Hunter Schafer Actress Biography

Hunter Schafer (born December 31, 1998) is an American actress, model, and transgender rights advocate who rose to prominence with her breakout role as Jules Vaughn in HBO’s Euphoria. Known for her compelling performances, striking fashion presence, and vocal advocacy, Schafer has become a cultural icon, blending artistry with a commitment to social issues. At 26, she has already left a significant mark on entertainment and continues to shape conversations around identity and representation.

Early Life and Education

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, to parents Mac and Katy Schafer, Hunter grew up in a supportive family with three younger siblings. Her father, a Presbyterian minister, and her mother fostered an environment of open dialogue, which shaped Schafer’s confidence in exploring her identity. She came out as a transgender woman in ninth grade, navigating her transition in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the family later moved. Schafer attended Needham B. Broughton High School and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in 2017, honing her creative talents in visual arts.

During her teens, Schafer was an active advocate, serving as a plaintiff in the 2016 lawsuit against North Carolina’s House Bill 2, which restricted transgender individuals’ access to restrooms matching their gender identity. Her activism began early, laying the foundation for her later public stances.

Career Beginnings

Schafer’s entry into the spotlight came through modeling. After high school, she signed with Elite Model Management and moved to New York City, walking for brands like Dior, Miu Miu, and Marc Jacobs. Her ethereal look and 5-foot-10 frame made her a standout in the fashion world, appearing in campaigns for Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, and Maison Margiela by 2018.

Her pivot to acting was serendipitous. In 2019, Schafer auditioned for Euphoria with no prior acting experience, landing the role of Jules Vaughn, a transgender teen navigating love and identity. The HBO series, created by Sam Levinson, became a cultural phenomenon, and Schafer’s raw, emotional performance opposite Zendaya earned widespread acclaim. Euphoria propelled her to stardom, with her character becoming a fan favorite for its nuanced portrayal of trans experiences.

Acting Career

Schafer’s Euphoria role remains her defining work, with Season 3, set for release in 2025, marking her return alongside stars like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and new additions Sharon Stone and Rosalía. Beyond Euphoria, she made her film debut in 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes as Tigris Snow, showcasing her ability to tackle complex roles in major franchises. In 2024, she starred in A24’s Cuckoo as Gretchen, a horror role that highlighted her versatility, and in Kinds of Kindness, a Yorgos Lanthimos anthology film, further cementing her as a rising film star.

Casting rumors have kept Schafer in headlines. In May 2025, reports suggested she’s a frontrunner to play Princess Zelda in the live-action The Legend of Zelda film, with fans on X praising her as “perfect casting.” She’s also been linked to the role of Mystique in Marvel’s X-Men reboot, fueling speculation about her next big move.

Fashion and Public Presence

Schafer’s fashion influence is undeniable. A muse for Prada since 2021, she’s a front-row regular at shows like Milan Fashion Week’s Fall 2025 presentation. Her red carpet looks, like a gold silk gown at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars Party or a floral Prada frock at the Independent Spirit Awards, have earned praise for their bold elegance. Schafer’s collaboration with designers like Olivier Rousteing and her appearance at high-profile events, such as a pre-Met Gala dinner in May 2025, underscore her status as a style icon.

Advocacy and Personal Life

As a transgender woman, Schafer has been outspoken about her experiences, particularly following a 2025 incident where her renewed U.S. passport listed her gender as male due to a Trump administration policy. Sharing the story on TikTok, she emphasized resilience, stating, “It doesn’t change my transness.” Her advocacy extends to broader issues, including her 2024 arrest during a pro-Palestine protest in New York, where she joined Jewish Voice for Peace to call for a Gaza ceasefire. Schafer clarifies she’s not a traditional activist but feels compelled to speak as a public trans figure.

Schafer keeps her personal life private but has been linked romantically to Euphoria co-star Dominic Fike from 2022 to 2023. She resides in Los Angeles, maintaining close ties with her family, particularly her parents and siblings in North Carolina.

Legacy and Impact

At 26, Schafer’s net worth is estimated at $1–3 million, reflecting her success in acting and modeling. Her Euphoria role broke ground for trans representation, earning praise for its authenticity and depth. Posts on X describe her as a “generational talent” and “trans icon,” with fans lauding her ability to balance vulnerability and strength. Her advocacy, from challenging anti-trans legislation to supporting global causes, has amplified marginalized voices, while her career trajectory points to even greater influence in Hollywood.

Schafer’s journey—from a North Carolina teen to a global star—embodies resilience and authenticity. As she navigates potential blockbuster roles and continues to shape cultural conversations, Hunter Schafer remains a defining figure of her generation.

Sources: IMDb, Wikipedia, Variety, Pink News, WWD, The Hollywood Reporter, X posts