Lola Tung FAULT Magazine Covershoot and Interview

Lola Tung

*Editorial note: all production and interviews conducted prior to the ongoing SAG strike action

Photographer/Creative Director/Producer: Raen Badua

Stylist: Avigail Collins
Makeup: Tami El Sombati
Hair: Dana Boyer
Lighting & Digital Tech: Miles Caliboso
Photo Assistant: Vincent Madero
Stylist Assistant – Jolie Wiener
Location: Villa Blanco

Special Thanks to Emilynn Rose

Words: Jacquex Frankel

Step into the enchanting world of Lola Tung, where the big screen serves as a stepping stone for this captivating rising star. With her cool charisma, Lola effortlessly captivates audiences in the hit series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” fulfilling our yearning for complex and intriguing relationships. But Lola’s path to success was far from predictable; it was the unexpected that propelled her to this extraordinary moment. In this exclusive interview, we unravel the layers of Lola’s enigmatic persona, discovering the pivotal moment that changed her life. This twist of fate launched her on a trajectory towards stardom, and she hasn’t looked back since. Join us as Lola invites us to delve deeper into her captivating world, sharing insights on maintaining relationships, dynamic routines, and the unwavering passion that drives her love for acting. With each step she takes, Lola Tung reminds us that embracing the unexpected and taking chances often leads to success. So, get ready to be mesmerised as we delve into Lola’s captivating world, and of course, be aware of one of her flaws!

Jacquex: Complicated relationships and friendships play a central role in the renewed series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” What advice do you have for maintaining relationships with loved ones?
Lola Tung: When it comes to relationships with loved ones, my advice is to be proactive. I make sure to send a text or give them a call immediately whenever I think of someone. Checking in on your friends and loved ones is essential. Making time for plans and prioritising your loved ones shows them that they are important to you.

Jacquex: Can you give us insight into your day-to-day routine?
Lola: My day-to-day routine is a bit unpredictable. I’m in the middle of doing press for our show, which keeps me busy. I’ve also been reconnecting with friends who are back from college, enjoying the outdoors, and making the most of the beautiful weather. It’s wonderful to see old friends and familiar faces and realise that even as we grow up and navigate the world, some things never change and we’re all just constantly learning and evolving.

Jacquex: What led you to pursue acting?
Lola: As a child, I was naturally quiet. And the idea of being on stage was something I wouldn’t have predicted. However, everything changed when I auditioned for the middle school musical “The Wizard of Oz” and unexpectedly landed the role of the Tin Man. That experience introduced me to the whole process of rehearsals, costumes, makeup, and interacting with people on stage. I fell in love with it all. From then on, I knew that acting was my true passion.

Jacquex: Is there a specific discipline or routine you practice as an actress?:
Lola: Acting has taught me the importance of discipline. While I was at school at Carnegie Mellon, I was able to develop a toolbox of acting exercises like vocal warmups and body warmups. These warm-ups help me prepare my mind and body for scenes. They ground me and allow me to fully immerse myself in my character’s world.

Jacquex: Will Belly accidentally spill the tea in season two? How would you define her character and core values?
Lola: Belly is a character who always stays true to her feelings. She is honest and deeply cares about the people in her life. Apologising when she has hurt someone is ingrained in her nature, and she always shares how she feels. I think our show showcases a variety of realistic relationships that many people can relate to, and that’s one of the reasons I love the show.

Jacquex: What example do you hope to set for yourself and those around you?
Lola: I believe there is always something to learn, regardless of age or experience. One thing I strive for is to be kind. Leading with kindness is important to me. It’s also crucial to not put too much pressure on ourselves. When I was shooting the first season, I had moments where I worried about letting people down, because this was my first acting job. But in the end, everything worked out and I had the most wonderful experience on set. 

Jacquex: As an activist, what are your hopes for the future?
Lola: I believe we need to lead with love and prioritise caring for the planet and our people. It’s something I’m grateful to have been raised with. Activism can be intimidating and participating in protests or advocating for change may seem challenging, but not taking action is even more problematic. We need to be active in order to make a positive impact on society.

Jacquex: How would you define beauty?
Lola: To me, beauty lies within people who are unapologetically themselves. When someone embraces their uniqueness and leads with kindness, I think that is true beauty. 

Jacquex: Is there something you haven’t done or made yet but would love to?
Lola: One thing I’d love to do in the future is to write a movie script with my friends in the acting world. Collaborating on a script would be an incredibly fun and fulfilling experience.

Jacquex: What music are you currently listening to?
Lola: I’ve been enjoying SZA’s album “Ctrl” recently. I also had the opportunity to attend a Taylor Swift concert, so I’ve just been reliving the songs from the concert.

Jacquex: Can you share something about yourself that people may not know?
Lola: One lesser-known fact about me is that I absolutely love dogs. I have a dog named “Bodhi”, and we think he’s a border collie lab mix. When I was younger, I worked at a dog rescue organisation, which I think is where I just fell in love with animals and dogs.

Jacquex: Do you trust your instincts or your rational mind?
Lola: I’m actively trying to trust my instincts more. I tend to be indecisive, especially when it comes to making small decisions, but I’m learning to trust my gut more.

Jacquex: Now that you’ve found success in the series, do you plan to explore other fields or continue your education?
Lola: Absolutely! Theatre will always be my first love, but I’m open to exploring various fields. I would love to delve into filmmaking, try my hand at writing, and see where other opportunities lead me. I approach everything with open arms and an open mind.

Jacquex: What is your flawless FAULT?
Lola Tung: One fault of mine is that I tend to apologise and say sorry a lot. Sometimes, I apologise even when it’s not necessary. Of course, it’s important to apologise when I’m in the wrong, but I’m working on being more selective with my apologies.