Justine Lupe Embraces the 'Goof' Amidst a Busy Acting Career

Actor Justine Lupe lives by a simple principle: embrace the "goof." This philosophy, she says, makes life more enjoyable and sustainable than attempting to overly curate one's public persona.

"If you try and curate who you are too much, it’s unsustainable, and it makes life way less fun," Lupe stated. Her father, whom she describes as "goof-forward," instilled in her a sense of joy that she now applies to her own life.

Lupe is currently filming an action-comedy movie in Brooklyn while also preparing for the third season of Netflix's "Nobody Wants This," set to premiere October 22. In the show, she reprises her role as Morgan, co-host of a sex and relationship podcast, alongside Kristen Bell. This season will see her character embark on an entrepreneurial venture, leaning into Morgan's self-assured nature.

Beyond "Nobody Wants This," Lupe has several other projects in the pipeline, including the horror film "They Follow," a sequel to the 2014 indie hit "It Follows," and the comedy "Seekers of Infinite Love," co-starring Hannah Einbinder and Justin Theroux. Before these, she gained significant recognition for her role as Willa Ferreyra in HBO's "Succession," where her character's reactions provided comic relief amidst the drama of the Roy family's business dealings. Her performance earned her a Critics Choice nomination.

Lupe's journey into acting began after graduating from Juilliard in 2011, leading to early roles in "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "Mr. Mercedes." Her portrayal of Willa in "Succession" marked a significant turning point in her career.

Reflecting on her personal life, Lupe credits her husband, visual artist Tyson Mason, for helping her rediscover her playful side. "One of the first things I found appealing about him was the feeling he gave me of home and comfort, and it just turned me back onto goof being something that’s joyful and relatable," she said. The couple, who married in February 2025 after the birth of their daughter, Ellis, cultivate a humor-first dynamic. Lupe has openly shared candid stories about motherhood, including the challenges and humor in daily life with a young child.

Navigating motherhood as a working actor, Lupe noted, was initially daunting due to prevalent narrative of it being a career-ender. However, her experience on "Nobody Wants This" was met with strong support from cast and crew. "I feel like that shouldn’t be a thing anymore," she said about the stigma surrounding motherhood for actors. "The way that happens is by normalizing it and shining a light on things we feel are taboo. We should be moving the needle forward. More people in charge should hear these stories."

She finds inspiration in Kristen Bell's approach to work-life balance as a mother of two. "She’s got a very good handle on work-life balance," Lupe remarked. "She’s really prioritized her children."

Lupe has also spoken about her evolving relationship with fashion, working with stylist Rebecca Ramsey to explore styles that incorporate playfulness. She recalls a memorable moment at the Golden Globes where her sheer Giorgio Armani Privé dress revealed more than expected, an incident she handled with humor: "We didn’t know the boobs would show!... And I was just like, ‘All right, that happened!’ It’s a beautiful dress."

In her daily style, Lupe mixes brands like Levi's and Kallmeyer with thrifted items found on Depop, appreciating both sustainability and unique finds. "It’s great for baby clothes, because they move out of them so quickly!" she noted.

As Lupe continues to balance her burgeoning career with her family life, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect her time with her daughter. "Because it’s a sacrifice being away from my daughter," she explained.