Iris Apatow Made Her Acting Debut at 4. Now, She Takes on a Beloved Franchise

Rivaled only by the Skarsgårds and Streep-Gummer dynasty in the bid for Hollywood’s favorite family, the Apatows have unleashed another performer onto the scene. Iris Apatow, 23, is following supporting roles on television with one of the year’s most anticipated films, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and Pretty Lethal, a bloody escape film set on the way home from a dance competition.

Name one film that got you through an important moment in your life. Why does it stay with you?

Broadcast News has brought me joy and comfort during many hard times in my life. Holly Hunter’s performance in this film is what inspired me to pursue acting seriously.

How do you manage rejection?

When I self-tape for something, I try to commit as much as possible to the scene and character. Then, after I send it in, I attempt to forget it ever happened. I’ve learned it’s generally good to have low expectations.

When did you learn what it meant to be an actor?

When I saw my sister, Maude, do Cabaret at our high school.

Tell us one thing you regret about your career so far. Why?

I thought my acting in Knocked Up was weak and came off as an amateur performance. [Apatow was four at the time of release.]

What’s one part of the craft that you still struggle with?

I’ve always struggled to cry on cue. I’m impressed when I see the people I work with do it so effortlessly.

When was the last time you surprised yourself on set?

I had the stomach flu while shooting Pretty Lethal, which can take you down. I was surprised I made it through that day.

This feature is part of CULTURED’s 2026 Young Hollywood portfolio. Read interviews with Odessa A’zion, Miles Caton, Tyriq Withers, and more. Get your copy of the Entertainers issue here.