Macy from Tell Me Lies: Lily McInerney’s Breakout Role Explained

If you’ve watched Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, one character’s brief but powerful appearance has likely stuck with you. Macy, Lucy’s ill-fated roommate, makes a lasting impression in the show’s opening episodes. That sense of familiarity many viewers feel is spot-on. The actress behind the role, Lily McInerney, delivered a standout performance that first turned heads in a major film festival hit.

Who Plays Macy in Tell Me Lies?

The role of Macy is played by American actress Lily McInerney. In Tell Me Lies, Macy is Lucy Albright’s roommate during their freshman year at Baird College. Her tragic death in a car accident after a party in the very first episode sends shockwaves through the friend group and sets in motion the series’ central mysteries and tensions. Despite appearing in only a few episodes, McInerney’s performance ensures Macy remains a pivotal figure whose absence is felt throughout the story’s eight-year timeline.

Where You’ve Seen Lily McInerney Before: Palm Trees and Power Lines

For many viewers, the sense of recognition comes from McInerney’s breakout film role. Before Tell Me Lies, her most significant work was in the 2022 independent movie Palm Trees and Power Lines.

In this film, McInerney played Lea, a 17-year-old navigating a complex and risky relationship with an older man. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, a major platform for independent cinema, marking a crucial step in her career. Her performance was met with critical praise for its strength and honesty, earning her a nomination for a Best Breakthrough Performance award. This nomination brought her significant attention and established her as a promising new talent in indie film.

McInerney was in her early twenties when filming Palm Trees and Power Lines. To prepare for the emotionally heavy role, she worked with a therapist to process the character’s burdens before shooting began.

Lily McInerney’s Other Acting Roles

Following her acclaimed debut, Lily McInerney has continued to build her career in film, television, and theater.

Her other screen projects include:

• Bonjour Tristesse (2024): A lead role as Cécile, a character from classic French literature.
• This Time Next Year (2024): A television movie.
• Short Films: She has also appeared in Pink Balloons (2022) and A Different Kind of Time (2023).

McInerney has also performed on stage. She made her New York theater debut in the 2022 play Camp Siegfried.

The Lasting Impact of Macy in Tell Me Lies

The character of Macy is engineered to be unforgettable. As Lucy’s first college roommate, her sudden death is the traumatic event that binds the main characters together and influences their relationships for years to come. The guilt, secrets, and grief surrounding that night become a driving force for Lucy and Stephen’s complicated story.

This narrative impact is a testament to McInerney’s skill. Her ability to create a powerful and lasting impression with limited screen time is why Macy feels so familiar and integral to the Tell Me Lies universe. That strong first impression on audiences is directly linked to the positive recognition she earned from her powerful film debut.

What’s Next for Tell Me Lies and How to Watch

Tell Me Lies is currently streaming on Hulu. The show, which follows the turbulent eight-year relationship between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, premiered its first season in September 2022. A second season aired in 2024, and the series has been renewed for a third season, which is scheduled to premiere on January 13, 2026.

As for Lily McInerney, fans will be watching to see what role she chooses next as her career continues to develop.

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