: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
• Nationality: British
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.70 m)
• Spouse: Marcus Kayne (m. 2016); Joseph Arongino (m. 2002; div. 2008)
• Children: Two sons, including Milo (born November 2019)
• Known For: Zelena / The Wicked Witch of the West in *Once Upon a Time* (ABC), Charlotte Lewis in *Lost* (ABC), Jocelyn in *The Devil Wears Prada* (2006)
• Modeling Career: Worked for the Ford Modeling Agency in New York City for approximately eight years, appearing in major campaigns.
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): $4 Million (Approx.)

The Unexpected Path: How Modeling Paved the Way for Hollywood

The core keyword, "Rebecca Mader model," points directly to the foundational chapter of her professional life. While many fans know her for her dramatic TV roles, Mader’s career began in front of the camera for a very different industry. At the age of sixteen, she moved to New York City to pursue modeling, signing with the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency.

1. Eight Years in the New York Modeling Scene

Mader spent nearly eight years as a working model in New York. This was not a short-lived venture; it was a significant period that shaped her work ethic and provided her with invaluable experience in the media world. She has described her time in NYC as "wicked," indicating a positive and energetic period of her life.

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2. The Commercial Success: L'Oréal, Colgate, and Wella Hair

Her modeling work was heavily focused on commercial advertising. Rebecca Mader appeared in advertisements for several major international brands. These campaigns included high-profile work for L'Oréal, Colgate, and Wella Hair. These jobs not only paid the bills but also kept her in the public eye and provided a financial cushion while she pursued her true passion: acting.

3. Modeling as a Means to an Acting End

Mader has openly discussed that her modeling career was a strategic tool. She couldn't afford to go to drama school, so she used her modeling income to support herself while simultaneously seeking acting opportunities. She continually pressed her agency, Ford, which had a small acting division, to help her get meetings and auditions. This persistence is a key part of her career narrative, showing that the "Rebecca Mader model" phase was always a stepping stone.

The Pivotal Shift: From Runway to Role-Playing

The transition from a model's life—which focuses on visual presentation—to an actor's life—which demands emotional depth and character embodiment—is a difficult one. Mader made this transition successfully by starting with the demanding world of daytime television.

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4. Early TV Roles on Iconic Soap Operas

Mader’s first television credits were in the American soap opera circuit. She appeared on *All My Children* as Morgan Gordon and *One Life to Live* as Margaret Cochran. She also had a stint on *Guiding Light*. These roles provided the necessary training ground for her to hone her acting skills and demonstrate her on-screen presence, moving her away from simply being a model and into the realm of a serious actress.

5. Landing the Big Break: *Lost* and *The Devil Wears Prada*

Her career trajectory soared when she was cast as Charlotte Lewis, an anthropologist and member of the freighter team, on the critically acclaimed ABC series *Lost*. This role introduced her to a massive international audience. Before *Lost*, she had a memorable, albeit brief, appearance in the iconic fashion film *The Devil Wears Prada* (2006) as Jocelyn, a Runway magazine employee. The irony of playing a fashionista after leaving the modeling world was not lost on her fans.

6. The Unforgettable Villain: Zelena, The Wicked Witch of the West

Mader’s most famous role came as Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, in *Once Upon a Time* (OUAT). She quickly became a fan favorite, known for her sharp wit, green makeup, and complex villain-to-anti-hero arc. This role cemented her status in the fantasy and comic convention world, which continues to be a major part of her public life today. Mader has expressed her love for playing villains, finding them more fun and layered.

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Rebecca Mader in 2024 and Beyond: Current Projects and Family Life

In the years following her major television roles, Mader has balanced her professional commitments with a rich personal life, providing a fresh perspective on the actress's current activities.

7. Current Life and Recent Public Appearances

Mader is currently married to producer Marcus Kayne, whom she wed in 2016. The couple has two young children: their son Milo, born in November 2019, and a second child born in 2021. Her family life is a priority, but she remains active in the industry and with her fanbase. The year 2024 has seen her maintain a high profile:

• Film Premieres: She was seen attending the Netflix's *Atlas* Premiere in Hollywood, California, in May 2024.
• Industry Events: Mader attended the 2024 Writers Guild Awards, demonstrating her continued engagement with the Hollywood community.
• Fan Conventions: Her connection to the *Once Upon a Time* fanbase is strong. She attended the Comic, Film & Manga Fest Rotterdam in March 2024 and is scheduled to appear at New York Comic Con 2024 alongside her former co-star, Sean Maguire (Robin Hood).

From her early days as a model for L'Oréal and Colgate to her status as a beloved fantasy villain, Rebecca Mader's career is a fascinating study in reinvention. Her success proves that the skills and discipline learned on the runway can indeed translate into a lasting and impactful career on screen, keeping her relevant and in the news well into 2024 and beyond.