Isabel May on Being Jennifer Lawrence’s Doppelgänger: ‘It’s the Biggest Compliment in the World’

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Known for her uncanny resemblance to Isabel May, Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most popular actresses in the world. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Isabel May admitted she gets told she looks like Lawrence “all the time.”

Isabel May began receiving comparisons to Jennifer Lawrence when she was just 13, but she doesn’t mind it at all. Born in 2000, May is ten years younger than Lawrence, and despite their age difference, their resemblance has often been a topic of discussion.

Isabel May (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (right) are often compared for their striking resemblanceIsabel May (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (right) are often compared for their striking resemblance (Credit: Tinseltown / Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

“It’s not a bad thing at all,” May said in an interview. “It’s the biggest compliment in the world. I admire that woman to death.”

Known for her role as Katie Cooper in the Netflix series Alexa & Katie, May describes Lawrence as “the coolest human being I’ve ever seen in my life.”

With their blonde hair, similar face shapes, and striking eyes, Isabel May (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (right) are frequently noted for their uncanny resemblanceWith their blonde hair, similar face shapes, and striking eyes, Isabel May (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (right) are frequently noted for their uncanny resemblance (Credit: Tinseltown / DFree / Shutterstock)

Hailing from Santa Monica, California, Isabel May began her career in earnest in the ninth grade when her parents let her pursue the craft more seriously.

Isabel May dazzles in a soft blush halter gown with delicate embellishments at the 1883 premiereIsabel May dazzles in a soft blush halter gown with delicate embellishments at the 1883 premiere (Credit: Startraksphoto)

“I did audition for three years, but I was devoted to school as were my parents. We kind of made a pact, that I had to wait until ninth grade to really commit to something like this,” she said to Terroir Magazine. “After ninth grade, I started online schooling, and six months later I got Alexa & Katie. So that was very convenient, I was really happy about that, as were my parents,” she added.

Standing at 5’9″, Isabel May boasts an impressive resume of roles. At just 21 during the filming of 1883, she had already gained recognition for her performance in notable productions, including her role as Veronica Duncan, Georgie Cooper’s love interest, in the hit prequel sitcom Young Sheldon.

Isabel May’s Breakout Role: Portraying Elsa Dutton in 1883

The story of Isabel May getting cast in 1883 is just as unbelievable as her performance in the show. As she shared with THR, May auditioned for another Taylor Sheridan-run show, Mayor of Kingstown. May says she was wrong for the part, but she and Sheridan had a conversation that devolved into her part in the Yellowstone spin-off.

“I don’t know what happened or what it was about myself or our interaction that sparked something in him, but Elsa came to life after our meeting.”

He called two weeks later and said, ‘You’re Elsa Dutton. I want you to be Elsa Dutton. Please be Elsa Dutton.’ And I said, ‘Well, of course, I’ll be Elsa Dutton because you’re Taylor Sheridan and it’s my dream to work with you,’” May said.

Isabel May stars as James and Margaret Dutton's (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) resourceful 17-year-old daughter, Elsa Dutton, in 1883Isabel May stars as James and Margaret Dutton’s (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) resourceful 17-year-old daughter, Elsa Dutton, in 1883 (Credit: Paramount Global)

Though May quickly became a fan favorite in 1883, viewers of the show worried she wouldn’t be returning for 1923, at least not in the same capacity she was in the show before.

May’s character Elsa’s time in 1883 ends with a heartbreaking death after being shot with an arrow. As a result, she contracts a fatal infection.

Fans of the show knew that May had to leave the series, as upsetting as it was to watch, for the story to make sense. The Dutton ranch is established in Elsa’s honor, so had she not died, the connection to Yellowstone wouldn’t have fit.

Isabel May had to leave series 1883 following her character Elsa Dutton's death, which was vital for the storylineIsabel May had to leave series 1883 following her character Elsa Dutton’s death, which was vital for the storyline (Credit: Paramount Global)

May knew she wouldn’t be a major part of the show before production on the show began, so she was at peace with the decision.

“It was the first thing that Taylor told me, so I already knew the trajectory of her story before I read anything. It was the first sentence he uttered when he called me, so I’ve had quite some time to just be comfortable with that,” she told TV Guide.

May also sees the creative value in her character’s fate. “And I think it’s a beautiful, very real story. It’s tragic, of course, but it’s reflective of, unfortunately, most people’s journeys at that time,” she said.

Isabel May’s Future Endeavors: Beyond the Dutton Saga

Elsa Dutton narrated 1883, so although her character couldn’t actively participate in the storyline, some fans theorized Isabel May would join 1923 as the narrator for that series, too—and they were (sort of) right.

Anyone who watched the 1923 premiere heard May’s voice as the narrator. According to her IMDb page, May is only credited for one episode, which means her time as Elsa Dutton has ended.

Isabel May exudes chic sophistication in a tailored white shirt, high-waisted trousers, and a statement herringbone coat, paired with black platform heelsIsabel May exudes chic sophistication in a tailored white shirt, high-waisted trousers, and a statement herringbone coat paired with black platform heels (Credit: John Eddy / INSTARimages)

Though her involvement in the second prequel is limited, her performance in the series has significantly impacted her career.

While Isabel May continues to gain recognition for her roles, the actress she is most often compared to, Jennifer Lawrence, has already solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most popular stars. Known for her iconic performances in The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence has captivated audiences with her talent, relatable personality, and effortless style.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Popularity and Style

2014’s most Googled celebrity was not Kim Kardashian but a wealthy award-winning actress who knows how to keep her clothes on. Yes, ladies. It was Jennifer Lawrence!

Jennifer Lawrence keeps it effortlessly chic in a black leather moto jacket, checked cigarette pants, and studded Manolo Blahnik sandals while out in New YorkJennifer Lawrence keeps it effortlessly chic in a black leather moto jacket, checked cigarette pants, and studded Manolo Blahnik sandals while out in New York (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Her frequent red carpet mishaps and blockbuster movie Mockingjay might have catapulted her to internet search engine royalty status. Still, we suspect her impeccable style is a big part of her popularity.

Jennifer Lawrence styled her leather moto jacket with Topshop Dogtooth cigarette pantsJennifer Lawrence styled her leather moto jacket with Topshop Dogtooth cigarette pants (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

We dare you to look at her red carpet photos and not go to your favorite search engines to see what brands she’s wearing!

Jennifer Lawrence wears Manolo Blahnik Rocco ankle strap heeled sandals with edgy silver stud accentsJennifer Lawrence wears Manolo Blahnik Rocco ankle strap heeled sandals with edgy silver stud accents (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Even off the red carpet, the X-men actress looks sharp and put-together. She makes an edgy leather moto jacket look classy.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Leather Jacket Look

In December 2014, Jennifer wore an Isabel Marant Etoile Bacuri leather motorcycle jacket. She styled it with tapered cropped pants, a black top, and studded Manolo Blahnik Rocco ankle-band sandals. Black sunglasses hid most of her makeup-bare face.

Jennifer Lawrence wears an Etoile Isabel Marant Bacuri leather biker jacketJennifer Lawrence wears an Etoile Isabel Marant Bacuri leather biker jacket outside her hotel in New York on December 17, 2014 (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

We don’t know about you, but we’re itching to get to our closets and assemble something like this. But first, a cute leather jacket is a must. Here are some similar leather jackets you can order on Amazon:

BB Dakota Alec Jacket1. BB Dakota Alec Jacket, $308.00

Versace Leather Jacket2. Versace Leather Jacket, $1998.00

IRO Joss Leather Jacket3. IRO Joss Leather Jacket, $1,077.30

Anine Bing Quilted Leather Jacket4. Anine Bing Quilted Leather Jacket, $1,099.00

RtA Leather Jacket5. RtA Leather Jacket, $995.00

Use these jackets to assemble a Jennifer Lawrence-inspired outfit!