Josephine Langford is no longer just “Tessa Young” to millions of fans around the globe—she’s quickly becoming one of the most intriguing young stars in Hollywood. With the After franchise wrapping up its emotional final chapter, After Ever Happy, Langford has been reflecting on the whirlwind journey that catapulted her into international stardom and sharing her thoughts on everything from life in the spotlight to navigating intimacy on screen and her hopes for the future.
Langford’s rise to fame came quickly, and with it, the pressure of being a young woman in an industry still learning how to treat its talent with care. “Hollywood is so fast-paced, and it often feels like you have to grow up overnight,” she says. “You’re trying to find your voice while the world is already watching.” Despite the frenzy, Langford has navigated her career with a quiet steadiness that sets her apart. While many of her peers are constantly in the headlines, she’s managed to avoid the chaos of tabloids and paparazzi. “I’ve always been a private person. I don’t think I owe the world access to every part of my life,” she says firmly.
When asked about the experience, she doesn’t shy away from the realities. “People think it’s glamorous. It’s not,” she laughs. “There are cameras everywhere, marks to hit, and about 20 people in the room. It’s the least sexy thing in the world.” She’s quick to credit her co-star, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and the crew for creating a professional and respectful environment. “We were lucky. We had trust, we had boundaries, and we had really thoughtful intimacy coordinators on set,” she explains.
Tessa Young is a character who’s grown alongside Langford. From the naïve college freshman in the first After film to the more self-assured woman in After Ever Happy, Tessa’s evolution mirrors the journey of many young women navigating love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Langford admits it’s bittersweet to leave Tessa behind. “She was my first major role. I’ve lived with her for years. I’ll always carry pieces of her with me,” she says. “But I’m also ready to stretch myself creatively. It’s time for something new.”
With After behind her, Langford is setting her sights on projects that challenge her. “I want roles that scare me a little,” she says. “Drama, thrillers, even comedy—I’m open to it all.” She’s already landed several exciting roles post-After, but remains tight-lipped about the details. What she will say is that she’s actively seeking characters with depth and stories with meaning. “I’m drawn to the grey areas. I love characters who are flawed, messy, and real,” she explains.
When asked about working in more mainstream franchises—perhaps something in the superhero realm—Langford grins. “If the right script came along? Sure. But I’d want the character to feel grounded, not just a plot device in spandex.” As a young woman in Hollywood, Langford is acutely aware of the double-edged sword of social media. With over a million followers on Instagram, she recognizes the platform’s power—but also its pitfalls.
“It’s a curated world,” she says. “And for young people especially, it can be damaging to constantly compare yourself to these filtered versions of reality.” She takes frequent breaks from online platforms and encourages fans to do the same. “Mental health is real, and it has to be protected. Especially in an industry where image often comes before substance.” Langford also speaks about the importance of authenticity in her own life. “I’m not interested in projecting a perfect image. I’d rather be real, even if that means being a little messy sometimes.”
For aspiring actors looking to break into Hollywood, Langford has some honest advice. “Know your worth. Say no when something doesn’t feel right. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who keep you grounded.” She also emphasizes the value of preparation. “Talent is only part of it. You need work ethic, resilience, and the ability to take rejection without letting it crush you.” Langford believes that true longevity in the business comes from constantly evolving. “If you stay curious, if you keep learning, you’ll always find something worth doing.”
