Lola Tung is an American actress, singer, and model who has rapidly ascended to prominence in the entertainment industry. She is primarily known for her breakout lead role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in the hit Amazon Prime Video series, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (TSITP), based on Jenny Han’s best-selling novel trilogy. Tung’s portrayal of Belly, a teenager navigating a complex love triangle and coming-of-age challenges, has captivated a global audience, particularly Generation Z. Her career, which began with this significant on-screen debut, has since expanded to include notable theatre performances, brand endorsements, and upcoming film projects.
Lola Tung Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lola Marie Tung |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 2002 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 22 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Chinese, Swedish, Eastern European) |
| Parents | Pia Tung (Mother, Chinese-Swedish American, entrepreneur, former actress); Father (Eastern European descent, musician) |
| Siblings | Only child |
| Height | 167 cm (5’6″) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Model |
| Known For | Isabel “Belly” Conklin in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” |
| Education | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts; Carnegie Mellon School of Drama |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million |
| Marital Status | Single |
Early Life and Education of Lola Tung
Lola Marie Tung was born on October 28, 2002, and raised in the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City. Her diverse heritage is a significant aspect of her identity, with her mother, Pia Tung, being of Chinese and Swedish descent, and her father hailing from Eastern European ancestry. Tung’s maternal grandmother is from Sweden, further highlighting her multicultural background.
From a young age, Tung displayed a burgeoning interest in the performing arts. Her initial foray into acting began in middle school, where she participated in school musicals such as “Little Shop of Horrors” and famously played the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.” Despite describing herself as a “shy kid,” she reportedly auditioned for “The Wizard of Oz” for fun and quickly “fell in love with the whole process” of being on stage and storytelling. These early experiences proved pivotal in shaping her career aspirations.
Lola Tung pursued her passion for drama by attending Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, a prestigious institution in Manhattan renowned for its notable alumni. She graduated in 2020 with a major in drama, having honed her craft through rigorous training and performances, including a production of “Rent” with an extracurricular theatre group.
Following her high school graduation, Tung continued her education at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, enrolling in the fall of 2020. However, her academic journey took an unexpected turn when, during her freshman year, she took a leave of absence to film “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” a role that would launch her professional acting career.
Lola Tung’s Career
Lola Tung’s acting career began with a remarkable breakthrough that swiftly propelled her into the spotlight. In her senior year of high school, her performance in LaGuardia’s virtual senior acting showcase caught the attention of a manager. This connection led to her auditioning in February 2021, during her first year at Carnegie Mellon University, for the lead role of Isabel “Belly” Conklin in the Amazon Prime Video adaptation of Jenny Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Tung, who filmed her initial self-tape audition with her roommates, successfully landed the role, marking her professional on-screen debut.
In September 2021, shortly after securing the role and filming the first season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Tung signed with the prominent American talent agency, Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The series premiered on June 17, 2022, quickly becoming a global sensation and transforming Tung from a college freshman with stage dreams into a recognized leading lady. The show’s success led to its renewal for multiple seasons, with a third season confirmed and airing/concluding in 2025.
Beyond her television success, Lola Tung has also made significant strides in theatre. In November 2023, she participated in a developmental residency for Cameron Crowe and Tom Kitt’s “Almost Famous” at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, where she played Penny Lane. Her Broadway debut came in February 2024, when she stepped into the role of Eurydice in the Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” for a limited run from February 9 to March 17. This dream role for the self-described “theater kid” earned her a nomination for a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award.
Tung’s burgeoning film career includes two anticipated projects: a 2025 sequel to “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” where she is cast as Maia, and the 2026 horror film “Forbidden Fruits,” in which she will star alongside a notable cast. Additionally, she has lent her voice to the audiobook versions of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” trilogy, bringing her character Belly to life in another medium.
Her rising profile has also attracted attention from the fashion industry. Tung became an American Eagle partner, alongside her “The Summer I Turned Pretty” co-stars, and has been named the face of Coachtopia, a sustainable line by Coach. She further campaigned for Coachtopia’s “Have a Wasty Holiday” in 2023, promoting awareness about holiday waste. These endorsements and her presence at high-profile events like New York Fashion Week contribute to her income streams and public image.
Lola Tung Personal Life & Family
Lola Tung was born to Pia Tung, her mother, who is of Chinese-Swedish American heritage and has a background as an entrepreneur and former actress. Her father is of Eastern European descent and is a musician. This blend of cultural backgrounds and artistic influences from both parents contributed to Lola’s early passion for the performing arts. Lola is an only child and has two pet dogs.
As of August 2025, Lola Tung is reportedly single, choosing to keep her personal dating life private despite public curiosity. While her on-screen character, Belly, navigates a prominent love triangle, Tung has clarified that she is not romantically involved with her “The Summer I Turned Pretty” co-stars, Christopher Briney or Gavin Casalegno, both of whom are in committed relationships in real life.
Beyond her acting commitments, Tung has demonstrated a strong commitment to social causes and activism. She has used her public platform to advocate for various political and social issues, including women’s rights, stricter gun control measures, and environmental protection. Her involvement includes participating in the Women’s March in Washington D.C. at age 14, joining gun control protests in 2018, and lending her voice to global warming protests in 2019. More recently, she showed solidarity with her peers by joining the SAG-AFTRA strike, highlighting her dedication to actors’ rights.
In her downtime, Lola Tung enjoys singing and playing the guitar, often sharing covers of songs on her social media platforms. Her journey into the public eye has also involved learning to navigate fame, including prioritizing self-care and staying present amidst a demanding career.
Awards and Achievements of Lola Tung
Despite her relatively nascent career, Lola Tung has already garnered recognition for her talent and performances.
- Broadway.com Audience Choice Award Nomination: For her Broadway debut as Eurydice in the musical “Hadestown” in 2024.
- iHeartRadio Music Award Nomination: Also received a nomination related to her role in “Hadestown.”
Her breakthrough role in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” itself stands as a major achievement, launching her from a college student to a celebrated leading actress and establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood. Additionally, her partnerships with prominent brands like American Eagle and Coach’s Coachtopia line signify her growing influence in the fashion and endorsement spheres.
Lola Tung Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Lola Tung’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million. Her income streams are diversified, reflecting her multifaceted career as an actress, singer, and model.
A primary source of her wealth comes from her lead role as Belly Conklin in “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which has been renewed for multiple seasons, providing a stable income and a growing fan base. Lead actors in streaming series can earn substantial fees per episode, contributing significantly to an actor’s early net worth. Beyond her on-screen work, Tung’s participation in theatre productions, including her Broadway debut in “Hadestown,” also adds to her earnings. She has also contributed to her income by voicing the audiobooks for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” trilogy.
Lola Tung’s modeling career and brand endorsements are another crucial component of her financial success. Her partnerships with brands like American Eagle and her role as the face of Coach’s sustainable line, Coachtopia, involve lucrative deals and sponsorships. Industry experts anticipate that her net worth is poised for significant growth in the coming years, especially as she takes on more diverse roles in film and television and potentially ventures into other areas such as publishing, licensing, or content production.
Legacy and Influence
Lola Tung has quickly carved out a significant space in contemporary popular culture, particularly among younger audiences. Her portrayal of Belly Conklin in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” resonated deeply, transforming her into a genuine “It-girl” and leading lady for a generation. The success of the series, spearheaded by Tung’s performance, has notably contributed to a resurgence in popularity for Jenny Han’s original books and even for the music of artists like Taylor Swift, whose songs are featured prominently in the show.
Tung’s influence extends beyond her acting roles. She maintains a strong public image characterized by positive fan reception and a willingness to engage with her audience on social media. She actively uses her platform to advocate for social and political issues, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her dedication to causes such as women’s rights, gun control, climate change, and actors’ rights positions her as a thoughtful and engaged public figure. As a rising star with a loyal following, Lola Tung is seen as a powerful voice for her generation, with her career trajectory indicating a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and broader cultural conversations.
Interesting Facts about Lola Tung
- Lola Tung’s very first acting experience was in sixth grade, when she played the Tin Man in her school’s musical production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
- She auditioned for her breakout role as Belly Conklin in “The Summer I Turned Pretty” via Zoom, filming her self-tape with her roommates while attending college.
- Prior to landing the role of Belly, Tung had not read Jenny Han’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty” book trilogy, though she was familiar with Han’s “To All the Boys” series.
- Tung has a musical side, enjoying singing and playing the guitar, and occasionally posts song covers on her social media.
- She was approximately 19 years old when filming for the first season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” commenced, making her only about two and a half years older than her character Belly, which allowed for a parallel coming-of-age experience.
- Despite her rapid rise to fame, she has openly spoken about experiencing “imposter syndrome,” particularly during her Broadway debut, but finds comfort in focusing on her performance.
- Lola Tung is a passionate advocate for various social and political causes, having participated in events like the Women’s March, gun control protests, and global warming demonstrations.
- During her time at Carnegie Mellon, she initially felt nervous about Pittsburgh being too different from her native New York City but was pleasantly surprised by its balance of city and suburban life.
Controversies
As of the current date, Lola Tung has maintained a positive public image and has not been associated with any significant controversies or public scandals. Her career has largely been characterized by her professional achievements and advocacy for social causes.
Social Media Presence
Lola Tung has a substantial and engaging presence on social media, particularly on Instagram. Her official Instagram account, @lola.tung, boasts a significant following, with approximately 4.76 million followers as of August 2025. Her social media platforms serve as a space to share career updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal interests, and to advocate for various social and political issues she is passionate about. While specific follower counts for other platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or a dedicated personal YouTube channel were not consistently highlighted in the search results, her Instagram presence is a primary channel for her online engagement and connection with her fan base.
Final Words about Lola Tung
Lola Tung’s journey from a drama student to a breakout star has been nothing short of remarkable. As of 2025, she continues to solidify her position in Hollywood with the ongoing success of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which is currently concluding its third season. Her successful Broadway debut in “Hadestown” further showcases her versatility and commitment to her craft, fulfilling a long-held dream. With upcoming film projects like the “I Know What You Did Last Summer” sequel and “Forbidden Fruits” on the horizon, Tung is poised for an even more expansive career.
As she bids a “bittersweet goodbye” to her defining role as Belly, Lola Tung stands as a prominent young actress with considerable potential, influencing not only the entertainment industry but also using her platform to contribute to meaningful social dialogue. Her blend of acting talent, a strong moral compass, and a growing presence in fashion positions her for continued success and a lasting legacy as a compelling voice for her generation.