Hunter Schafer: From Euphoria Star to LGBTQ+ Icon and High-Fashion Powerhouse

Hunter Schafer is one of the most captivating young actresses of her generation. Acclaimed for her breakout acting performance as Jules Vaughn on HBO’s Euphoria, Schafer has become an overnight sensation in the entertainment world and the fashion industry too. With her unique sense of style, emotional depth, and unapologetic activism, Schafer is a remarkable actress, not just in Hollywood but internationally. The fans admire her not only because of her creative abilities but also due to the courage of fighting for transgender rights and social justice.

What is so interesting about Hunter Schafer’s ascent is that it’s not just a tale of celebrity—it’s about leveraging a platform for action. From protesting anti-trans bills as a teenager to walking the runway for high-end fashion houses, Schafer embodies a generation of creatives who are unapologetically artistic and socially conscious. This biography takes us inside her life, uncovering the energy, grit, and genius behind the glamour.

Quick Bio

Who is Hunter Schafer?

Hunter Schafer is an American actress, activist, and fashion model who was born on December 31, 1998. She is best known for playing the character of Jules Vaughn, a trans teenager navigating identity and relationships, in the hit HBO series Euphoria. Her performance received worldwide praise and cemented her place as one of the most influential people among Gen Z. Her acting resonated with people all over the world, especially those who wished to see more authentic transgender representation on TV.

In addition to acting, Schafer is a successful fashion model who has walked the catwalk for designer brands like Prada, Dior, Miu Miu, and Marc Jacobs. She has appeared on the cover of Vogue, Elle, and Interview Magazine. Schafer’s presence both in fashion and on screen is incredibly powerful because she blends her artistic capability with a firm passion for inclusivity and advocacy with ease. Her increasing popularity suggests a movement towards more diversity and complexity of storytelling in popular media.

Early Life

Hunter Schafer was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but spent most of her early life in Raleigh, North Carolina. She grew up in a Christian household; her father, Mac Schafer, is a Presbyterian minister. From an early age, Hunter had an interest in the arts and fashion, normally expressing herself through drawings and design. Being a growing-up transgender in a conservative environment wasn’t easy, however, and Schafer has not been afraid to speak out on the problems she faced as a child learning to embrace her gender identity.

Schafer came to national fame at the age of 17 when she testified against North Carolina’s House Bill 2 (HB2), which limited access to bathrooms by transgender individuals. She was declared a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit opposing the legislation and soon found herself celebrated as a brave young activist. Teen Vogue ranked her in 2017 among its “21 Under 21,” where she had the opportunity to interview Hillary Clinton regarding LGBTQ+ matters. Her initial advocacy created room for Schafer to grow into a career professional who would give a voice to the voiceless.

Career Beginnings

Hunter Schafer began her professional life in fashion when she was discovered as a model as an adolescent. She signed with Elite Model Management and quickly booked important campaigns, walking for top designers like Dior, Rick Owens, Vera Wang, and Calvin Klein. Her tall, commanding presence and arresting but unearthly beauty made her a figure on the runway. Schafer’s distinctive look and confidence allowed her to carve out a niche in an industry that historically struggles with inclusivity and gender diversity.

While she had no prior professional acting experience, Schafer was hired to play Jules in Euphoria after responding to a casting call for transgender actresses. She brought raw, emotional truth to the character that impressed critics and audiences. In addition to performing on the show, she also co-wrote and co-executive produced a special episode, further proving her writing ability. Her success in Euphoria broke her into the acting world and gave her a new platform to try out stories that reflect her lived experience.

What Is Hunter Schafer Doing Now?

Up to 2025, Hunter Schafer continues expanding her creative endeavours beyond Euphoria. She made an appearance in the psychological horror film Cuckoo, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film showcased another face of Schafer’s acting talents, and the performance was roundly praised across the board for its emotional weight and intensity. Her willingness to try new genres and challenging parts shows her intention to grow as an artist and push the boundaries of her field.

Schafer is also developing exciting new shows, including Amazon Prime’s Blade Runner 2099, a science fiction series based on the iconic franchise. She will also appear in upcoming films like Mother Mary with Anne Hathaway and Kinds of Kindness from acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos. With each new show and film, Schafer is proving she’s not a one-hit wonder but a dedicated actress with longevity. Her range of moving between fashion, film, and activism makes her a special and formidable voice in contemporary pop culture.

Hunter Schafer’s Physical Appearance

Hunter Schafer stands at around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and is naturally slender, which has served her well as a fashion model. Her look is typically described as androgynous but nonetheless striking, with piercing eyes, high cheekbones, and platinum blonde hair that she often styles in bold, innovative ways. Her looks have graced the covers of leading fashion magazines and motivated designers seeking fresh and bold representation.

Schafer also has a fondness for daring and ever-evolving fashion sense. From walking the red carpet to posting relaxed photos on Instagram, she mixes high-fashion trends with youthful, expressive styles. She often incorporates elements of art and activism into her wardrobes, creating fashion items that are as visually dramatic as they are socially active. Schafer basically uses her looks as canvases for storytelling and self-expression.

Net Worth

With the success of being an actress, model, and brand artist, Hunter Schafer has built a strong financial track record. Her net worth, for 2025, has been estimated at approximately $6 million. These amounts have been earned through a combination of TV work, modeling contracts from high-fashion brands, magazine covers, and endorsement partnerships. Schafer’s growing celebrity status also enables her to command higher appearance fees, campaign fees, and creative work.

In addition to her direct income, Schafer has also started making career decisions that will result in further financial growth. Her background as a producer and writer for Euphoria is a precursor to a career behind the camera, which can generate additional income. Her work with high-end brands and upcoming roles in films will probably increase her income in the future. Schafer’s career is not only thriving creatively but also financially.

Social Media

Hunter Schafer has a large social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she connects with millions of fans. Her verified account, @hunterschafer, boasts over 6.7 million followers and is utilized as a platform to post everything from behind-the-scenes photos to activist messages. She posts frequently from photo shoots, fashion shows, and random moments, giving fans a glimpse into her life and personality.

Schafer leverages her social media for more than simply promotion: she’s an advocate. She speaks openly about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and social justice. Her raw and honest posts have cultivated a loyal following of fans who respect her honesty and candor. By engaging on social media and answering back at her fans, Schafer stays relevant and strong in an era where online presence is as valuable as real-world fame.

Future Prospects And Vision

The future looks extremely promising for Hunter Schafer. As an actress, she’s now taking on a wide variety of difficult roles that push her much further than the teen drama in which she first gained fame. Her work in genre-bending movies and big-budget television series suggests that soon enough, she’ll be one of Hollywood’s most talented stars. Most think that she could very well transition into writing, directing, or starting her own clothing or media company.

Schafer has also hinted at returning to her creative beginnings. She has said in interviews that she’d like to marry her love of design with narrative, potentially through animated pieces or fashion partnerships. Her unique ability to bridge activism, fashion, and entertainment makes her a celebrity beyond just a celebrity—she’s a cultural icon who will shape the next generation of creatives. With talent, vision, and heart, Hunter Schafer is only getting started.