Rising Star: How Lola Tung Became Hollywood’s Newest It Girl

SPOTTED: The 22-Year-Old It Girl Who's Got Everyone Talking

Get ready to swoon over Lola Tung, the stunning young actress who's been making waves in Hollywood with her undeniable talent, on-screen charisma, and relatability that makes audiences feel like they know her personally. This Long Island native has achieved what most artists can only dream of: landing breakout TV parts, snagging leading Broadway roles, and securing fashion deals with top designers – all before turning 23!

Lola's meteoric rise to fame began when she played the complex and divisive Isabel "Belly" Conklin in Amazon Prime's hit series Summer I Turned Pretty. Based on a book series by author Jenny Han, the show became an instant sensation among tweens and adults alike, with its steamy love triangle between Belly and her two suitors, Jeremiah and Conrad. As the show's popularity soared, so did Lola's social media following, making her one of the most beloved young stars in Hollywood today.

But what's truly remarkable about Lola is that she's just a few years out of high school. Yes, you read that right – this 22-year-old has already made a name for herself in the sartorial scene with her fun and eclectic red carpet looks, partnered with American Eagle, and became the face of Coach's sustainability-focused line. And let's not forget her impressive resume: she was a lead in the hit musical Hadestown on Broadway, played Eurydice to thunderous applause, and has two horror flicks lined up for 2026 – Forbidden Fruits and The Young People.

So, what drives this young star? Lola credits her musician father and actress mother with instilling in her a love of art and performance from a tender age. "I was constantly surrounded by art and artists," she reveals in an interview with Polyester. "My parents were always pushing me to explore my creativity, whether it was through music or acting." Little did they know that their little girl would grow up to be one of the most sought-after young stars in Hollywood.

Lola's journey to stardom began when she started taking middle school drama classes and landed a role as the Tin Man in an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. From there, she made her way to LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, where she honed her craft alongside other young talents. After graduating with a major in drama, Lola was spotted by her current manager during a virtual senior acting showcase – talk about making connections!

But it wasn't until she landed the role of Belly that Lola's star truly began to shine. Despite being just 20 at the time and having only acted in high school plays, she nailed the part with ease, bringing depth and complexity to the character that audiences still can't get enough of. "I knew it would be special," Lola told The New York Times, "but I think nothing can ever prepare you for this kind of attention."

And attention is exactly what Lola has been getting – from tweens who obsess over her love triangle on Summer I Turned Pretty to brands like Coach and American Eagle, who want to tap into her youthful energy and style. As she navigates the intense spotlight that comes with rapid fame, one thing's for sure: this young star is here to stay.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows in Lola's world. With great power comes great scrutiny – and Summer I Turned Pretty has been no exception. Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage over the show's steamy content, with some even sending death threats to the cast members. "The show isn't real but the people playing the characters are," a statement on the series' social media account reads, accompanied by a clip that spells out: "The summer we started acting normal online."

Lola has spoken candidly about the pressure and scrutiny she faces as a young star in Hollywood. "I think we see with a lot of these love-triangle stories, people want the leading girl to end up with someone," she told Teen Vogue. "When people have an attachment to the characters, they want to see it come together at the end. I'm so grateful that they care so much, but please don't threaten to kill someone if something doesn't go your way."

Despite the challenges that come with fame, Lola remains committed to her craft and is eager to explore different worlds – from horror flicks to musical theatre. "I want to dip my toe into everything," she told Vogue. "I'd love to keep exploring different genres and styles. I don't know exactly what that looks like next, but I'm excited to see."

And speaking of next projects, Lola has a few tricks up her sleeve – including Forbidden Fruits, an adaptation of Lily Houghton's play based on the novel Of the Women Came the Beginning of Sin, and The Young People, which she says is "so different from Summer I Turned Pretty." She credits director Meredith with being "incredible" and the cast as "incredible" – a clear sign that Lola is ready to take her career to the next level.

The Verdict:

According to PR expert Chad Teixeira, Lola Tung is "the embodiment of Hollywood's 'next big thing'". With her undeniable talent, on-screen charisma, and relatability, she has all the right ingredients for long-term success. "She pairs commercial appeal with a genuine sense of artistry," he notes. "That combination makes her not only a bankable actor but also Hollywood's hottest new property."

As Lola prepares to take on even more challenging roles in the future – including those horror flicks and musical theatre gigs – one thing's for sure: this young star is ready to make her mark on the world, one role at a time.

Sources:

• Polyester
• Teen Vogue
• The New York Times
• Vogue
• Cero Magazine
• thescholarlynote.com