Lola Tung’s Parents, Heritage, and Her Powerful Voice for Asian-American Representation in *The Summer I Turned Pretty*

Lola Tung’s vibrant portrayal in *The Summer I Turned Pretty* is not just a professional triumph—it’s a deeply personal statement rooted in her mixed heritage and proud Asian-American identity. The multiracial actress, of Chinese and Jewish descent, brings authenticity and intensity to her role as Claire Whitmore, a character navigating adolescence, identity, and belonging. Her parents’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences have shaped her vision for better, more nuanced representation on screen—one where Asian-American stories are told by those who carry them, not appropriated or oversimplified.

In interviews and social commentary, Tung has repeatedly expressed excitement about how the series amplifies underrepresented voices, particularly those of Asian-American women, marking a pivotal moment in television’s evolving narrative landscape.

pénét from the moment Tung stepped into Claire’s world, her ethnic roots became central to the character’s authenticity. Born to a Chinese mother and a Jewish father, she embodies the layered identity that many Asian-American audiences recognize in nuanced performance. “My parents’ backgrounds taught me early that heritage isn’t a label—it’s a story,” Tung reflected in a recent conversation with a media outlet.

“In *The Summer I Turned Pretty*, Claire’s journey mirrors the quiet struggle many Asian-American teens face: wanting to fit in while knowing they don’t fully belong anywhere—or everywhere. That tension felt real because my own life carries those undercurrents.”

Tung’s parents, of distinct—but complementary—heritage, have long nurtured her connection to both cultures.

Her mother, of Shanghai-born lineage, infused the family with traditions and stories from China, while her Jewish heritage introduced values of empathy, storytelling, and resilience. “My mom taught me dialect and dialectics—the way language carries history,” Tung noted. “My dad taught me that stories are weapons and healing.

That duality shows up in how I approach acting: I celebrate complexity, not simplicity.” This fusion is reflected in the series’ nuanced depiction of Claire, whose identity isn’t reduced to “Asian” or “Jewish,” but exists as a rich, dynamic whole.