Lola Tung is an American actress, singer, and model who was born on October 28, 2002. She gained notoriety for her role as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in the Amazon Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty, which was inspired by Jenny Han’s book of the same name.
Newcomer Lola Tung is in the vanguard of the series, which is based on the books written by Jenny Han, the author of To All the Boys, a New York Times best-selling author. When the actor went for her audition to play Isabel “Belly” Conklin, she was a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. It’s an incredible story of an aspiring star who was at the right place at the right time and had the potential to play in the big leagues, despite having no credentials other than student performances to her name.
Lola Tung, 19, is a native of New York City and a graduate of LaGuardia High School, which is well-known for producing celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Jennifer Aniston. Tung portrayed the Tin Man in the musical Wizard of Oz and participated in her first talent competition in the fourth grade, but it was her acting studies in high school that made her realize this was the proper path for her career.
After that, Lola Tung was going to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, but the acting gods had other ideas when she received an audition for The Summer I Turned Pretty. Lola Tung technically is still enrolled because she took the year off when Summer filming got underway. It appears that the break may be longer than expected because the show has already been renewed for a second season. “It was quite difficult to manage both,” she remarks of her obligations to her career and education. “However, the community is incredibly encouraging, and it’s great that I can stay in touch with my friends and teachers.”
Lola Tung gives her mother, who she presently resides in New York with, further credit for being encouraging, stating that she “saw how passionate I was about acting and how happy performing made me.” She supports me no matter what.
However, Lola Tung’s fan base is going to grow significantly. She talks about her all-virtual audition process, how she learned lines on set, and the lip gloss she fell in love with from the cosmetics trailer in the most recent issue of Glamour’s New Here.
Glamour: How did Belly’s position come to be?
Lola Tung: It was so crazy. After she came out to me after seeing me at my high school showcase, my manager and I began working together. I was at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh when she remarked, “I think you’d be a great fit for this audition.” “Okay, I’ll send tapes for this audition, but I’m really focused on school because it’s really important to me,” was my reaction. I thus completed it at my Pittsburgh apartment with my roommates. Very shortly after, I received a response regarding my test for the Belly job. The entire procedure, which took place via Zoom, was quite incredible. All the chemical reads were beyond Zoom. Everything. I am very appreciative.
Were you freaking as this was unfolding because this is such a big deal?
I just concentrated on being thankful that I had reached each stage. My mother always told me to go in and give it my all, regardless of the play I was trying out for in middle school. And you have my admiration no matter what occurs. I was genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude for being granted the chance to be on Zoom with such incredible individuals like Jenny Han. It was fortunate that I had school at the same time since it meant I wouldn’t have too much time to worry out. It struck a good balance.
How did you find out you booked the role?
I was informed that I would be speaking with Jenny, Jesse [Peretz], one of the directors, and a few other individuals via Zoom about myself. All they wanted to know was about me. I didn’t have high expectations when I went on Zoom. I contacted my parents, my housemates, and my mom when they broke the news to me there because I was so upset. It went beyond. I never would have thought it would be the case.
How did you celebrate that night with Lola Tung?
My roommates and I prepared supper and watched Zootopia, which was very wonderful since we got to hang out, but I can’t really remember because it was all such a haze. It was rather pleasant.
Had you previously read The Summer I Turned Pretty? To What extent did you know Jenny’s previous work, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before?
After I was cast, I read the books in The Summer I Turned Pretty series. Even though I hadn’t read the entire series yet, I was well acquainted with To All the Boys. Because my buddies are so adorable, I recall Netflix partying with them when the third movie came out. Together, we cherished viewing such films. Jenny has been an incredible mentor and person in my life, helping me with everything. I sincerely appreciate all that Mom has taught and provided for me.
Have you discussed this with Noah Centineo or Lana Condor to get any advice from their experiences?
I haven’t. I want to do so eventually. I haven’t met them, but they seem like great folks.
The setting of The Summer I Turned Pretty is Cousins Beach, which is fictitious with Lola Tung. I mean, look at that beach house—where did you really film?
Wilmington, North Carolina, is a charming small seaside town where we shot our scenes. The home is amazing. It was quite beautiful. Spending time there and having the opportunity to film on the beach frequently was just wonderful.
What is your closest connection to Belly?
There’s so much about Belly that I adore. Lola Tung is younger than me by a few years just. We seem to share a lot of similarities. She is really obstinate and self-assured. She is growing into her own, discovering her own way, and working everything out. That’s something many people can relate to, and it’s absolutely something I’m currently doing in my life now. I’m so appreciative that we were so similar in age and that I could share a small portion of myself with her. She genuinely loves deeply for the men in her life, her family, and the Fisher boys and is a very caring person. I adore that about her so much.
Speaking of the Fisher boys, tell me anything interesting about Gavin, who plays Jeremiah, and Christopher, who plays Conrad, that the audience should know.
They are both very wonderful individuals. It was so much fun filming with you. They were amazing folks overall and as scene partners. I’ll let them share with the world any information they want about themselves.
What do you suppose people would say about you?
I hope it’s pleasant! I hope our collaboration was enjoyable. We were all getting quite near. In my opinion, I’m really appreciative of the relationships I have with them both. It was quite simple to fall in love with each of their characteristics. additionally to get along.
What is your perfect summer?
I’m starting to realize that I’m somewhere with sun. The heat and the opportunity to be outside. It was quite difficult to observe people inside during the epidemic, especially in larger groups, because staying safe is really vital. It’s therefore great to be able to visit all of my friends, especially the ones who are away at college, and to be outside enjoying time at the park or the beach.
How do your friends feel about you taking up most of the space on the show’s poster?
We were all ecstatic and in complete astonishment at the same time. Many of them are now reading the novels. It’s fantastic that I have a pal who never stops telling me what team she plays for. I say, “That’s alright. Excellent to know. Well noted. It’s been awesome to hear their responses and experience complete joy alongside them.
When you were filming, did you practice any superstitions?
I continued juggling balls in my trailer since I enjoy doing so. When I was memorizing lines, it was useful. It’s enjoyable and somewhat helpful with memorization. Otherwise, I took careful to take care of myself by making sure I always drank a lot of water and slept enough.
Which scene did you enjoy filming the most? is the best day ever spent on set?
The final week of production was a ton of fun with Lola Tung. I’m not sure how much I can say, but it was a lot of fun and fantastic to spend time with so many people dressed beautifully on a gorgeous set.
Do you have any songs or a playlist that you would listen to in order to understand Belly’s perspective?
Yes, I do. I have several tunes. a whole Belly playlist tailored to specific settings. And then a few more for the whole summertime feel. In the cosmetics trailer, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” was played quite a bit. That song was really enjoyable. or Taylor Swift’s song “You Belong With Me.”
What aspect of Belly’s appearance or style is your favorite?
She makes adorable bracelets with braids. I believe they are extremely unique and that there has always been a required sequence for them. Her appearance wouldn’t be the same without them; they truly make the look complete.
Which food on set was your favorite?
They had Crumbl Cookies one day, which were amazing. They create these ridiculously large cookies in a variety of flavors. The snickerdoodle, orange creamsicle, and traditional chocolate chip flavors were all excellent. It’s a snack for special occasions.
Did you apply any cosmetics on set that you’re currently infatuated with?
Berry lip gloss by Laneige. They also sell it as a lip mask. This was my favorite lip gloss, even though I’m not huge on scented lip gloss or anything. I like wearing it constantly. I took a couple that the cosmetics staff handed me. That filled me with great excitement.
When you’re not filming, how do you like to spend your days off?
Take a nap. I prefer to spend my limited free time cooking, going for a Target run, and maybe hanging out at the beach or with friends.
Will you be returning to school in the autumn? [Editor’s note: One week prior to the announcement that The Summer I Turned Pretty with Lola Tung had been given a second season renewal, this interview was done.
It’s a pretty thoughtful question. I wish I knew the solution. I find it fascinating how unexpected anything can be. I can’t wait to see what is ahead for me. I can’t wait for everyone to see the show when it premieres.
You can watch The Summer I Turned Pretty on Prime Video right now.
