The Complete Guide to Lola Tung

Who is Lola Tung? The Rising Star Taking Hollywood by Storm

Lola Tung is a 22-year-old American actress who became a household name playing Isabel “Belly” Conklin in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Born on October 28, 2002, in New York City, this talented performer has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.

Quick Facts About Lola Tung:

• Age: 22 years old (born October 28, 2002)
• Height: 5 feet 5¾ inches (1.67 m)
• Heritage: Chinese, Swedish, and Eastern European descent
• Breakout Role: Belly Conklin in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (2022-2023)
• Education: LaGuardia High School, Carnegie Mellon University
• Broadway Debut: “Hadestown” (February 2024)
• Upcoming Project: “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025)

From her multicultural upbringing in New York City to her impressive educational background at prestigious performing arts institutions, Lola represents a new generation of diverse talent in entertainment. Her journey from Carnegie Mellon University freshman to leading lady happened almost overnight when she landed her first professional audition – the role that would change everything.

What makes Lola’s story particularly compelling is how she’s used her platform beyond acting. She’s passionate about climate change activism, women’s rights, and authentic representation in media. Her partnerships with brands like American Eagle and Coach’s sustainable fashion line Coachtopia show her commitment to causes she believes in.

As she told People magazine after attending a Taylor Swift concert: “She was just magical… Each one is so special and unique and I had so much fun.” This enthusiasm and authenticity have endeared her to fans worldwide, making her not just a talented actress but also a relatable role model for young people everywhere.

Who is Lola Tung? Early Life, Heritage, and Education

Before Lola Tung became the face of summer romance on Prime Video, she was just a regular kid growing up in the cultural melting pot of New York City. Her story begins in a household where different worlds beautifully collided, creating the foundation for the thoughtful, grounded performer we see today.

Lola Tung’s Multicultural Heritage

Lola Tung’s family story reads like a love letter to America’s diversity. Her mother brings together Chinese and Swedish heritage, while her father’s roots trace back to Eastern Europe. This rich cultural mix didn’t just shape her appearance – it fundamentally influenced how she sees the world and her place in it.

Her maternal grandfather made the brave journey from Ningbo, China, to America, carrying with him traditions and stories that would later influence Lola’s understanding of family and identity. Growing up with authentic Chinese cultural elements woven into her daily life gave her a deep appreciation for her Asian-American heritage.

This multicultural background became especially meaningful when Lola Tung landed her breakout role. She’s spoken beautifully about how special it feels “to have stories about love and about family [and see] different families. It’s not just the same thing over and over again.” Her own diverse upbringing allows her to bring authentic representation to screens everywhere.

Living in New York City amplified this multicultural experience. The city’s incredible diversity meant that Lola’s mixed heritage felt natural and celebrated rather than unusual. This environment helped shape her confidence and her passion for authentic storytelling that reflects real American families.

Education and Artistic Foundations

Lola Tung’s path to stardom wasn’t accidental – it was carefully cultivated through some of the most prestigious performing arts programs in the country. Her journey began at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, the legendary institution that has launched countless careers in entertainment.

At LaGuardia, Lola found herself surrounded by other passionate young artists, all pushing each other to excel. The school’s intensive program didn’t just teach her acting techniques – it taught her discipline, collaboration, and the professional mindset she’d need in Hollywood. The same halls that once echoed with the footsteps of Jennifer Aniston and Timothée Chalamet now witnessed Lola’s own artistic growth.

After graduating from LaGuardia in 2020, Lola Tung set her sights on Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. This program is notoriously competitive, accepting only a handful of students each year. Her acceptance spoke volumes about her talent and potential.

Though she completed only her freshman year before “The Summer I Turned Pretty” opportunity arose, that single year at Carnegie Mellon proved transformative. As she’s reflected, “I don’t think I’d be where I am right now without my one year at CMU.” The program taught her about “professionalism and working with people who are as passionate as I am about acting and theater.”

The intensive training and collaborative environment at Carnegie Mellon prepared her for the demands of professional acting in ways that would become immediately apparent on set. Her professors and classmates created a supportive yet challenging environment that built her confidence and refined her natural abilities.

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Lola Tung’s Acting Journey and Breakout Role

Sometimes life has perfect timing. Lola Tung was just settling into her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University when she decided to audition for what would become her first professional role. Little did she know that this single Zoom audition would completely change her life’s trajectory.

The casting process happened during the height of the pandemic, which meant everything was done remotely. Picture this: a college freshman in her dorm room, recording audition tapes with her roommates’ help, competing against hundreds of other hopefuls for the lead role in a major Amazon Prime Video series. It sounds like something out of a movie, but that’s exactly how Lola Tung landed the role of Isabel “Belly” Conklin.

What made her audition special wasn’t just her natural talent – it was her authentic understanding of the character. Jenny Han, the creator and author of the original book series, saw something genuine in Lola’s portrayal that perfectly captured Belly’s essence.

The Summer I Turned Pretty: Lola Tung as Belly Conklin

Lola Tung brought Isabel “Belly” Conklin to life in a way that felt both fresh and faithful to Jenny Han’s beloved books. The character isn’t just another teenager caught in a love triangle – she’s a complex young woman navigating the messy, beautiful process of growing up.

The show follows Belly through her transformative summer at Cousins Beach, where she finds herself at the center of a love triangle with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. But Lola Tung made sure Belly was more than just a girl torn between two boys. She portrayed her as someone finding her own voice, dealing with family dynamics, and learning what it means to love and be loved.

Her chemistry with co-stars Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno created some of television’s most talked-about romantic moments. The dynamic between these three characters became so compelling that fans passionately debated which “team” they were on. You can learn more about who plays Jeremiah Fisher and find how old is Gavin Casalegno to get the full picture of this talented cast.

The series ran for two seasons from 2022 to 2023, with 16 episodes total. Each episode showcased Lola Tung’s growing confidence as an actress, from the lighter moments of summer romance to the deeper emotional challenges that came in the second season.

Insights from Lola Tung on Playing Belly

Lola Tung has always been thoughtful about the responsibility that comes with playing such a beloved character. She understood that fans had strong connections to Belly from the books, and she wanted to honor that while bringing her own interpretation to the role.

One aspect that particularly resonated with her was the Asian-American representation in the story. Working with Jenny Han, who shares her heritage, felt especially meaningful. “To be working with other Asian-American actors and to have an Asian-American creator, writer, and showrunner who has that voice and that understanding is so incredible,” she shared in interviews.

What she loved most was how the show presented an Asian-American family without making their heritage the main focus of the story. “It’s a story about love and family, and the family happens to be Asian-American, which is so cool, because it’s just family, it’s just love,” Lola Tung explained.

The emotional demands of the role, especially in Season 2, required her to dig deep. She developed personal techniques for connecting with Belly’s experiences, including extensive journaling and creating character-specific playlists. Music became particularly important to her process – she often listened to artists like Mitski to capture the right emotional tone.

When fans ask her about the famous love triangle, Lola Tung always gives the same wise answer: “I will always stand by my answer, Team Belly. I believe it is up to her and no one else… She should follow her heart.” This response perfectly captures her understanding of the character – Belly’s journey is ultimately about self-findy, not just choosing between two boys.

Beyond TV: Lola Tung’s Theater, Modeling, and Other Ventures

While Lola Tung is best known for her television work, her talents extend far beyond the small screen. Her diverse portfolio of projects showcases an artist committed to growth and using her platform for positive change.

Lola Tung on Broadway and Stage

Theater has always been Lola Tung’s “first love,” and she made her Broadway debut in February 2024, playing Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. This five-week run represented a dream come true for the young actress, who had been passionate about musical theater since her school days.

During her time at LaGuardia and Carnegie Mellon, Lola appeared in several productions, including “Rent,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and the developmental residency of “Almost Famous.” These experiences helped her develop the skills and confidence needed for professional theater.

Her Broadway debut was particularly significant because it demonstrated her versatility as a performer. Moving from screen to stage requires different skills, and Lola’s successful transition showed her range as an artist. She’s expressed hope to return to musical theater in the future, calling it her passion project.

Modeling, Brand Partnerships, and Activism

Lola Tung’s influence extends beyond entertainment into fashion and social activism. After the success of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” she became a brand ambassador for American Eagle, participating in campaigns that aligned with her personal style and values.

Her partnership with Coach and their sustainable fashion line Coachtopia has been particularly meaningful to her. As she’s noted: “They’re commitment to sustainable fashion is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” This collaboration reflects her genuine interest in environmental causes and sustainable practices.

Lola has been consistently vocal about social issues, using her platform to advocate for causes she believes in. She participated in the 2019 Global Climate Strike, attended the 2017 Women’s March in Washington D.C., and has been an advocate for gun control following the March For Our Lives movement in 2018.

Her activism isn’t just performative – she’s genuinely passionate about these causes. She’s spoken about seeing Greta Thunberg speak in 2018 and how it inspired her to take action on climate change. This commitment to social justice resonates with her young fanbase and demonstrates her maturity as a public figure.

In addition to her on-screen and stage work, Lola has also ventured into audiobook narration, showcasing yet another facet of her vocal talents. Her diverse career portfolio reflects an artist who isn’t content to be pigeonholed into one type of role or medium.

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Lola Tung’s Upcoming Projects, Awards, and Recognition

The entertainment industry has definitely taken notice of Lola Tung’s rapid rise to stardom. What started as a single audition from her college dorm room has blossomed into a career filled with exciting opportunities and growing recognition. Her journey from Carnegie Mellon freshman to sought-after actress shows no signs of slowing down.

What’s Next for Lola Tung?

The biggest project on Lola Tung’s horizon is her starring role in the upcoming “I Know What You Did Last Summer” series, set to premiere in 2025. This thriller adaptation marks a significant departure from the sunny, romantic world of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” giving her the chance to explore darker, more suspenseful material.

This new role is particularly exciting because it allows Lola Tung to showcase a completely different side of her acting abilities. Moving from teenage romance to psychological thriller territory demonstrates her versatility and helps establish her as more than just a one-note performer. It’s exactly the kind of strategic career move that shows she’s thinking long-term about her artistic growth.

Beyond television, Lola has made it clear that musical theater remains her first love. After her successful Broadway debut in “Hadestown,” she’s expressed genuine enthusiasm about returning to the stage when the right opportunity comes along. Her theater background gives her a unique edge in an industry where many actors struggle to transition between screen and stage.

She’s also mentioned interest in exploring more complex theatrical roles that would challenge her as a performer. Given her training at LaGuardia and Carnegie Mellon, plus her natural stage presence, it’s likely we’ll see more Broadway projects in her future.

Awards and Industry Recognition

While Lola Tung is still early in her professional career, the recognition she’s received speaks volumes about her impact. She’s earned one award nomination so far, which is impressive for someone who’s been acting professionally for such a short time.

Her media presence has been equally noteworthy. She’s appeared on major shows like “Today” (with three episodes from 2022-2024), “Entertainment Tonight” (two episodes in 2023), and “Late Night with Seth Meyers”. These appearances showcase her comfort with different media formats and her natural ability to connect with audiences.

The Broadway.com Audience Choice recognition she received further demonstrates her appeal across different entertainment mediums. Her work has received critical acclaim not just for her individual performance, but for the cultural impact of authentic Asian-American representation in mainstream media.

Project	Year	Role	Recognition
The Summer I Turned Pretty	2022-2023	Isabel “Belly” Conklin	Breakout role, cultural impact
Hadestown (Broadway)	2024	Eurydice	Broadway debut
I Know What You Did Last Summer	2025	TBA	Upcoming lead role

Industry professionals have consistently praised Lola Tung’s natural screen presence and her ability to bring genuine depth to her characters. Her representation of Asian-American family dynamics in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has been particularly celebrated, showing how authentic storytelling can resonate with diverse audiences.

What’s most impressive about her recognition is how it extends beyond traditional awards. Her influence on young audiences and her thoughtful approach to using her platform for social causes have earned her respect as both an artist and a role model. This combination of talent and authenticity suggests her star will continue rising in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lola Tung

When it comes to Lola Tung, fans are naturally curious about the young actress who captured hearts as Belly Conklin. Here are the most commonly asked questions about her life and career.

How old is Lola Tung?

Lola Tung is currently 22 years old, having been born on October 28, 2002. This makes her a Scorpio, which she’s mentioned in interviews as being a sign known for determination and passion – traits that certainly seem to fit her personality!

What’s particularly impressive is how much she’s accomplished before even reaching her 23rd birthday. From landing her first professional audition to becoming a household name, her rapid rise to fame is even more remarkable when you consider her young age.

What is Lola Tung’s heritage?

Lola Tung comes from a beautifully diverse multicultural background that reflects the melting pot of New York City where she grew up. Her heritage includes Chinese, Swedish, and Eastern European roots, creating a rich mix of cultural influences.

Her mother brings Chinese and Swedish heritage to the family, while her father has Eastern European ancestry. One of the most meaningful connections in her background is through her maternal grandfather, who was a Chinese immigrant from Ningbo. This direct link to her Asian heritage has been particularly important to her identity and her passion for representation in entertainment.

Growing up with this diverse background has shaped her perspective on family, identity, and the importance of seeing different kinds of families represented in media. It’s one of the reasons she’s been so thoughtful about her role in bringing Asian-American stories to mainstream television.

What other projects has Lola Tung been involved in?

Beyond her breakout role in “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Lola Tung has shown impressive versatility across multiple creative fields.

Theater has always been her first love, and she made her Broadway debut in “Hadestown” in February 2024, playing Eurydice. During her school years, she also appeared in productions of “Rent,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Almost Famous,” building the foundation for her stage career.

In the modeling and brand partnership world, she’s worked as a brand ambassador for American Eagle and has partnered with Coach and their sustainable fashion line Coachtopia. These collaborations align with her personal values, particularly her commitment to environmental sustainability.

Her activism work is equally impressive. She’s been involved in climate change advocacy, women’s rights movements, and gun control initiatives. She participated in events like the Global Climate Strike and the Women’s March, showing her commitment to causes she believes in.

Media appearances have also become a regular part of her career, with guest spots on shows like “Today,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” These appearances have helped establish her as a media-savvy performer comfortable in various formats.

Looking ahead, her most anticipated upcoming project is the 2025 adaptation of “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” which will showcase a different side of her acting abilities in the thriller genre.

Conclusion

Lola Tung has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in entertainment, representing a new generation of performers who understand the power of authentic storytelling and meaningful representation. Her journey from the diverse neighborhoods of New York City to the bright lights of Hollywood and Broadway shows just how far talent, dedication, and genuine passion can take you.

What makes Lola Tung truly special isn’t just her natural acting ability or her stunning screen presence – it’s her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Whether she’s advocating for climate action, supporting sustainable fashion through her partnership with Coach, or bringing authentic Asian-American family stories to mainstream television, she consistently chooses projects and causes that align with her values.

Her multicultural heritage and New York City upbringing have clearly shaped her worldview, giving her a unique perspective that resonates with audiences worldwide. From her breakout role as Belly Conklin to her Broadway debut in “Hadestown,” Lola Tung has shown remarkable versatility and growth as an artist.

As she prepares for her next challenge in “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and potentially returns to her first love of musical theater, the future looks incredibly bright for this rising star. Her combination of raw talent, emotional intelligence, and social consciousness makes her exactly the kind of performer the entertainment industry needs right now.

The connection between Lola Tung’s New York City roots and her global appeal mirrors the way great food and culture travel across boundaries – something we understand well here at The Dining Destination. Just as the best culinary experiences combine authentic tradition with fresh innovation, Lola brings together her rich cultural heritage with contemporary storytelling to create something truly special.

For those interested in following more stories about rising stars and cultural figures who are shaping our world, be sure to check out our comprehensive resource guide for additional insights and profiles.