All Eyes on Victory Van Tuyl

Runway Magazine 2025 Summer Cover Girl Interview

Interview by Samantha Goldberg

Victory Van Tuyl began her acting journey in theater at just 11 years old in Atlanta, building an early foundation rooted in discipline, curiosity, and a deep love for performance. In this interview, she reflects on her creative path, personal values, and the experiences shaping her evolving career.

You started acting very young. What advice would you give to aspiring actors just starting out?

I started acting purely because I loved it, and I think that’s the part that has to be there from the very beginning. If you don’t genuinely love the process—even the parts that are slow or frustrating—it’s hard to stay the course. And if you’re lucky enough to be working, don’t take it for granted. Every opportunity matters.

Acting and the legal world both require structure and performance in different ways. What do people misunderstand about those environments?

They’re very different, but there are more similarities than people expect. Both can look impressive on paper, but the day-to-day isn’t always glamorous. They require a lot of preparation, patience, and the ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly.

Where do you like to go when you want to unwind?

Malibu and Big Sur are favorites. I also really appreciate quiet weekends at home—catching up on sleep, ordering good food, and not having to be anywhere. That balance helps me reset.

Who had the biggest influence on you growing up?

My parents, without question. My mom has always been incredibly supportive and selfless—she’s always moved mountains for my brother and me. My dad encouraged my independence and believed in me early on, which shaped a lot of my confidence. I’m really grateful for both of them.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind?

That I did good work, treated people well, and didn’t lose sight of what actually matters.

Are there directors or roles you dream of working with?

There are so many directors I’d be honored to work with—Céline Sciamma, Chloe Domont, Denis Villeneuve, to name a few. As for roles, I’m drawn to characters that are deep and layered, the kind that push me outside of my comfort zone.

What’s an achievement you’re proud of outside of your career?

I’m proud of building a life outside of work that I love. It’s easy to wrap your entire identity around what you do, but I’m grateful to have real friendships, perspective, and balance.

What destinations have you always wanted to visit?

Iceland, Morocco, and Bodrum all come to mind. They each have a mix of beauty, history, and amazing food.

If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be?

One of my grandmothers who I never got to meet. I’ve heard so many stories about her, and apparently we share a lot of similarities. I think that would be incredible.

Looking ahead, what do you hope your future self will look back on with pride?

I hope my 80-year-old self can look back and feel like I built a life surrounded by people I love, a family I’m proud of, and experiences that really mattered.

If you had to eat the same meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

As much as I want to say sushi, I’d probably choose Korean BBQ. There’s so much variety—different meats, flavors, sides—it never feels repetitive. And it’s always a fun experience.