Lola Tung, renowned for her role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, discusses her existence beyond fame, belly Button, and the challenges of growing up.
In the heart of New York City, Lola Tung stands in a dance hall at Broadway Dance Center, a place that holds a significant part of her past. Dressed casually in a blue hoodie, black leggings, and Salomon sneakers, the 22-year-old actress is brushing up against the edges of who she was and who she has become.
Tung, best known for her role as Belly Conklin in the teen drama series *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, is currently at a pivotal point in her career as the show comes to an end. With the season 3 trailer recently premiered at the Central Park Boathouse, fans are already speculating about the love triangle and who Belly will choose in the end. However, the conclusion of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* marks a significant milestone for Tung, similar to graduating from college, as it signals the end of her teen drama days.
Regarding her upcoming projects and career trajectory, Tung has expressed that her dream projects have yet to be created, indicating she is open and perhaps searching for roles that push her beyond the teen drama space into more mature, adult roles. She mentioned that she can't yet think very far into the future about what those projects might be, suggesting a thoughtful and cautious approach to career choices after her breakout role.
The transition from teen drama to more diverse and grown-up roles often marks the crucial shift for young actors to redefine their image and expand their range. Tung’s awareness that her ideal roles are "not yet created" hints that she’s aiming for complex and perhaps unconventional parts that go beyond the familiar territory of teen dramas.
In addition to acting, Tung is also gaining recognition in the fashion and cultural spheres, which may support her evolving public persona as she transitions into adult roles. For instance, her recent feature and styling in publications like *Marie Claire* highlight her move towards a more sophisticated and edgy image, signaling her readiness to embrace varied aspects of a mature career in the entertainment and fashion industries.
Tung's new projects include her feature-film debut in Forbidden Fruits, but she has not taken a dance class in a while, possibly since her 2024 Broadway debut in Hadestown. This period of change is not without its challenges, as Tung feels apprehensive because the dance hall reminds her of a past feeling she once knew well.
The return of *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is scheduled for July 16, and Tung is preparing for a busy press schedule. Despite the pressure she puts on herself, a habit with roots she's still trying to outgrow, Tung remains hopeful and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Her journey from a teen-drama star to playing more adult roles is one that many young actors can relate to, and her approachable and thoughtful demeanor makes her a role model for aspiring actors everywhere.
Tung, with her upcoming projects in movies-and-tv and fashion, is actively seeking to bridge the gap between her teen drama past and her evolving future in entertainment. As she prepares for her feature-film debut and moves towards more sophisticated roles, her demonstrated awareness and dedication reflect her admirable aspirations within the entertainment industry.
