Sean Kaufman

Sean Kaufman is an American actor who has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most recognizable faces of Gen Z television. Born on June 22, 2000, in New York City, he is best known for his breakout performance as Steven Conklin in the Amazon Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty. His portrayal of the protective yet flawed older brother brought him a massive global following and established him as a leading heartthrob in young adult drama.

As of 2026, Kaufman continues to expand his career beyond streaming hits into major motion pictures. He recently joined the cast of high-profile projects including a new film directed by the Daniels alongside Matt Damon and a cinematic adaptation of the bestselling novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. His ability to balance commercial success with serious dramatic roles has made him a sought-after talent in Hollywood. [edit]

Sean Kaufman grew up in New York City, where his interest in performing arts began at a young age. He attended LaGuardia High School of the Arts and Performing Arts, a prestigious feeder school known for producing notable actors, musicians, and dancers. During his four years there, he focused intensely on drama, honing his craft through rigorous training and stage performances.

After graduating from LaGuardia, Kaufman enrolled in the Acting Conservatory at The State University of New York at Purchase (Purchase College). There, he refined his skills in method acting and theater production. Before landing his defining role, he appeared in minor parts and student films, building a small portfolio that showcased his natural charisma. His first significant television credit came in 2019 when he was cast in a supporting role in the Apple TV+ sci-fi series For All Mankind, which introduced him to industry casting directors but did not yet define his public persona. [edit]

Kaufman's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2022 when he was cast as Steven Conklin in Amazon Prime Video's The Summer I Turned Pretty. The series became an immediate cultural phenomenon, driving record viewership and dominating social media conversations. His performance as the snarky, loyal, and deeply vulnerable brother resonated with audiences, turning him into a household name among young adults.

He reprised the role for the show's second and third seasons (2023–2025), solidifying his status as a leading man. In November 2025, he discussed his character's evolving relationship with Taylor in an interview with Teen Vogue, highlighting his commitment to the role's emotional depth. In March 2026, he returned to Apple TV+ for the fifth season of For All Mankind.

His momentum continued into feature films with two major announcements in mid-2026. In June, Deadline reported he would star opposite Matt Damon in a new event picture directed by the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert). By July, Variety confirmed his casting alongside Sky Yang in the film adaptation of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, marking a significant leap into prestige cinema and proving his versatility beyond teen romance. [edit]

Kaufman is widely perceived as a grounded and hardworking New Yorker who navigates the pressures of sudden fame with self-awareness. Media profiles describe him as humble despite his rapid ascent, often citing his willingness to discuss mental health topics like imposter syndrome. His style is casual yet polished, reflecting the modern aesthetic of young Hollywood stars. He avoids tabloid drama, preferring to let his work speak for itself. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While he is currently one of the most searched-for actors among Gen Z demographics, no official global ranking has been published for September 2026.

The fanbase surrounding Sean Kaufman is primarily driven by viewers of The Summer I Turned Pretty. There is no specific official name for his individual fan club, though they are often grouped within the broader "Belly & Conrad" fandom. Fans are highly active on TikTok and Twitter/X, creating art, writing fan fiction, and organizing streaming campaigns to boost the show's visibility. A key part of the fandom culture involves shipping Steven with Taylor, a dynamic that Kaufman has openly acknowledged and supported in interviews. His fans frequently praise his chemistry with co-star Lola Tung as the backbone of the series' success. [edit]

Sean Kaufman identifies strongly with his mixed heritage, often discussing the complexities of imposter syndrome and navigating Hollywood as a young actor of color. He has mentioned in interviews that he actively seeks out roles that scare him rather than those that feel safe or familiar.

Despite his fame, he maintains a notably private personal life. While his character Steven Conklin is defined by intense romantic storylines, Kaufman keeps his real-world dating history out of the spotlight. Fans often joke about his "lovable S.O.B." personality, a phrase he adopted from the script descriptions for Steven.

He is a Sagittarius, a trait he sometimes references in interviews regarding his optimistic approach to challenging projects. His Instagram account, @sean.kauf, serves as a primary channel for behind-the-scenes content, boasting approximately 2 million followers as of mid-2026. [edit]

Sean Kaufman was raised in New York City by parents who supported his early interest in the arts. Specific details about his family members remain private, as he rarely discusses them publicly. He lives independently in Los Angeles as of 2026, focusing on his career while maintaining close ties to his New York roots. He does not have any publicly known siblings or children. [edit]

Lola Tung, Matt Damon, Sky Yang, Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert). [edit]

Sean Kaufman maintains a notably private personal life despite his rise to fame. As of late July 2026, he is single and unattached. While his character Steven Conklin engages in intense on-screen romances, particularly with Taylor (played by Lola Tung), these relationships remain fictional. No credible sources, tabloids, or social media posts have confirmed any real-world romantic partners for Kaufman.

He has consistently kept his dating life out of the spotlight, choosing to focus on his professional growth and the demanding schedules of his current projects. There are no reports of marriages, engagements, or children. His privacy stands in contrast to many of his peers, allowing his work to define his public narrative rather than his personal relationships. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Sean Kaufman's fortune at around $5 million as of 2026. This estimate reflects his rising profile and increasing salary tiers across multiple high-budget productions. His primary income streams include his base salary and backend participation from The Summer I Turned Pretty, which reportedly increased with each subsequent season. Additional earnings come from his recurring role in For All Mankind and advances for his upcoming feature films.

While specific contract details remain confidential, industry standards suggest his compensation for the Matt Damon project will be significantly higher than his television rates. He does not currently have publicly documented business ventures or real estate holdings, though his net worth is expected to grow substantially with the release of his 2026 films. [edit]