Haliey Welch, better known to millions as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, is proving that her viral fame wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. The 22-year-old internet personality, who shot to global recognition after her spontaneous street-interview clip went viral in 2024, is now stepping into new territories — acting, livestreaming, and managing the challenges of online celebrity.
Recently, Welch revealed her excitement — and nerves — about sharing the screen with Glen Powell in his upcoming Hulu football comedy series Chad Powers. Alongside that, she’s also preparing to launch her own Twitch stream, Talk Tuah LIVE, which aims to bring her even closer to her growing fanbase.
But Welch’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. From handling hate comments to navigating controversy around her name being linked to a crypto meme coin, she’s learning how to balance fame, creativity, and personal peace.
From Viral Star to Actress
Welch became a household name overnight after her unfiltered “Hawk Tuah” moment during a man-on-the-street interview in Nashville spread like wildfire across social media. What started as a casual comment quickly turned into one of the most recognizable memes of 2024, catapulting her into the spotlight.
Fast-forward a year later, and Welch has managed to turn internet fame into new opportunities. One of the biggest milestones so far? Her cameo in Chad Powers, a comedy series starring Glen Powell, set to premiere on Hulu on September 30, 2025.
Welch admitted she was both excited and nervous when she got the offer. “I was tickled to death when they asked,” she shared, explaining that the script originally changed but she didn’t mind — she was just happy to be part of it.
What made the moment even more surreal was acting alongside Glen Powell himself. “I’m a huge fan of his,” she said. “I’m not even gonna lie, I was scared to talk to him. But he and his team were all really sweet.”
In the show, her character is recognized by Powell’s as the “Hawk Tuah girl,” a label she’s less than thrilled about. While the scene plays up her internet reputation for laughs, Welch in real life has come to accept the nickname with grace.
“Most people that call me ‘Hawk Tuah’ do know my name,” she explained. “I’m just happy they’re nice and at least try to talk to me or take a picture. I’m grateful they’re here.”
The Twitch Stream: Talk Tuah LIVE
Beyond acting, Welch is diving into the world of livestreaming with her upcoming Twitch channel Talk Tuah LIVE, launching September 29, 2025. The project will allow fans to interact with her directly in real time, something she hopes will strengthen her bond with her audience.
“I think it’ll be a fun way to get closer to fans since we’ll both be there together,” she said.
While the excitement is there, Welch admits she has concerns. Live interactions open the door to trolls and hate comments, which she knows will come her way. Still, she’s preparing herself. “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. Some of the comments are actually really funny, so I can’t even be mad.”
Reflecting on the Crypto Coin Controversy
Not all of Welch’s ventures have been smooth sailing. In 2024, she was linked to a meme cryptocurrency project that collapsed shortly after launch, raising suspicions and even leading to an FBI visit to her grandmother’s house.
Although Welch was not formally accused of wrongdoing and the SEC eventually closed its investigation without naming her, the incident left its mark. She now admits it was a lesson in trust.
“Do you really think I could’ve pulled that off?” she laughed. “I’d definitely tell my past self to be careful who you trust and be very careful what you put your name on. I’m a really trusting person until you give me a reason not to — and it normally bites me right in the butt.”
Since then, she’s learned to step back when needed, taking time for herself away from the noise. “I’ll always find my peace — don’t you worry,” she said. “A lot of alone time helps.”
Building a Loyal Fanbase
Despite the bumps along the way, Welch’s fanbase has only continued to grow. She now boasts 2.3 million Instagram followers, 1.8 million TikTok fans, and hundreds of thousands tuning into her podcast episodes.
While some doubted whether her fame would last beyond a meme, Welch has proven her staying power by diversifying her platforms and content.
“You can’t make everyone happy,” she explained. “I’m good at holding my own.”
A Sensitive but Strong Creator
Welch openly admits she’s a “very sensitive person,” which sometimes makes dealing with fame difficult. She was even nervous about participating in a forthcoming documentary about her life, announced earlier this year.
Still, she’s learning how to handle criticism with balance. “It’s about knowing when to turn off your phone and just focus on yourself,” she said.
Her story is a testament to resilience in the digital age — a reminder that internet fame comes with both opportunities and challenges.
What’s Next for Haliey Welch?
With her Chad Powers cameo, the launch of Talk Tuah LIVE, and a growing media presence, Welch is carving out a career that goes beyond the viral moment that made her famous.
Whether she’s making people laugh on screen, connecting with fans on Twitch, or finding peace in Tennessee, Welch is determined to stay authentic.
As she put it best: “I’ll always find my peace. Don’t you worry.”