Lola Tung wasn’t waiting by the phone for Hollywood to come knocking.
This 21-year-old actress, singer, and model was busy honing her craft in the heart of New York City, graduating from the prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music & Art (alma mater of Timothée Chalamet, Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Michelle-Gellar).
Then a self-tape from her high school days landed in the right hands, and suddenly, Tung found herself on the cusp of something special: the lead role in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series, The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Based on the popular young adult novel by Jenny Han (of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before fame), The Summer I Turned Pretty follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a character Tung brings to life with both vulnerability and charm.
Belly spends every summer escaping to Cousins Beach with her mom and their close family friends, the Fishers.
There are two Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, and Belly finds herself caught in a sweet yet complicated love triangle as she navigates the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence.
Tung’s portrayal of Belly is a breath of fresh air. Belly isn’t your typical teen drama protagonist.
She’s awkward, relatable, and still figuring herself out. Tung perfectly captures Belly’s yearning for self-discovery, her blossoming emotions, and the intensity of first loves.
The show itself is a delightful departure from the usual teen drama tropes. Sure, there’s romance and heartbreak, but it’s all wrapped up in a heartwarming coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and the transformative power of summer.
However, what’s truly special about Lola Tung is that her rise to fame feels so genuine.
Here’s an actress who wasn’t chasing the spotlight, but rather focusing on her passion for performing.
Her talent was undeniable, and when the opportunity came, she grabbed it with both hands.
Now, she’s not just captivating audiences on screen, but also landing partnerships with brands like American Eagle and Coach.
Season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered last year and it’s clear that Tung’s star is only going to continue to rise.
She’s an exciting young talent to watch, and her journey from high school hallways to beachside summers is a story that’s just beginning.
So, get ready to see much more of Lola Tung, the actress who reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary summers lead to extraordinary beginnings.
Fun Facts About Lola Tung
Early Life and Education:
Lola was born and raised in New York City
Her mother has a mixed heritage of Chinese and Swedish, while her father’s roots lie in Eastern Europe.
During middle school, she participated in productions of Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz.
She graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts with a major in drama.
In 2020, she began studying acting at Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and participated in school plays.
Lola took time off from college to film her first credited acting role in 2022’s Amazon Prime Video’s series The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Career:
Lola’s breakthrough came when she portrayed Isabel “Belly” Conklin in the TV adaptation of Jenny Han’s bestselling trilogy.
She auditioned for the role on Zoom while attending remote college classes.
Shortly after landing the leading role, she signed with the Creative Artists Agency.
The series was renewed for a second season, which was filmed in summer 2022 and aired in 2023.
In November 2023, Lola worked with Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt as Penny Lane in their developmental residency of Almost Famous at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.
In February 2024, Lola made her Broadway debut as Eurydice in the Tony-winning musical Hadestown.
Fashion:
After the premiere of the first season of The Summer I Turned Pretty in 2022, Lola became an American Eagle partner.
Lola has also been the face of Coachtopia, Coach’s circular fashion-focused brand.
Lola Tung can be spotted at Fashion shows and is a fan of Chanel, Balmain and Christian Dior.
Why You Should Watch The Summer I Turned Pretty
This coming-of-age drama, based on the beloved trilogy by Jenny Han has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason.
Here’s why you should dive into this sun-drenched series:
The Love Triangle: Belly Conklin (played by Lola Tung) isn’t your average protagonist.
Every summer, she visits Cousins Beach with her mother, where they reunite with their close friends, the Fishers.
This year, however, things are different. Belly’s not a little girl anymore, and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah (played by Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno), have noticed.
Cue the butterflies, the awkward glances, and the ultimate question: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?
Unlike other teen dramas, the love triangle feels genuine. There’s real chemistry between Belly and both brothers, and the show explores the complexities of first love, heartbreak, and the messy process of figuring out your heart.
Emotions Run Deep: There are some gorgeous shots of the coastline but The Summer I Turned Pretty goes deeper than that.
It delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the bond between Belly and her mother, Laurel (played by Jackie Chung).
We see the challenges of growing up, the fear of losing loved ones, and the importance of female friendships.
It’s a show that tackles relatable issues with a refreshing honesty that viewers of all ages can relate to.
The Soundtrack: Get in the mood for summer as the soundtrack for The Summer I Turned Pretty is a dreamy mix of indie pop and nostalgic hits, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of the season.
From upbeat anthems to slow-burning ballads, each song complements the emotions unfolding on screen, making you want to sing along and relive your own teenage summers.
The Cast: From Lola Tung’s infectious charm to the brooding intensity of Christopher Briney and the playful charisma of Gavin Casalegno, the cast is simply captivating.
They have fantastic on-screen chemistry, making you believe in the relationships they portray.
Whether it’s the simmering tension between Belly and Conrad or the playful banter between the siblings, the actors bring the characters to life in a way that’s both relatable and magnetic.
Watch Lola Tung as “Belly” in The Summer I Turned Pretty available on Amazon Prime.
