Lola Tung has rapidly become one of the most talked‑about young actresses of her generation, capturing hearts around the world with her breakout role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Her journey from New York City performing arts student to international star shows dedication, talent, and authenticity — qualities that resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike.

In this article, we’ll explore Lola’s early life, education, breakout role, evolving career on screen and Broadway, her approach to mental health and social media, fashion influence, upcoming projects, and the legacy she’s building as one of Hollywood’s most exciting young talents.

Who Is Lola Tung? An Introduction to a Rising Star

Lola Marie Tung was born on October 28, 2002, in New York City, USA. She is an American actress, singer, and model best known for her portrayal of Isabel “Belly” Conklin on Amazon Prime Video’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty.

From her first steps into a theater classroom to starring in one of the most streamed YA shows globally, Lola’s ascent has been both inspiring and impactful.

Early Life & Roots: A Multicultural New Yorker

Growing up in New York, Lola was immersed in one of the world’s greatest cultural hubs from the start. Her background reflects a vibrant mix of influences: her mother’s family is of Chinese and Swedish descent, while her father comes from Eastern European roots.

Education and early interests shaped her creative foundation:

• She participated in middle school productions such as Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz.

• Lola attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, a prestigious NYC institution known for nurturing future stars.

• After graduating in 2020, she continued her studies at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, one of the top drama programs in the U.S., before taking a break to pursue a career‑defining role.

This early commitment to performance and training laid the groundwork for her professional breakthrough.

Lola Tung’s Breakout Role: Belly Conklin in The Summer I Turned Pretty

In April 2021, while still in university, Lola auditioned virtually and landed the lead role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, based on Jenny Han’s popular book trilogy.

Why Belly Conklin Matters

Isabel “Belly” Conklin is a character beloved by readers for her emotional depth, complexity, and relatability. Taking on such a role was no small feat for a newcomer, yet Lola embodied the character’s nuances with authenticity and grace, earning widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

The series premiered in 2022, and Lola immediately became the face of the show’s success  her performance praised for its vulnerability and emotional maturity.

Evolving Through the Seasons

The Summer I Turned Pretty ran for three seasons, with its final season airing through 2025. The show became a cultural phenomenon, partly due to its compelling storytelling and partly because of the chemistry and growth Lola brought to Belly’s character arc.

Lola noted in interviews how acting in the series shaped her personally comparing it to a formative period of growth, much like graduating from college.

Beyond Belly: Lola Tung on Broadway & New Projects

Lola didn’t stop at television. In February 2024, she made her Broadway debut as Eurydice in the acclaimed musical Hadestown, replacing Solea Pfeiffer for a limited run and earning critical praise.

She also participated in developmental performances of Almost Famous at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center with industry legends like Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt.

Movies on the Horizon

As of 2025–2026, Lola is branching into film with roles in:

• Forbidden Fruits, a witch horror project filmed in 2025.

• The Young People, directed by Longlegs filmmaker Oz Perkins.

These diverse roles signal that Lola isn’t confined to a single genre  she’s expanding her range and setting the stage for a long, varied career.

The Person Behind the Role: Lola’s Personality & Passions

Connection to Music & Theater

Lola is not only an actress  she’s also a singer and musician. Her artistic sensitivity shines through in both her performance choices and interviews, where she speaks passionately about storytelling, character work, and emotional honesty.

She describes her early theater experiences   like being a Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz   as pivotal mom  that sparked her love for acting.

Life in the Limelight: Social Media & Mental Health Awareness

With fame comes public attention, and Lola handles this thoughtfully. In 2025 she spoke about taking breaks from social media to protect her mental health, emphasizing balance and intention over constant visibility.

This candid conversation highlights how seriously she takes her mental wellness — a message that resonates with many young fans navigating online pressure.

Style Icon & Brand Collaborations

Lola’s influence extends into fashion:

• She became the face of Coach’s sustainable line, Coachtopia, promoting eco‑friendly fashion.

• She featured in a campaign for American Eagle with co‑stars, connecting her image to inclusive, youthful style.

In late 2025, Lola debuted a striking new hair transformation, showcasing her evolving personal style and fashion sensibilities.

Her red carpet and press event outfits   like those at a Summer I Turned Pretty finale event in Paris   also cemented her status as a modern style influencer.

Lola Tung’s Net Worth & Influence

As of 2025, industry sources estimate Lola Tung’s net worth in the multimillions, derived from television roles, Broadway, brand collaborations, and social media.

She’s also widely recognized as a role model and inspiration for aspiring actors, especially those who began with formal theater training and transitioned into screen roles.

Impact & Legacy: More Than Just a Breakout Star

Lola Tung’s rise resonates for several reasons:

• She brought empathy and depth to a character beloved by fans worldwide.

• She balanced sudden fame with grounded self‑care.

• She expanded her craft across stage, screen, and music.

• Her openness about growth, therapy, and self‑reflection inspires young audiences.

These qualities position her not just as a rising star, but as a genuine cultural voice for her generation.

Conclusion: Why Lola Tung Matters Today

At just 22 years old, Lola Tung has already achieved milestones many actors dream of — television stardom, Broadway acclaim, film roles, fashion impact, and a global fanbase. Her story is one of artistic passion, thoughtful growth, and authenticity in an era when many struggle to balance success with self‑care.

Whether she’s acting in a hit series, stepping onto the Broadway stage, or connecting with fans about mental health and creative ambition, Lola continues to be a relatable, compelling, and inspiring figure. Audiences around the world aren’t just watching her career — they’re rooting for her.

FAQs About Lola Tung

1. How old is Lola Tung?
Lola Tung was born on October 28, 2002, which makes her 22 years old as of 2025.

2. What is Lola Tung known for?
She is best known for her breakout role as Belly Conklin in the Amazon Prime series The Summer I Turned Pretty.

3. Where did Lola Tung go to school?
She graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and studied at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama before taking time off to film professionally.

4. Has Lola Tung done Broadway?
Yes — Lola made her Broadway debut in Hadestown in 2024.

5. What upcoming projects does she have?
She is set to appear in films like Forbidden Fruits and The Young People, expanding her career into new arenas.

Jenny Lee Arness, the daughter of legendary actor James Arness, lived a life of privilege, public attention, and personal struggle. Born in 1950 in Los Angeles, she briefly pursued acting, including appearances on Gunsmoke, the iconic TV series that made her father famous. Despite her charm, intelligence, and opportunities, Jenny battled mental health issues, including depression and schizophrenia. She tragically passed away at the age of 24 in 1975. Her story highlights the pressures of celebrity life, the importance of mental health awareness, and the challenges faced by children of famous individuals.

Early Life and Family Background

Jenny Lee Arness was born on May 23, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. From the very beginning, her life was intertwined with Hollywood glamour and public attention. Her father, James Arness, was an iconic television star best known for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, a role he held for two decades. Her mother, Virginia Chapman, was an actress of moderate success, appearing in shows such as Highway Patrol and Official Detective.

Growing up, Jenny experienced a life filled with contrasts. On one hand, she attended glamorous parties, movie premieres, and celebrity gatherings. On the other, she witnessed the complexities of her parents’ marriage, which included challenges like Virginia’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse. The family environment introduced Jenny to both opportunity and the emotional weight of growing up in a high-profile household.

Family Dynamics and Parents

Jenny’s parents married in 1948, but their relationship faced strain due to James Arness’s demanding acting career and Virginia Chapman’s personal struggles. They divorced in 1963, and James took custody of the children.

• James Arness: Known for his towering height of 6’7” and commanding screen presence, James became a defining figure in American television history. His fame provided Jenny with opportunities but also set high expectations for her future.

• Virginia Chapman: Though less famous, Virginia’s acting career and personal challenges left a lasting mark on Jenny. Virginia passed away in 1977 from a drug overdose, highlighting the generational challenges of mental health in the family.

Siblings and Extended Family

Jenny had two brothers:

• Rolf Arness, her biological brother, became a World Surfing Champion in 1970.

• Craig Arness, her adopted brother from Virginia’s previous marriage, gained fame as a National Geographic photographer.

These siblings’ varied accomplishments reflected the diverse talents of the Arness family but also underscored the unique pressures Jenny faced in pursuing her own path.

Education and Formative Years

Jenny attended a prestigious Beverly Hills school and later studied abroad in Switzerland. This exposure to international education provided her with a broader perspective and helped her develop independence, critical thinking, and self-awareness. Her formative years emphasized a desire to create an identity separate from her father’s fame, which shaped both her ambitions and her personal outlook.

Acting Career

Despite the challenges of living under the shadow of a famous father, Jenny Lee Arness briefly pursued acting. She appeared in two episodes of Gunsmoke, giving her the opportunity to explore her talent and connect with the entertainment industry. While these roles did not lead to a long-lasting career, they reflected her ambition and desire to step into her own professional identity.

Her performances, though limited, showcased her natural charisma and her resemblance to her father. However, constant comparisons to James Arness made it difficult for her to establish herself independently in Hollywood.

Personal Life and Struggles

Beneath her public appearances, Jenny faced significant personal challenges. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggled with depression. The 1970s lacked the mental health awareness and resources that exist today, and public stigma made it difficult for her to seek or receive effective support.

Her personal relationships also contributed to her emotional struggles. A notable breakup reportedly affected her deeply, exacerbating feelings of isolation. These factors, combined with the pressures of being a celebrity child, contributed to a sense of vulnerability that would ultimately define her later years.

Pressures of Celebrity Legacy

Growing up as the daughter of James Arness carried both privilege and responsibility. While Jenny had access to resources, opportunities, and a high-profile lifestyle, she also faced expectations to emulate her father’s success. The constant comparisons and public scrutiny created a challenging environment for developing her own identity.

Living in Hollywood meant navigating societal pressures, public expectations, and the often harsh judgment of media and peers. This pressure, combined with her mental health struggles, made her life particularly challenging.

Tragic Death

Jenny Lee Arness passed away on May 12, 1975, in Malibu, California, just days before her 25th birthday. Her death was ruled an overdose, widely reported as a suicide. Her passing shocked both the Hollywood community and her family.

Jenny’s death highlighted the hidden struggles of individuals living under public scrutiny, particularly those born into celebrity families. It also brought attention to mental health issues and the need for support systems for young adults facing personal challenges.

Legacy

Despite her brief life, Jenny Lee Arness left a lasting impact. Her story continues to spark discussions about the pressures faced by children of celebrities and the importance of mental health awareness. Her life serves as a reminder that fame and privilege do not shield anyone from personal struggles.

Jenny’s legacy is not tied to a prolific acting career but to the broader conversation her life encourages about empathy, mental health, and the challenges of navigating personal identity in the shadow of fame.

Mental Health Awareness in Hollywood

Jenny’s tragic story reflects the ongoing need for mental health awareness in high-pressure environments like Hollywood. Over the decades, discussions about depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions have grown, partly influenced by cases like Jenny’s. Her life encourages families, peers, and the entertainment industry to prioritize mental well-being and early intervention.

By remembering Jenny, Hollywood and society at large are reminded that mental health is as crucial as talent or opportunity. Her story emphasizes that support, compassion, and understanding are essential for those struggling with emotional and psychological challenges.

Jenny Lee Arness Net Worth

At the time of her death, Jenny Lee Arness’ net worth was estimated between $2 million and $6 million. This included earnings from her acting roles and inheritance from her father, James Arness. While her financial security provided comfort, it could not address the deeper personal and emotional challenges she faced.

Cultural and Historical Context

Jenny’s life also offers insight into Hollywood in the 1960s and 1970s. During this era, celebrity children often faced intense public scrutiny, limited privacy, and high expectations. Shows like Gunsmoke dominated television, and being associated with such cultural icons brought both visibility and pressure.

Understanding Jenny’s story requires acknowledging the social attitudes of the time, including the stigma around mental illness and the limited resources for emotional support. Her experiences reflect both the privileges and challenges of growing up in an era when fame was both a blessing and a burden.

Conclusion

Jenny Lee Arness’ life was a poignant mix of privilege, opportunity, struggle, and tragedy. Born into fame, she faced expectations that many could not imagine. Despite her challenges, she sought independence, pursued her passions, and left a story that continues to resonate today.

Her life underscores the importance of mental health support, the complexities of growing up in the public eye, and the need for compassion in all walks of life. Jenny Lee Arness remains a reminder that behind every celebrity family lies a deeply human story.

FAQs

1. Who was Jenny Lee Arness?
Jenny Lee Arness was the daughter of James Arness, known for Gunsmoke. She briefly pursued acting but is primarily remembered for her tragic life and mental health struggles.

2. How did Jenny Lee Arness die?
Jenny died on May 12, 1975, from an overdose, widely reported as suicide, after struggling with depression and schizophrenia.

3. Did Jenny Lee Arness have siblings?
Yes, she had two brothers: Rolf, a surfing champion, and Craig, a National Geographic photographer.

4. What impact did her death have?
Her death highlighted the pressures of celebrity life and contributed to discussions about mental health, especially among children of famous individuals.

Mirtha Jung is a name often linked to one of America’s most infamous drug traffickers, George Jung, whose life story inspired the movie Blow. But to define her only by that connection is to overlook the complexity of her life. Mirtha Jung’s story is one of love, ambition, mistakes, and survival a life shaped by choices, consequences, and the human struggle to navigate extreme circumstances.

Early Life and Background

Mirtha Jung grew up during a time of cultural revolution in the United States. The 1960s and 1970s were periods of rebellion, experimentation, and a growing fascination with counterculture. Like many young women of her era, she sought independence, excitement, and adventure. Though details about her early life are limited, it’s clear that she was drawn to opportunities and experiences that promised freedom and glamour, even if they came with hidden risks.

Meeting George Jung

Mirtha Jung’s life took a dramatic turn when she met George Jung. Their connection was intense and fast-moving, rooted in both romance and a shared desire for excitement. George Jung was already deeply involved in cocaine smuggling, a growing industry during the 1970s and 1980s. While the lifestyle seemed glamorous on the surface, it carried immense personal and legal risks.

Mirtha Jung was not simply a bystander in these events. She became enmeshed in the lifestyle, navigating wealth, travel, and danger. The allure of quick money and social status made it easy to overlook the consequences of their choices. But beneath the excitement, cracks were forming addiction and personal conflict began to take their toll.

Life as a Mother

The birth of Mirtha Jung’s daughter marked a significant turning point. Motherhood brought responsibilities that could not be ignored, forcing her to confront the realities of addiction and instability. For many years, she struggled to balance her personal desires with the needs of her child, navigating the complex emotions of love, regret, and survival.

Her experiences highlight a truth often overlooked in stories about crime: the human cost extends beyond the headline-grabbing actions. Families are affected, relationships are strained, and choices made in moments of passion or desperation have long-lasting impacts.

Challenges and Legal Troubles

As George Jung’s involvement in drug trafficking deepened, so did Mirtha Jung’s exposure to risk. She faced legal consequences of her own, including arrests and incarceration. Prison life was a stark contrast to the glamour and excitement of her earlier years. It stripped away freedom, material wealth, and control, forcing a confrontation with past choices.

This period was transformative, though difficult. It offered moments of reflection, personal accountability, and a sobering perspective on how addiction and poor decisions can shape an entire life.

Life After Incarceration

After serving her sentence, Mirtha Jung largely withdrew from public life. Unlike George Jung, whose story became widely known through film and media appearances, she chose privacy and normalcy. Today, she lives quietly, keeping away from the spotlight and the media attention that continues to follow her husband’s legacy.

Her decision to remain private highlights a key aspect of her life: survival. She endured trauma, addiction, and loss, and her focus shifted to maintaining stability and peace rather than seeking fame or public attention.

Lessons from Mirtha Jung’s Life

Mirtha Jung’s story is not one of glamor or heroism. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction, the consequences of choices, and the challenges of navigating environments filled with risk and temptation. Her experiences reveal:

• How relationships and ambition can sometimes cloud judgment

• The far-reaching impact of addiction on individuals and families

• The heavy personal cost of involvement in crime

• The importance of accountability, reflection, and survival

Her life reminds us that behind every notorious figure, there are often untold stories of the people closest to them people who suffer quietly, make difficult decisions, and struggle to rebuild.

The Human Side of Infamy

In popular culture, Mirtha Jung is often reduced to a supporting character in her husband’s story. However, her life demonstrates resilience, human complexity, and the enduring consequences of choices made in extreme circumstances. It’s a story of love, loss, and survival an authentic glimpse into the human side of an infamous era.

Conclusion

Mirtha Jung’s story goes beyond headlines and movies. It is a narrative of human imperfection, the consequences of risk, and the struggle to find peace after turbulent years. While her life intersected with crime and notoriety, she is ultimately a person who experienced love, mistakes, and the long path toward healing. Her story is a reminder that every headline has a human being behind it, and every life is more complex than it may appear.

FAQs

Who is Mirtha Jung?
Mirtha Jung is the former wife of George Jung, known for her involvement in his life during his cocaine smuggling career and her later struggles with addiction.

Did Mirtha Jung face legal issues?
Yes, she faced legal troubles related to her involvement with drugs, including arrests and incarceration.

Where is Mirtha Jung now?
Mirtha Jung currently maintains a private life, largely staying out of the public eye.