Julia Goldani Telles: Award-Winning Actress, Unapologetic Fangirl

The Affair’s Julia Goldani Telles opens up about fan obsessions, celebrity encounters, and embracing her inner fangirl—even as a rising star.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
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Proof That Even Award-Winning Actresses Can Be Fangirls

Julia Goldani Telles is the multi-talented star of Showtime’s acclaimed drama The Affair—but as she reveals in this candid conversation, she’s also just as prone to fangirling as the rest of us. From swooning over famous co-stars to reliving awkward red carpet moments, Julia’s confessions are a refreshing reminder that no one is immune to the thrill of celebrity encounters.

Fangirling: Not Just for the Audience

It might come as a surprise that an actress with credits like The Affair and Bunheads would openly embrace the title of “fangirl.” Yet Julia Goldani Telles, with both humility and excitement, insists that her passion for celebrity is alive and well—despite working alongside some of the industry’s most familiar faces.

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“There’s this idea that once you become recognizable, you stop being starstruck. That’s so not true,” she laughs. “If anything, being around people I’ve admired for years makes everything feel more surreal.”

Celebrity Crushes and Childhood Obsessions

Julia’s journey as a fangirl began early. “When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with Orlando Bloom,” she confesses. “Like—I had pictures taped inside my closet and would rewatch The Lord of the Rings just for Legolas.”

She also recalls her admiration for singers and actors: “Beyoncé is just, I mean, she’s Beyoncé. And Jake Gyllenhaal was another one. I would’ve absolutely melted if I’d met him when I was sixteen.”

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Even now, Julia admits, meeting icons can evoke those same teenage butterflies. “I keep thinking I’ll outgrow it, but every once in a while, someone will walk by at an event and I freeze up completely,” she reveals.

Meeting Famous People: How Stars Do It

Having transitioned from fan to co-star in many cases, Julia offers a window into what happens when you meet your heroes face-to-face—sometimes on very equal footing. “It can be really hard to act normal!” she admits. “There’s this inner voice screaming, ‘Stay cool, don’t say anything weird!’”

  • Red carpet run-ins: “The first time I met Diane Kruger at a Showtime party, I was so nervous I could barely manage ‘hello,’ and she was so lovely. You always think you’ll have a witty thing to say, but it’s usually just stammering.”
  • On-set nerves: “Working with Dominic West was huge. He’s incredibly kind and approachable, but the first table read? I was shaking under the table.”
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Of course, Julia also finds joy in supporting other stars: “I sent a congratulatory DM to someone after watching their film because I genuinely loved it. That’s the kind of fangirl action I can get behind—cheering each other on.”

Red Carpet Disasters: The Glamour and the Reality

Walking red carpets is often painted as effortless glam. Julia, however, paints a more relatable story:

“I once tripped getting out of a car and literally face-planted in front of twenty photographers. I tried to play it off, but I’m pretty sure half of Getty Images was just me mid-fall.”

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She continues, “Heels, borrowed gowns, so much hairspray—it’s a production. You always hope to look graceful, but sometimes it’s pure chaos. I keep an emergency kit of bobby pins and double-sided tape thanks to a few wardrobe malfunctions.”

Style Icons and Inspiration

Beyond fangirling over actors and musicians, Julia’s love of fashion shines through. She counts classic beauties and bold modern trailblazers as style muses:

  • Audrey Hepburn: “Always chic, always timeless.”
  • Zendaya: “She’s fearless with her choices—totally inspirational.”
  • Lupita Nyong’o: “Every red carpet look is a lesson in color, structure, and confidence.”
  • Björk: “Her Met Gala swan dress is still living rent-free in my mind.”
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Julia is quick to point out that she doesn’t try to copy anyone directly. “I think the real key is to experiment, see what feels like me, and not be afraid to make some fun mistakes along the way.”

Paparazzi Encounters: Annoying or Amusing?

Being recognized by the paparazzi is a mixed blessing. Julia acknowledges the strange feeling of navigating public life: “It’s a weird experience when someone calls your name and you’re not sure if it’s a fan or a photographer. I appreciate the support, but sometimes I just want to buy toothpaste in peace, you know?”

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Nevertheless, she’s grateful when fans are respectful. “I’ve had people come up and just say they loved The Affair, and that’s always lovely. Occasionally, someone asks for a selfie when I’m in sweatpants with no makeup, and we both laugh about it.”

Fandom Goes Both Ways: Why Celebrities Should Celebrate Their Heroes Too

Julia strongly believes that admiring someone’s work should never be a source of embarrassment—no matter who you are. “We all look up to people. Even the biggest stars have role models,” she says. “Acknowledging that is honestly really grounding.”

She even sees fangirling as a way to build bridges within the industry: “Actors who are supportive of each other make this job so much more fun. I love fangirling over friends’ new projects and celebrating their wins.”

Social Media and the Modern Fangirl

With platforms like Instagram and Twitter, Julia finds both perks and pitfalls:

  • Instant Access: “You can post about a show or movie and immediately connect with other people who love it. That sense of community is incredible.”
  • Public Reaction: “Sometimes something you tweet as a fan gets picked up by the press, and suddenly everyone is talking about it. It’s fun, but also a little scary.”
  • Avoiding the Drama: “I try not to read comments or get drawn into negativity. The best part is finding people who just want to celebrate what they love.”

What Being a Fangirl Means to Julia: Behind the Glamour

Julia’s definition of a fangirl is simple and inclusive: “It’s not about screaming from the sidelines; it’s appreciating someone’s talent and hard work. Whether you’re an actress, a ballet dancer, or someone working a 9-to-5, admiring others pushes you to try harder.”

She stresses the importance of staying true to yourself: “However cool or successful you get, never be ashamed of loving what you love. Nothing’s more rewarding than telling someone their work made a difference in your life.”

Julia’s Most Memorable Fangirl Moments

  • Meeting Dominic West for the first time: “Instant nerves. I tried so hard not to sound starstruck, but I probably did!”
  • Seeing Diane Kruger up close at a party: “I rehearsed a whole speech in my head, but managed about three words in the moment.”
  • Running into popstar Beyoncé at a NYC restaurant: “I nearly fainted. My friends had to stop me from going full superfan.”

Advice to Fans Everywhere

Asked for her advice to those who look up to celebrities, Julia is thoughtful:

  • Never apologize for your passion. “Whether it’s a show, an actor, or a band—enjoy what you love wholeheartedly. It’s your joy.”
  • Remember everyone is human. “Famous people get nervous too!”
  • Use inspiration as motivation. “Channel that admiration into your own goals. Let greatness fuel your own dreams.”
  • Be respectful. “When you meet someone, kindness goes a long way. Simple compliments mean the world.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Has Julia Goldani Telles ever embarrassed herself in front of a celebrity she admires?

A: Yes, she recounts several starstruck moments, including tripping on the red carpet and being left speechless when meeting celebrities like Diane Kruger and Beyoncé.

Q: Who are Julia’s biggest celebrity crushes and style icons?

A: Childhood celebrity crushes included Orlando Bloom and Jake Gyllenhaal, while style icons now include Audrey Hepburn, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Björk.

Q: Does Julia feel different about being a fan now that she’s a known actress?

A: No, she admits she is still very much a fangirl and that working in Hollywood hasn’t diminished her excitement when meeting stars she admires.

Q: How does Julia handle being recognized by fans or paparazzi?

A: She accepts it as part of the job, tries to have a sense of humor about awkward moments, and genuinely appreciates when fans are kind and supportive.

Q: What advice does Julia have for fans wanting to meet their idols?

A: Be authentic, respectful, and don’t be afraid to share genuine appreciation—everyone appreciates being told their work made a difference.

Julia Goldani Telles: Balancing Spotlight and Stardom with Fangirl Joy

Even as Julia continues to achieve new heights in her career, she remains a fan at heart. Her openness—about the joys and the jitters of celebrity fandom—offers a heartening perspective: stardom and sincerity are not mutually exclusive. Whether at a glamorous premiere or simply sharing music recommendations online, Julia Goldani Telles is living proof that it is always cool to care, no matter what side of the velvet rope you stand on.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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