The cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty is central to the show’s emotional impact and popularity.
Each main actor brings unique depth and relatability to their character, resonating with fans of all ages.
Behind-the-scenes chemistry, diverse backgrounds, and authentic performances set this ensemble apart.
The cast’s social media presence and fan engagement have fueled the series’ cultural phenomenon.
With new projects and a feature film on the horizon, the cast’s star power continues to rise.
Introduction: Why Is Everyone Talking About the Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
What makes a coming-of-age series truly unforgettable? For millions of viewers, it’s the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Since its debut, this adaptation of Jenny Han’s beloved novels has captured hearts across the United States and beyond, thanks to its compelling story and the talented actors who bring Cousins Beach to life. The cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty has played a pivotal role in transforming a cherished book into a global TV sensation, drawing in fans with their chemistry, authenticity, and charm. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the stars who make the magic happen—exploring their backgrounds, on-screen dynamics, and the reasons they’ve become household names.
Overview of The Summer I Turned Pretty
From Page to Screen: The Story’s Journey
The Summer I Turned Pretty began as a bestselling young adult trilogy by Jenny Han, chronicling the bittersweet summers of Isabel “Belly” Conklin and her tangled relationships with the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. The series explores universal themes—first love, heartbreak, family bonds, and self-discovery—set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Cousins Beach .
Key Themes and Adaptation
At its core, the show is about growing up: navigating crushes, friendships, and the complexities of family. Jenny Han, who also serves as showrunner, ensured the adaptation stayed true to the books while expanding the world and diversifying the cast, notably casting an Asian-American actress as Belly .
Success and Cultural Impact
The Summer I Turned Pretty quickly became a streaming juggernaut. Season 1 premiered as Amazon Prime Video’s top title in over 140 countries, and Season 3 drew 25 million viewers in its first week . The show’s soundtrack, featuring artists like Taylor Swift, went viral, and the hashtag #TheSummerITurnedPretty has racked up over 13.8 billion views on TikTok . Awards include Bingeworthy Show of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards and multiple Artios Award nominations .
Key Takeaway: The show’s runaway success is inseparable from the cast’s ability to make every character feel real and relatable.
Meet the Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty
2.1 Lola Tung as Isabel “Belly” Conklin
Belly’s Character: The Heart of Cousins Beach
Belly Conklin is the series’ protagonist and narrator—a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, torn between two brothers and her own evolving identity. Her journey is the emotional anchor of the show .
Lola Tung: Rising Star
Lola Tung, born in New York City in 2002, is the daughter of an actress and a singer. She attended LaGuardia High School and Carnegie Mellon University before landing her first on-screen role as Belly . Lola’s audition took place over Zoom during the pandemic, and she took a leap of faith by pausing her studies to film the series .
Performance and Fan Reception
Lola’s portrayal of Belly is widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. Critics and fans alike have called her performance “magnetic” and “relatable,” with show creator Jenny Han crediting her for making Belly a character audiences root for .
Fun Facts About Lola Tung
- Broke her foot on set but continued filming, including a volleyball scene .
- Loves dogs and owns a rescue named Bodie.
- Gained millions of followers since the show’s premiere .
- Focused on her career and future projects, including audiobook recordings.
2.2 Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher
Conrad’s Character: The Brooding Older Brother
Conrad Fisher is the enigmatic, emotionally complex older brother. His struggles with family pressure, grief, and his feelings for Belly drive much of the series’ drama .
Christopher Briney: From Indie Films to TV Stardom
Born in Connecticut in 1998, Christopher Briney is the son of actors and a graduate of Pace University’s BFA Acting program . Before his breakout, he worked in short films, theater, and even at Trader Joe’s . His role in Dalíland (2022) marked his first major film appearance .
Portrayal and Fan Response
Briney’s method acting and on-screen intensity have earned him critical acclaim. His chemistry with Lola Tung and Gavin Casalegno is a highlight, and he was nominated for an MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Kiss with Lola .
Fun Facts About Christopher Briney
- Passionate photographer and cyclist .
- In a relationship with Isabel Machado, whom he met at Pace University .
- Forbes 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment honoree in 2026 .
- Made his off-Broadway debut in 2025.
2.3 Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher
Jeremiah’s Character: The Golden Boy
Jeremiah Fisher is the charming, easygoing younger brother. His deep bond with Belly and sibling rivalry with Conrad add layers to the story .
Gavin Casalegno: Early Start, Big Break
Born in Dallas in 1999, Gavin began modeling at age four and acting at seven . He’s appeared in commercials, Noah (2014), The Vampire Diaries, and Walker . His breakout came with The Summer I Turned Pretty .
Bringing Jeremiah to Life
Gavin’s portrayal is praised for its warmth and relatability, sparking intense online debates between “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah.” His chemistry with the cast is a key factor in the show’s success .
Fun Facts About Gavin Casalegno
- Married Cheyanne King, a registered nurse, in 2024 .
- Devout Christian and mental health advocate .
- Launched a sustainable clothing line, Kai Lo .
- Enjoys soccer and surfing.
2.4 Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin
Steven’s Character: The Protective Brother
Steven Conklin is Belly’s older brother, providing both comic relief and heartfelt moments. His storylines explore sibling dynamics and his own coming-of-age journey.
Sean Kaufman: Breakout Role
Sean Kaufman studied at Purchase College’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts and is of Asian-American descent. Before the show, he appeared in short films and minor TV roles.
Notable Moments and Fan Appeal
Sean’s dynamic with Lola Tung is a fan favorite, and his sense of humor shines both on and off set.
Fun Facts About Sean Kaufman
- Known for his humor and social media engagement.
- Enjoys basketball and music.
2.5 Jackie Chung as Laurel Park
Laurel’s Character: The Resilient Mother
Laurel Park is Belly and Steven’s mother, a novelist navigating single parenthood, friendship, and personal growth.
Jackie Chung: Theater to TV
Jackie Chung is an experienced stage and screen actress of Korean descent, with a degree from Stanford University. She’s appeared in numerous theater productions and independent films.
Importance in the Series
Jackie’s nuanced portrayal explores themes of motherhood, grief, and resilience. Her chemistry with Rachel Blanchard (Susannah) is a highlight.
Fun Facts About Jackie Chung
- Passionate about Asian-American representation.
- Enjoys writing and traveling.
2.6 Rachel Blanchard as Susannah Fisher
Susannah’s Character: The Heart of the Fisher Family
Susannah Fisher is the warm, loving mother of Conrad and Jeremiah. Her friendship with Laurel and her battle with illness are central to the story.
Rachel Blanchard: Versatile Talent
Rachel Blanchard, a Canadian actress, began acting as a child and is known for roles in Clueless (TV), 7th Heaven, and You Me Her.
Performance and Impact
Rachel’s performance as Susannah is beloved for its warmth and emotional resonance.
Fun Facts About Rachel Blanchard
- Advocate for cancer awareness.
- Enjoys painting and outdoor activities.
Supporting Cast and Guest Stars
Notable Supporting Cast
| Actor | Character | Role in Storyline | Background Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfredo Narciso | Cleveland Castillo | Author, mentor to Conrad, love interest for Laurel | Broadway, TV (Law & Order, Manifest), film |
| Minnie Mills | Shayla | Debutante, Steven’s girlfriend, Belly’s friend | Model, neuroscience student, first acting role |
| Colin Ferguson | John Conklin | Laurel’s ex-husband, Belly and Steven’s father | Eureka, The Vampire Diaries, director/producer |
| Kyra Sedgwick | Julia | Susannah’s estranged half-sister, brings conflict in season 2 | The Closer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine |
| Elsie Fisher | Skye | Julia’s child, cousin to Conrad and Jeremiah, appears in season 2 | Eighth Grade, Despicable Me (voice of Agnes) |
| Isabella Briggs | Denise | Steven’s office co-worker in season 3 | Newcomer |
| Kristen Connolly | Lucinda Jewel | Taylor’s mother in season 3 | House of Cards, The Cabin in the Woods |
These supporting actors add depth and complexity to the world of Cousins Beach, enriching the main storylines and providing memorable moments .
Why the Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty Stands Out
Chemistry That Feels Real
The cast’s off-screen friendships are legendary. Chemistry reads during casting ensured the love triangle felt authentic, and the actors’ genuine bonds shine through in every scene .
Diversity and Relatability
The show’s commitment to diversity—especially in casting an Asian-American lead—has been widely praised. Each actor brings their own background and perspective, making the characters feel lived-in and relatable .
Performances That Resonate
From Lola Tung’s heartfelt vulnerability to Christopher Briney’s brooding intensity and Gavin Casalegno’s easy charm, the performances resonate with viewers of all ages. The cast’s dedication is evident: many took major risks, like pausing their education or taking on their first major roles, to be part of the series .
Dedication and Authenticity
Behind the scenes, the cast supported each other through emotional storylines and production challenges. Their willingness to engage with fans and participate in viral trends has helped build a passionate, engaged community.
Key Finding: “The cast’s real-life friendships and natural chemistry are repeatedly highlighted as the foundation of the show’s emotional resonance.”
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Camaraderie and Fun on Set
The cast’s camaraderie is legendary. Lola Tung, Sean Kaufman, and David Iacono all attended LaGuardia High School, strengthening their bond . On set, Christopher Briney and Sean Kaufman played chess, while Lola and Jackie Chung would break into song .
Overcoming Challenges
Filming during the pandemic meant remote auditions and strict safety protocols . Lola Tung fractured her foot during a scene but continued filming, with the production adapting to her recovery .
Viral Moments and Social Media
The cast’s playful interactions have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, with fans loving their behind-the-scenes antics and group interviews . The “Team Conrad” vs. “Team Jeremiah” debate has become a major driver of social media engagement .
Fan Reactions and Popularity of the Cast
Fan-Favorite Moments
Fans have embraced the cast, sharing favorite moments and edits across social media. The weekly release schedule fostered a communal viewing experience, with fans dissecting episodes in real time .
Social Media Connection
The cast is highly active online, sharing behind-the-scenes clips and engaging with fans. Their willingness to interact has helped maintain a strong connection with the audience .
Fan Campaigns and Trends
From “Team Conrad” vs. “Team Jeremiah” to official TikTok recaps and brand collaborations, the cast has inspired countless fan campaigns and trends .
Key Takeaway: The cast’s engagement with fans has amplified the show’s cultural reach and cemented its place as a pop-culture phenomenon.
What’s Next for the Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
Upcoming Seasons and Feature Film
Prime Video has confirmed a feature film to wrap up Belly’s story, following the conclusion of the TV series . Fans can look forward to more drama, romance, and growth for their favorite characters.
New Projects and Career Highlights
- Christopher Briney will play Aaron Samuels in the film adaptation of Mean Girls: The Musical .
- Gavin Casalegno is expected to pursue further roles after his breakout success .
- Lola Tung, Christopher Briney, and Gavin Casalegno have recorded audiobooks for their characters .
The Future Looks Bright
With their talent, dedication, and growing fan base, the cast members are poised for long, successful careers in Hollywood and beyond.
Conclusion: The Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty—A Phenomenon in Their Own Right
The cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty has undoubtedly played a major role in making the series a global sensation. Their authentic performances, real-life chemistry, and dedication to their craft have brought Jenny Han’s beloved characters to life in ways that resonate deeply with viewers. As the series continues to break records and inspire passionate fandom, one thing is clear: this cast is here to stay.
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