Long before Euphoria, Hunter Schafer started her show business career by modeling. In 2019, she made her acting debut by playing the role of transgender high schooler Jules Vaughn in the HBO series.
Hunter even co-wrote one of the show's episodes and served as its co-executive producer. As a lead character, she also makes sure that her experience inspires the story.
Her performance in the TV series earned praises but was controversially not enough to earn her a Primetime Emmy Awards nomination. Hunter is already making her mark, and here's a look back at how she scored her first acting job.
Hunter Schafer Was A Model Before 'Euphoria'
Before acting, Hunter was already cementing her name among modeling circles. In 2017, she was part of Versace's 'Sub-Versus Generation,' a group advanced by Donatella Versace for their beliefs and individuality. She was also a part of Marc Jacobs' #GratefulNotHateful campaign during its 2018 Pride celebration.
Hunter was part of the new faces that walked the New York Fashion Week in 2018. The following year, she walked for 17 spring shows in the United States and Europe, making her among the most in-demand transgender models, according to a report.
Aside from the mentioned brands, she has also modeled for Erdem, Prada, Ann Demeulemeester Dior, Emilio Pucci, Miu Miu, Vera Wang, Gogo Graham, Calvin Klein, Maison Margiela, Rick Owens, Coach, Helmut Lang, Thierry Mugler, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Projects keep on coming for this new style star.
Hunter Schafer Answered The 'Euphoria' Casting Call
Hunter shared that her entry into acting was the "wildest process," saying she was not planning on it. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she revealed that she wanted to enter fashion school after a year of modeling in New York. She stumbled upon a casting call for transgender girls on Instagram as she was preparing for that.
"It was for trans girls, who didn't have to be experienced and it didn't say Euphoria or anything but I was like, 'Huh.'" It was the start of something new for her, with her modeling agency pushing her to audition, hiring an acting coach for her, and the rest is history.
"I kind of, like, started falling in love with the script and, like, acting itself over that period of time and it happened, like, I got cast. It's just the wildest process, over, like, a few months I would say." It's a new artistic journey for the breakout star, a remarkable feat because "trying to be seen" has been her life project.
How Did Hunter Schafer Get Cast In 'Euphoria'?
Incidentally, talent scout Jennifer Venditti already set her sights on Hunter, whom she had already heard on the news because of the North Carolina protest.
Venditti found the activist via Instagram, and she was immediately shortlisted for the role of Jules. Though inexperienced, Vendetti praised Hunter for being a natural, especially since she can relate to the demands of the character.
After getting the role, Hunter sat down with show creator Sam Levinson to discuss the story, her experiences as a trans woman, and how it would materialize in her role.
"It was really important to me that he would listen to us and be collaborative. And he has been all that and more," she shared with Entertainment Weekly.
In Euphoria, Hunter plays the role of Jules, a transgender student who has a complicated relationship with Rue (Zendaya). Though the series is controversial for its sexual content and nudity, no one can argue about the show's effective approach to mature subject matters of identity, love, and sex, among others. The acting of Hunter was praised, too, especially for the special episode F*** Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob, where Jules' character was the subject.
Hunter admitted she was reluctant at first to try acting since she wanted to focus on modeling. Her role now made her famous, admitting in a New York Times interview that it was a surreal experience.
What's Next For Hunter?
There's no way to go but up for Hunter after the success of Euphoria, which was renewed for another season. Expect more of Jules. Aside from the series, Hunter was also part of the Japanese animated film Belle, dubbing for the role of Ruka.
The Raleigh native shared to NYT that she's still enjoying the high from Euphoria but will soon audition for other roles. She's excited to try other characters, exploring fantasy or cisgender roles. The actress is still busy modeling, being the global ambassador of cosmetics brand Shiseido. She still doesn't know where to go next but is certain she wants to do more passion projects.
For those curious about her love life, she's dating singer and co-star Dominic Fike (who plays the role of Elliot). Dating rumors persisted between the two since they were spotted together outside work but remained mum about their relationship.
Hunter just started her acting career, but she's already making waves for both her activism and talent on screen. Thanks to a role that perfectly matches her, Euphoria made her more than just a star by making a statement.