CELEBRITY
lola tung: Rise of a Gen Z Star – From NYC Dreams to Global Fame
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:
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She participated in middle school productions such as Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz.
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Lola attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, a prestigious NYC institution known for nurturing future stars.
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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:
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Forbidden Fruits, a witch horror project filmed in 2025.
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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:
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She became the face of Coach’s sustainable line, Coachtopia, promoting eco‑friendly fashion.
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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:
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She brought empathy and depth to a character beloved by fans worldwide.
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She balanced sudden fame with grounded self‑care.
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She expanded her craft across stage, screen, and music.
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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.