Lola Tung’s Educational Roots Highlighted Ahead of Breakthrough Anniversary

NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2025 - A new profile published today shines a spotlight on actor Lola Tung’s formative years in the performing arts, tracing her path from New York City-based LaGuardia High School to Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious School of Drama before achieving breakout fame as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in Amazon Prime Video’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty.

The article details how Tung first discovered her passion for performance in middle-school productions of Little Shop of Horrors and The Wizard of Oz. She then honed her craft at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, graduating in 2020, where teachers praised her dedication and stage presence. In fall 2020, Tung continued her studies at Carnegie Mellon University, only to pause her academic career after being cast in The Summer I Turned Pretty during her freshman year.

Tung’s decision to leave Carnegie Mellon to film the series proved pivotal. Since her debut, she has signed with Creative Artists Agency, reprised her role across multiple seasons, and made her Broadway debut in Hadestown in 2024. In 2025, she was cast in the upcoming horror film Forbidden Fruits, set for release in 2026. Alongside her acting achievements, Tung has become a rising fashion icon, partnering with brands such as American Eagle and Coach’s sustainability-focused Coachtopia line.

The profile underscores the three lessons in Tung’s journey: the value of rigorous training, the importance of seizing opportunity when prepared, and the role of community support in navigating the demands of a dual academic and professional life.