Hunter Schafer Wiki, Bio, Networth, BF, Husband, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is an American actress, model, and LGBTQ+ rights activist who rose to prominence for her role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria. Before her acting debut, she was a successful fashion model, working with numerous high-profile brands. Schafer is also known for her early activism, particularly her involvement in a lawsuit against North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act. Her multifaceted career and advocacy have established her as a significant and influential figure in both the entertainment industry and contemporary culture.

Hunter Schafer Overview

Early Life and Education of Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer was born on December 31, 1998, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Katy and Mac Schafer. Her father is a pastor, and due to his profession, the family moved between churches and congregations in New Jersey and Arizona before finally settling in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Schafer was raised. She is the eldest of four children, with two younger sisters and a brother. From a young age, Schafer expressed her femininity, particularly through art and fashion.

In seventh grade, Schafer came out to her parents as a gay boy, but by eighth grade, she began experiencing gender dysphoria. With the help of the internet, particularly YouTube and social media, she learned about other people’s transition journeys. In ninth grade, after being diagnosed with gender dysphoria, she came out as a transgender girl and began her transition. This period of self-discovery was complex, especially growing up in a religious household in the conservative South.

Schafer attended Needham B. Broughton High School before transferring to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where she graduated from the High School Visual Arts program in 2017. During her high school years, she became a vocal activist. In 2016, she was the youngest plaintiff in the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Lambda Legal’s lawsuit against North Carolina’s House Bill 2 (HB2), also known as the “bathroom bill.” This controversial bill required transgender people to use public restrooms corresponding to the sex assigned to them at birth. Her activism on this issue gained significant media attention, and she was named to Teen Vogue‘s “21 Under 21” list in 2017, which led to an interview with Hillary Clinton. Schafer was also a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in 2017.

Hunter Schafer’s Career

Modeling

After graduating from high school in 2017, Hunter Schafer moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling, signing with Elite Model Management. She quickly found success, walking the runway for major fashion houses such as Dior, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, Prada, Vera Wang, and Versace. Her unique look, described as both “ethereal yet edgy,” made her a sought-after face in the fashion industry. She has graced the pages of numerous magazines and has been the face of campaigns for brands like Mugler and was named a global brand ambassador for Shiseido Makeup.

Acting

Schafer had initially planned to attend the prestigious arts and design college Central Saint Martins in London to study fashion design. However, her career took a pivotal turn when she auditioned for the HBO series Euphoria. She saw a casting call on Instagram for a transgender actress, and despite having no prior acting experience, she decided to audition. The role was for Jules Vaughn, a transgender high school student, and Schafer’s personal connection to the character was immediate and profound.

Her debut performance in Euphoria, which premiered in 2019, was met with widespread critical acclaim. She worked closely with the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, to ensure the authenticity of Jules’s experiences and even co-wrote a special episode for the character, titled “F*ck Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob.” The role catapulted her to international fame and established her as a serious actress. For her work on the show, she has received several award nominations, including an MTV Movie & TV Award.

Following her success in Euphoria, Schafer has expanded her acting career into film. She had a voice role in the English dub of the animated film Belle (2021) and made her live-action feature film debut in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) as Tigris Snow. In 2024, she took on her first leading role in the horror film Cuckoo and also appeared in Yorgos Lanthimos’s anthology film Kinds of Kindness.

Hunter Schafer Personal Life & Family

Hunter Schafer’s family consists of her parents, Mac and Katy Schafer, and her three younger siblings. Her father’s work as a pastor was a significant part of her upbringing. Schafer has been open about her identity and sexuality. In 2019, she stated she was “closer to what you might call a lesbian,” and later in 2021, described herself as “bi or pan or something.” She has been in a few high-profile relationships. In 2024, she confirmed that she had dated Spanish singer Rosalía for about five months in 2019. She also dated her Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike from early 2022 to mid-2023. There were also rumors of a relationship with model Massima Desire in 2020, though this was never publicly confirmed.

Schafer is also a talented visual artist, a passion she has cultivated since childhood, with a particular interest in watercolor and illustration. She has shared her artwork on social media and contributed to the online magazine Rookie. In 2024, she was arrested at a Jewish Voice for Peace protest in New York City advocating for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

Awards and Achievements of Hunter Schafer

While Hunter Schafer’s acting career is still in its early stages, she has already received recognition for her work. Her role in Euphoria has garnered several nominations.

• 2020: Nominated for the GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics’ “We’re Wild About You!” Rising Star award.
• 2022: Nominated for an MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Kiss (with Dominic Fike).

In addition to acting accolades, Schafer has been honored for her activism and influence. Teen Vogue included her in their “21 Under 21” list in 2017. In 2020, Queerty named her one of the 50 people “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people.” In 2021, Time magazine named her to its “100 Next” list of emerging leaders.

Hunter Schafer Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Hunter Schafer’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. Her income is derived from multiple sources, including her successful career as a fashion model for top-tier brands and her acting roles, most notably in the hit HBO series Euphoria and several feature films. Endorsements and brand partnerships also contribute significantly to her earnings. She purchased a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $3.9 million.

Legacy and Influence

Hunter Schafer has made a significant impact as a transgender actress and activist. By portraying a complex and authentic transgender character in Euphoria, she has contributed to a more nuanced representation of trans people in mainstream media. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been vocal about the importance of authentic storytelling. Schafer’s influence extends to the fashion world, where she has challenged conventional beauty standards and become a style icon. Her willingness to speak openly about her journey and use her visibility to support her community has made her a powerful role model for many.

Interesting Facts about Hunter Schafer

• She was born on New Year’s Eve.
• Her artistic style is inspired by Tim Burton and Skottie Young.
• Before acting, she planned to attend the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London for fashion design.
• She co-wrote and co-produced a special episode of Euphoria centered on her character, Jules.
• She directed the music video for Girl in Red’s song “Hornylovesickmess”.
• She was a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program in 2017.

Controversies

In August 2022, Schafer faced backlash after liking and commenting on an Instagram post that was criticized as being anti-non-binary. The post appeared to blame non-binary individuals for some of the legislative challenges facing the transgender community’s access to medical care. Schafer later clarified her position in a separate Instagram comment, stating she holds “absolutely no hatred towards non-binary folks.” She explained that she agreed with the post’s sentiment about an imbalance in visibility and resources between non-binary people and binary trans women, particularly trans women of color. She explicitly denied being a transmedicalist.

Social Media Presence

Hunter Schafer has a significant online presence, which grew exponentially with the success of Euphoria. She uses her platforms to share her art, and aspects of her professional and personal life, and to advocate for causes she believes in.

• Instagram: As of early 2023, she had 6.8 million followers.

Final Words about Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer has rapidly emerged as a defining voice of her generation. From her early days as a courageous activist to becoming a celebrated actress and fashion muse, her journey is a testament to her talent and resilience. With her continued work in film and her unwavering commitment to authentic representation, Schafer is poised to have a lasting and profound impact on both the entertainment industry and the broader cultural landscape. She continues to challenge norms, inspire many, and carve out a unique and influential path.