Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer, born on December 31, 1998, is a multifaceted American talent known for her roles as an actress, model, director, and advocate for LGBT rights. Her breakout performance came in the form of Jules Vaughn, a transgender high school student, in the HBO teen drama series Euphoria (2019–present). Schafer's portrayal garnered critical acclaim and earned her nominations for prestigious awards such as the Shorty Award, MTV Movie & TV Award, and a Dorian Award, solidifying her as a rising star in the industry.


In 2023, Schafer expanded her repertoire by taking on the role of Tigris Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Beyond her contributions to entertainment, Schafer is a passionate advocate for LGBT rights. She gained recognition for her activism against North Carolina's anti-LGBT legislation HB2, which led to her inclusion on Teen Vogue's "21 Under 21" list in 2017. Schafer's commitment to social causes reflects her dedication to using her platform for positive change and advocacy.


Born on December 31, 1998, in Trenton, New Jersey, Hunter Schafer hails from a family with a diverse background. Her parents, Katy and Mac Schafer, provided a nurturing environment for her upbringing. Her father's role as a Presbyterian minister led the family on a journey across various churches and congregations in New Jersey, Arizona, and eventually settling in Raleigh, North Carolina. Schafer is the eldest of four siblings, with two sisters and a brother.


Schafer's journey of self-discovery began at a young age, with her expressing femininity as a toddler. By seventh grade, she came out to her parents as a gay boy but soon realized her true identity, experiencing gender dysphoria in eighth grade. Determined to live authentically, she transitioned as a trans girl in ninth grade after receiving a formal diagnosis of dysphoria. Schafer credits the internet, particularly platforms like YouTube and social media, for providing valuable resources and support during this pivotal time. Throughout high school, she channeled her creativity into contributing comic art to the website Rookie.


In 2016, Schafer made headlines as the youngest plaintiff listed in the ACLU's lawsuit, Carcaño v. McCrory, challenging North Carolina's discriminatory bill HB2, which targeted transgender individuals. Her activism played a significant role in the eventual repeal of the bill, earning her recognition from Teen Vogue's "21 Under 21" list in 2017 and an opportunity to interview Hillary Clinton.


Despite her activism, Schafer remained dedicated to her education, becoming a semifinalist in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program during her senior year. She graduated from the High School Visual Arts program at the North Carolina School of the Arts in 2017, after transferring from Needham B. Broughton High School. Post-graduation, she ventured into modeling, but her trajectory shifted when she received an audition for the HBO series Euphoria.


Schafer's entry into the world of acting was serendipitous. Discovering a casting call for transgender girls on Instagram, she decided to audition, despite lacking prior acting experience. Shortly thereafter, she landed the role of Jules Vaughn in Euphoria, deferring her enrollment at Central Saint Martins in London to pursue her burgeoning acting career. Schafer's journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and a commitment to authenticity in both her personal and professional life.


Hunter Schafer's influence extends far beyond the screen, as she has made a significant impact in the fashion industry as well. With an impressive resume, she has modeled for prestigious brands including Prada, Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Rick Owens, Helmut Lang, and many others. Her versatility as a model is evident in her collaborations with renowned fashion houses such as Tommy Hilfiger, Thierry Mugler, Coach, Maison Margiela, Vera Wang, and Marc Jacobs. Schafer's portfolio also includes campaigns for Versus Versace, Emilio Pucci, Ann Demeulemeester, and Erdem, among others. In 2022, she secured the esteemed position of global brand ambassador for Shiseido Makeup and became the face of Mugler's Angel perfume in 2023.


Transitioning seamlessly into acting, Schafer made waves with her portrayal of Jules Vaughn in the hit series Euphoria, marking her acting debut. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim and earned her prestigious accolades including a Shorty Award, an MTV Movie & TV Award, and a Dorian Award. Schafer's influence transcends awards; she actively contributed to shaping her character and the show's narrative, co-writing an episode with creator Sam Levinson and serving as co-executive producer. Despite not receiving a nomination at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards, her impact on the industry was undeniable.


Schafer's advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community has earned her recognition as a trailblazer. In 2020, Queerty honored her as one of the 50 heroes leading the nation towards equality and dignity for all people. Time Magazine also acknowledged her as an emerging leader shaping the future, with a tribute written by her Euphoria co-star Zendaya.


Expanding her artistic horizons, Schafer ventured into directing, making her directorial debut with the music video for Girl in Red's song "Hornylovesickness" and later for Anohni and the Johnsons' "Why Am I Alive Now?". She showcased her talents on the big screen in the English dub of the Japanese animated film Belle and received acclaim for her performance in The Hunger Games prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Her diverse filmography includes roles in Tilman Singer's horror movie Cuckoo, Yorgos Lanthimos' anthology film Kinds of Kindness, David Lowery's film Mother Mary, and the highly anticipated horror video game OD, created by Hideo Kojima and Jordan Peele. With her talent, activism, and creative endeavors, Schafer continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

References

1.  "Hunter Schafer – Model". Models.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
2. ^ Gagliardi, Pino (January 24, 2024). "'Euphoria' Stars Zendaya and Hunter Schafer Stun at Schiaparelli's Alien-Inspired Paris Couture Show". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
3. ^ "Hunter Schafer Swears She's Not as Cool as Jules on 'Euphoria'—but We Strongly Disagree". Cosmopolitan. August 2, 2019. Archived from the original on August 2, 2019. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
4. ^ "At 22, Hunter Schafer Is Already a Gen Z Style Star". Vogue.com. December 31, 2020. Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
5. ^ Kilbane, Brennan (August 11, 2020). "Hunter Schafer: "Trying to Feel Seen Has Been the Project of My Life"". Allure. Archived from the original on August 15, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
6. ^ "Faith". March 2017. Archived from the original on February 5, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
7. ^ Blyth, Ann (November 30, 2017). "This transgender teen sued NC over HB2. Now she's in Teen Vogue with Hillary Clinton". News & Observer. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
8. a b c D'Addario, Daniel (June 21, 2019). "Trans Superstar Hunter Schafer on Her Moment of 'Euphoria'". Variety. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2019.
9. a b "Q&A: A NC Teen And Her Parents On The Transition From Male To Female". WUNC. May 11, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
10. a b "Transgender UNC School of the Arts student joins HB2 federal lawsuit". myfox8.com. April 21, 2016. Archived from the original on May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
11. a b c Laing, Marica (May 20, 2022). "The Stunning Transformation Of Euphoria's Hunter Schafer". The List. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
12. ^ Register, Lou Ponsi | Correspondent / Orange County (May 8, 2023). "Actress Hunter Schafer discusses her art and LGBTQ advocacy". Orange County Register. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
13. ^ Cusumano, Katherine (March 21, 2018). "Rising Model Hunter Schafer is Fighting for the Future of Trans Individuals on and off the Runway". W. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
14. ^ "Hillary Clinton Talks Equality, Feminism, and Changing the World with Our 21 Under 21 Nominees". Teen Vogue. November 28, 2017. Archived from the original on November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.