Sean Kaufman has soared to fame through his role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, a coming-of-age love story that has captivated the world’s attention. Ironically, it was a teenage romance that sparked Sean’s interest in acting. But, as the infatuation withered, his passion for the craft flourished, evolving into something profound. Like any relationship, Sean experienced the emotional seasons of an affair. The honeymoon stage marked a period of what he classifies as premature success. Yet, as reality settled in and the initial surge waned, he achieved great growth — a period crucial for refining not just the "hows" of his craft, but more importantly, the "why" behind his dedication. Sean considers this interlude as a pivotal time, shaping not only his success but also deepening his appreciation for where he stands now. Now, as he steps into the spotlight, the actor is figuring out what the future of his great love holds.

When were you first attracted to the idea of becoming an actor?

It's a funny story. I got into acting in middle school. There was a girl I had a crush on. And she was auditioning for the musical. I thought “What's a better way to spend time with her than by doing that?” So, I auditioned for it as well. And I ended up getting one of the leads in it. To be fair, I was one of two that auditioned. But I ended up loving it. After, my teacher convinced me to go to high school for it, to LaGuardia High School. And that's when I fell in love with it.

Left Full look **Prada**
Right Coat **Emporio Armani**

After graduating high school, you got your first gigs in Law & Order SVU and Manifest. Do you feel like that initial spurt of success motivated you?

Definitely. It made me a little bit cocky. Because I was right out of high school, a month after I graduated, I booked Manifest and then Law & Order SVU, and they were back-to-back auditions. I was just over the moon, I thought “I’m the best actor alive,” I can do anything. And then I didn’t book anything for three years. It was humbling. But I’m still happy I had those opportunities. I was so young. I had no experience on set, so it was nerve-wracking and, to be honest, scary. I’m glad I got that feeling out of the way early on. A while ago, I went and saw one of those episodes again. I was like, “Jesus Christ, I suck.” I’m glad I have a couple of years on me and more training.

How do you feel like that training has helped you home in on your craft?

Yes, absolutely. But it's important to say that it doesn't help everybody. If there's one thing that my co-stars taught me, it's that every single person has their path. Whatever works, works. But I know for myself, college was something that I needed. I was not ready to enter the professional world. And the training I received at college pushed me to not only be a better actor but to be just a better person. That helped a lot to prepare for the world.

Tank Top **Nicholas Raefski**, Jeans **Kenzo**, belt **True Religion**

You have mentioned in the past that you weren’t allowed to work and study at the same time but that you did it anyway…

[Laughs] Yeah… It honestly showed me that this is what I wanted to do. I proved to myself how dedicated I was. There were days where I had to kick my butt to class, from eight to noon then I’d have to run to the train stop to go to the city, do a one-minute audition, and run back in time for my three o’clock class and rehearse until eleven. I realized, “If I don’t want to do this I can quit, no one is forcing me.” By pushing myself through that I proved to myself how much I wanted it. it showed me that if I could do that I could do so much more.

Sweater **Teddy Vonranson**, pants & shoes **Calvinluo**, necklaces stylist’s own

What as it has been like to see all the success of The Summer I Turned Pretty, it even became the No. 1 show on Prime Video during its premiere weekend. Could you sense that level of success?

When we were shooting it, we knew it was like a Jenny Han show and that a fan base comes with that. But while we were shooting it it was different. We’re all still very young and for most of us this was pretty much the first thing we’ve filmed. Everything was new and fun, it felt like an experience that we were all going through together. It’s funny, the crew was constantly telling us how much the show was going to succeed but we just didn’t believe them [laughs]. When we came back to shoot the second season, they couldn’t stop saying “We told you so.”

Left Coat **Emporio Armani**, Tank Top, pants, ring stylist’s own
Right Tank Top **Nicholas Raefski**, Jeans **Kenzo**, belt **True Religion**

Do you feel like, by being a newer experience for most of the cast, the show brought you all closer together?

I think so. With season two coming out and everyone getting more successful, it’s getting harder for all of us to hang out. There was something about that first season before the show even came out. We had nothing to do but hang out with each other. We forgot we were actors, we were just people having fun, breaking into pools, skateboarding…

Left Coat **Emporio Armani**, Tank Top, pants, ring stylist’s own
Right Full look **Emporio Armani**

You’ve played Steven for two seasons now. What has been the most rewarding part of playing him?

Watching his growth. I know it's a very cliché answer, but it's the first time I’ve had the opportunity to dig into a character. It’s been fun to play a character that changes, it’s what every actor wants, so I’m very blessed to have the opportunity. The fact that he’s emotionally different than a year ago is a fun challenge. I’m letting him grow with me. I’m now two years older than I was when I first booked it, we’re intertwined in many ways.

Coat **Emporio Armani**, Tank Top, pants, ring stylist’s own

“I just want to keep choosing projects that are important to me and that impact the world in some way.”

You’ve mentioned in the past that to act is to feel insecure. Do you still feel like that?

The older I get, the more insecurities I find. With every new challenge comes new problems, with new opportunities arise new fears. But I think that’s what everybody feels anyway, I think anybody that tells you otherwise is lying, or maybe they’ve figured it out, in that case, you should go interview them, I want to know the secret. But I think I’m always going to have insecurities, especially when it comes to my craft. It doesn’t matter how seasoned you are, it’s always frightening.

Sweater & shorts **Nanushka,** shoes **Calvinluo**, rings stylist’s own

Do you feel like those butterflies are essential to perform well?

That’s an interesting question. It’s something I was taught in college that I carry with me. The anxiety isn’t there to help you or hinder you. They’re just a sign that your body is nervous, and the fight or flight instinct is settling in. What I try to do is not let the adrenaline take over me. I just let what’s happening happen, let the feeling pass through my body. I let it exist without affecting me positively or negatively.

What do you envision for the future of your career?

I just want to keep choosing projects that are important to me and that impact the world in some way. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to do that. That’s the dream. I think of people like Steven Yeun, Michelle Yeoh, Tilda Swinton or Mia Goth, people that choose their work based on how important they are [to them]. Selecting based on the need for a voice is something I look forward to doing.

I can’t wait to see it.

I can’t wait either.

…

The interview & fashion story were conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Tazaca

Fashion by Shan Temuri

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Hair & Make-Up by Laila Hayani at Forward Artists

Photographer’s assistant Joe Charles

Stylist’s assistant Angelina Ding