16 Fun Facts About Hunter Schafer: The Model, Actress & Activist You Need to Know

Hunter Schafer: 16 Things You Didn't Know About the Euphoria Star

Hunter Schafer is more than just a familiar face from Euphoria. She’s a powerhouse of talent, a trailblazer in the fashion and entertainment industries, and an activist who has used her voice to push for meaningful change. Whether she’s dazzling on the runway, captivating audiences on-screen, or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, Schafer continues to break boundaries. Here are 16 fascinating facts about her that you might not know!

1. She Was Born on New Year's Eve 1998

Hunter Schafer was born on December 31, 1998, making her a Capricorn—one of the most ambitious and hardworking zodiac signs. People born on New Year’s Eve often have their birthdays overshadowed by holiday celebrations, but that doesn’t seem to bother Schafer. In fact, being born on the last day of the year feels fitting for someone who is always pushing boundaries and redefining what’s next. As a Capricorn, she embodies traits like resilience, creativity, and determination, which have all played a role in her success. From her early days as an artist to her rise in the fashion world and her breakout acting career, Schafer has consistently shown that she’s got the drive to make her mark. With a birthday that symbolizes both an ending and a beginning, it’s no surprise that she’s someone who’s always evolving and growing in new directions.

2. She Grew Up in North Carolina

Although Schafer was born in Trenton, New Jersey, she spent most of her childhood in Raleigh, North Carolina. Growing up in a conservative Southern state wasn’t always easy for her as a transgender teen, but it helped shape her activism and resilience. Her father was a pastor, and she was raised in a religious household, which added another layer of complexity to her journey of self-discovery. Despite the challenges, she found an escape in art and creative expression, eventually attending the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she focused on visual arts. Her time there was instrumental in developing her artistic eye, which would later influence her work in fashion and design. Although she now lives in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, she has acknowledged that growing up in North Carolina gave her a unique perspective and a strong sense of self.

3. She Was an LGBTQ+ Activist Before Fame

Long before she became a household name, Hunter Schafer was making waves as an LGBTQ+ activist. In 2016, as a high school student, she became one of the most visible voices in the fight against North Carolina’s House Bill 2 (HB2), also known as the "Bathroom Bill." The controversial law required transgender individuals to use restrooms that matched the sex assigned to them at birth, rather than their gender identity. Schafer was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the bill, arguing that it was discriminatory and harmful to transgender people. Her activism caught the attention of major media outlets, and she was even named to Teen Vogue’s “21 Under 21” list in 2017 for her efforts. Schafer has since used her platform to continue advocating for transgender rights, proving that her impact extends far beyond the entertainment industry.

4. She Was a Fashion Model Before Acting

Before her breakout role as Jules in Euphoria, Hunter Schafer had already built an impressive career in the fashion industry. She was scouted as a high-fashion model and quickly became a favorite among top designers. Schafer walked the runways for luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Dior, Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Miu Miu, gracing fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York. Her androgynous beauty, ethereal presence, and striking features made her a standout on the runway. She also starred in campaigns for major fashion houses, proving that she had the versatility to shine both in editorial shoots and live shows. Even after transitioning to acting, Schafer continues to collaborate with fashion brands, effortlessly blending her love for design and performance. Her background in modeling not only gave her confidence but also introduced her to the world of self-expression, something that would later enhance her portrayal of Jules in Euphoria.

5. She Helped Write Her Own Euphoria Episode

Schafer isn’t just an actress—she’s also a writer and co-producer. During Euphoria’s pandemic special episodes, she co-wrote "F* Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob"**, which focused on her character Jules’ emotional journey. The episode provided deeper insight into Jules’ thoughts, struggles, and feelings about identity, love, and self-acceptance. Schafer worked closely with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson to craft the story, bringing her own experiences and emotions into the script. The result was an intimate and raw exploration of Jules as a character, making it one of the most emotionally impactful episodes of the series. Her involvement in the writing process showed that she wasn’t just playing Jules—she understood her on a profound level. Fans and critics praised the episode, and it solidified Schafer’s talent beyond acting. It’s clear that her artistic voice will continue to shape her future projects.

6. She's a Huge Anime Fan

Hunter Schafer has never shied away from expressing her love for anime, and one of her all-time favorites is Neon Genesis Evangelion. She has often cited the show’s protagonist, Shinji Ikari, as one of her biggest inspirations for playing Jules in Euphoria. Shinji’s struggle with identity, emotions, and self-worth resonated deeply with Schafer, and she channeled those themes into her performance. Beyond Evangelion, Schafer has expressed admiration for other anime series and films, often sharing her thoughts on their aesthetics and storytelling. Her love for anime even extends to her artwork, as she has drawn anime-inspired illustrations in the past. It’s refreshing to see someone in Hollywood openly embracing anime culture, and it makes her even more relatable to fans who share the same passion. Whether she’s watching Studio Ghibli classics or discussing existential anime themes, Schafer is truly an anime enthusiast at heart.

7. She Almost Turned Down Euphoria

Believe it or not, Hunter Schafer almost didn’t audition for Euphoria! When she first got the email inviting her to audition for the role of Jules, she was hesitant because acting wasn’t something she had ever seriously considered. At the time, she was fully focused on her fashion career and her visual arts aspirations. However, after reading the script, she was drawn to Jules’ character—especially how authentic and layered she was as a transgender teen.

Encouraged by her friends, Schafer decided to take the leap and auditioned despite her doubts. To her surprise, she landed the role, and the rest is history. She has since admitted that taking the part was one of the best decisions she’s ever made, as it opened up an entirely new creative outlet for her. Now, with Euphoria being a massive success, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing Jules with the same depth, vulnerability, and raw emotion that Schafer brings to the character.

8. She's a Talented Visual Artist

Long before stepping into the spotlight as a model and actress, Schafer was deeply involved in the arts. As a student at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she focused on visual arts, creating everything from drawings and paintings to digital illustrations. Even today, she continues to express herself through sketching, painting, and designing, often sharing glimpses of her work on social media.

Her artistic talent has also influenced her fashion sense and character choices. She even helped design elements of Jules’ wardrobe on Euphoria, adding small personal touches to make the character feel more real. Some of her pieces have been featured in major publications, proving that she isn’t just a performer—she’s a true artist in multiple mediums. Whether it’s through acting, fashion, or visual storytelling, Schafer constantly finds ways to bring her creativity to life.

9. She's Friends with Zendaya in Real Life

On-screen, Euphoria explores the complex and often painful relationship between Jules and Rue (played by Zendaya). But off-screen, Hunter Schafer and Zendaya are incredibly close friends. The two have been spotted hanging out together outside of filming, supporting each other at events, and even gushing about each other in interviews.

Zendaya has often spoken about how much she admires Schafer—not just for her acting, but for her kindness, intelligence, and artistic mind. Meanwhile, Schafer has praised Zendaya for being a leader on set, helping guide and support everyone through the intense filming process. Their friendship is a fan-favorite, and it’s heartwarming to see that their chemistry isn’t just acting—it’s genuine.

In an industry known for competitiveness, Schafer and Zendaya’s authentic friendship is refreshing. Their bond has helped make Euphoria even more special, and fans love seeing them share the screen as well as support each other in real life.

10. She Designed Her Own Met Gala Look

For the 2021 Met Gala, Hunter Schafer didn’t just wear a stunning outfit—she was part of the creative process behind it. She collaborated with Prada to design a futuristic, otherworldly ensemble that had fans and fashion critics obsessed. Her look featured a sleek silver outfit, piercing white contact lenses, and an edgy metallic headpiece, giving her an almost cyberpunk-inspired appearance.

Schafer’s involvement in the design process wasn’t surprising, considering her love for art and fashion. She has always had a unique aesthetic and isn’t afraid to experiment with bold, avant-garde styles. The Met Gala look was a perfect example of her fearless creativity, blending elements of science fiction, high fashion, and fantasy into a single unforgettable moment.

Her ability to merge acting, fashion, and visual art has made her a rising icon in all three industries. And if her Met Gala moment was any indication, she’s only getting started.

11. She Has Modeled for Beyoncé's Ivy Park Line

Hunter Schafer has walked for some of the biggest luxury brands in the world, but one of her most exciting modeling gigs was working with Beyoncé. In 2022, Schafer was featured in an Ivy Park x Adidas campaign, a collaboration between the sportswear giant and Beyoncé’s brand.

The campaign was a massive success, and Schafer stood out with her effortless coolness and striking visuals. Being chosen for the campaign was a big deal—not just because it was a Beyoncé-led project, but because it showcased Schafer’s ability to appeal to both high fashion and streetwear audiences.

Working with Queen Bey herself? That’s next-level. Schafer continues to prove that she’s a force in the fashion world, seamlessly balancing both artistic and commercial projects. Whether it’s high couture or athletic wear, she brings her signature confidence and elegance to every shoot.

12. She's a Huge Studio Ghibli Fan

Schafer has spoken about her love for Studio Ghibli films, calling them a major source of inspiration. She has cited films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle as some of her favorites, admiring the detailed animation, emotional depth, and strong female protagonists in Hayao Miyazaki’s films.

Her appreciation for Ghibli’s storytelling even influences her own creative projects. She has drawn inspiration from Miyazaki’s dreamlike aesthetics when designing characters, costumes, and even her own personal artwork. Jules’ style in Euphoria has subtle nods to whimsical, anime-inspired designs, blending fantasy with reality in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

As a true anime enthusiast, Schafer isn’t just a casual fan—she deeply understands and appreciates the art form, making her even more relatable to fans who share the same passion.

13. She Has Been Open About Her Gender Identity Journey

Hunter Schafer has been a powerful advocate for transgender rights, but she has also been open about her own personal journey. She has spoken candidly about coming to terms with her gender identity, transitioning as a teenager, and the challenges she faced growing up in a conservative environment.

In an interview, she explained that transitioning helped her feel more aligned with herself, but that it’s an ongoing process of self-discovery. She has also said that she doesn’t always feel the need to label herself strictly, preferring to let her identity be fluid and natural.

Her honesty about gender, identity, and self-acceptance has made her an inspiration to countless people. By sharing her story, she continues to help normalize transgender experiences in mainstream media, showing that identity is unique, evolving, and deeply personal.

14. She's Interested in Writing and Directing

Acting isn’t the only thing on Hunter Schafer’s radar. She has expressed a strong interest in writing and directing, hoping to eventually create her own original films and TV projects.

She already got a taste of it when she co-wrote her special Euphoria episode, and she loved the experience of crafting a story from the ground up. In the future, she wants to expand her creative control by stepping behind the camera, bringing her unique artistic vision to life.

With her eye for aesthetics, deep understanding of character development, and passion for storytelling, Schafer has all the ingredients to become a powerhouse director. Fans are already excited to see what she might create in the coming years.

15. She's Been Named One of Hollywood's Most Influential Young Stars

With her talent, activism, and artistic versatility, it’s no surprise that Hunter Schafer has been recognized as one of Hollywood’s most influential rising stars. She has been featured on TIME’s Next 100 list, Forbes’ 30 Under 30, and other major publications highlighting her impact.

Her ability to effortlessly navigate between fashion, film, and activism sets her apart. As she continues to evolve in her career, she’s proving that she’s not just a momentary trend—she’s here to stay.

16. She Loves Playing Video Games

Hunter Schafer has admitted that she’s a big gamer in her free time. She enjoys immersive, story-driven games, and has even mentioned that she’d love to voice a character in a video game one day.

With her dreamy, ethereal voice and love for digital art, she’d be a perfect fit for an animated game role. Could we see her in a Final Fantasy or Cyberpunk 2077 sequel? We hope so!

Hunter Schafer is more than just a talented actress—she’s a visionary, an artist, and a symbol of authenticity. Whether she’s lighting up the screen or redefining beauty standards on the runway, one thing is clear: Hunter Schafer is here to stay.

Stay tuned for more fun facts about your favorite Gen Z icons with Woke Waves Magazine!

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