As Yellowjackets returns for its third season, Liv Hewson’s portrayal of teenage goalie Van Palmer continues to captivate audiences. The Australian actor has come a long way since the harrowing plane crash that left the girls’ soccer team stranded in the Canadian wilderness. Alongside her teammates, Van has survived extreme conditions—enduring a brutal winter, hunting animals, and building new shelters—but the challenges are far from over.
Known for its shocking twists, supernatural elements, and intense violence, Yellowjackets offers no shortage of surprises. However, one thing has become clear: Hewson’s confidence, both on and off-screen, is stronger than ever.
At 29, Hewson, who identifies as non-binary, says their sense of self has grown significantly over the years, both in their personal life and career. “I feel strong,” they tell Out. “I have a clarity of purpose and a sense of my worth that I’ve never had before. I’ve earned the right to be here and take up space in the industry and in the world.”
Having worked for over a decade as an openly nonbinary actor, Hewson is unapologetic about their identity. They emphasize that respect and dignity are essential rights for everyone, including people like them. “I have a right to be here, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to move through the world in the same way as everybody else,” they explain. “People like me deserve that too, no matter what.”
In Yellowjackets, Van shares a queer relationship with teammate and fellow survivor Taissa Turner, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown. Hewson’s growing confidence as an individual is mirrored in the evolving dynamic between Van and Taissa, especially in the latest season, where their relationship deepens.
“Jasmin and I feel a lot of ownership over the work we do together,” Hewson says. “We’ve always prioritized creating an authentic relationship on-screen, and it’s incredibly special. Jasmin is a wonderful teammate, both as an actor and as a collaborator in telling the story.”
Hewson’s transition has also played a role in their newfound strength. In 2023, they underwent top surgery, an experience that continues to help them feel more aligned with their true self. “Every time I’ve moved towards myself, it’s always gotten easier,” they reflect. “Things like coming out publicly or undergoing gender-affirming surgery—when I step into who I know I am, the strength starts to build from there.”
This authenticity is evident in the dynamic on-screen chemistry between Hewson and Brown, which has resonated deeply with fans, particularly those who appreciate complex and “problematic” lesbian characters. Hewson’s journey mirrors the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ characters on television, and they are proud to be part of this evolution.
Off-screen, Hewson has become a vocal advocate for gender-neutral categories in awards shows. They made headlines in 2023 when they declined to submit for the Emmys, citing the show’s gendered acting categories. Hewson applauds the steps taken by independent awards bodies like the Independent Spirit Awards, the Gotham Awards, and the MTV Movie & TV Awards to introduce gender-neutral categories. “I love it,” they say with enthusiasm. “It’s incredibly validating and exciting to see it happen. It demonstrates that it’s possible.”
As mainstream awards shows continue to wrestle with the idea of gender-neutral categories, Hewson sees this shift as an essential step toward inclusivity. “The fear around change is something a lot of people have to deal with,” they explain. “But to see independent awards shows implement these changes without issue is incredibly validating.”
Back on Yellowjackets, the troubles facing Van, both as a teen and as an adult (portrayed by Lauren Ambrose), are far from over. The series famously jumps between timelines, showcasing both the survivalist struggles of the young soccer players and their complicated, often dark, lives as adults. However, despite the darkness surrounding her, Hewson’s confidence and resilience continue to shine through in the role of Van.
“The more honest I am about myself and the less I apologize for who I am, the stronger I become,” Hewson says. “I’m respecting myself by stepping into the world without fear. It’s like climbing a ladder. You get to the top and realize, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ Then, you start truly living.”
Yellowjackets Season 3 is currently airing on Showtime and Paramount+.
