Who Makes Up the Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty
The cast of the summer i turned pretty brings Jenny Han’s beloved book trilogy to life on Amazon Prime Video, creating one of the platform’s most-watched teen dramas. This coming-of-age series follows the complicated love triangle between Belly Conklin and the Fisher brothers at their family’s beach house in Cousins Beach.
Main Cast Members:
- Lola Tung as Isabel “Belly” Conklin – The protagonist caught between two brothers
- Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher – The moody older Fisher brother studying at Stanford
- Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher – The fun-loving younger Fisher brother
- Sean Kaufman as Steven Conklin – Belly’s older brother
- Jackie Chung as Laurel Park – Belly’s mother and author
- Rachel Blanchard as Susannah Fisher – The Fisher boys’ mother
- Rain Spencer as Taylor Jewel – Belly’s best friend
The series premiered in June 2022 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Season 2 more than doubled Season 1’s viewership, with the hashtag #TheSummerITurnedPretty accumulating over 13.8 billion views on TikTok. The show’s success stems largely from the authentic chemistry between its young cast members, many of whom were relative newcomers to Hollywood.
What makes this cast special is how they’ve grown alongside their characters. Lola Tung landed her breakout role as Belly while still a student at Carnegie Mellon University. Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno have become fan favorites as the Fisher brothers, with viewers passionately debating whether they’re “Team Conrad” or “Team Jeremiah.”
Cast of the summer i turned pretty vocab to learn:
The Core Trio: A Deep Dive into the Main Cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty
The magic of The Summer I Turned Pretty comes alive through its three central characters, whose complex relationships have captivated millions of viewers worldwide. The cast of the summer i turned pretty delivers performances that feel authentic and deeply emotional, making us genuinely invested in their summer drama at Cousins Beach.
Lola Tung as Isabel ‘Belly’ Conklin
At just 20 years old, Lola Tung has become the face of one of Amazon Prime’s biggest hits. Born on October 28, 2002, she landed this breakout role while still studying at Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious School of Drama Acting and Music Theater program.
What makes Lola’s performance so compelling is how naturally she captures Belly’s evolution. We watch her transform from an awkward teenager into a confident young woman navigating the choppy waters of first love. It’s no wonder fans have rallied behind Team Belly – her vulnerability and strength make her incredibly relatable.
Before stepping into Belly’s world, Lola honed her craft at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Her dedication to the arts from a young age shows in every scene. When discussing the show’s deeper meaning, she beautifully shared her Thoughts on the show’s themes of love, explaining that the series explores “love in all its forms: romantic, familial, friendship, and self-love.”
Christopher Briney as Conrad Fisher
The brooding older Fisher brother has stolen hearts across the globe, and Christopher Briney brings just the right mix of intensity and vulnerability to Conrad. Born on March 24, 1998, Christopher perfectly embodies the moody older brother who’s carrying emotional weight beyond his years.
Conrad’s journey as a Stanford student dealing with family trauma resonates with viewers who appreciate complex characters. Christopher’s acting range extends beyond Cousins Beach – he’s showcased his versatility in films like Dalíland and the 2024 musical Mean Girls, proving he can tackle everything from drama to comedy.
The chemistry between Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher creates the foundation for the show’s central love triangle. Christopher has been open about his character’s destiny, sharing his Thoughts on Conrad and Belly’s destiny and his belief that they’re truly meant for each other – music to Team Conrad fans’ ears.
In his personal life, Christopher has been dating Isabel Machado since June 2021, having met her at Pace University. Their real-world romance provides a sweet contrast to the dramatic on-screen relationships that keep us all guessing.
Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah Fisher
The fun-loving younger brother brings sunshine to every scene, and Gavin Casalegno captures Jeremiah’s warmth perfectly. Born on September 2, 1999, Gavin infuses his character with an infectious energy that makes Jeremiah impossible not to love.
As a Finch College student in the series, Jeremiah represents the lighter, more optimistic side of young love. But don’t let his cheerful exterior fool you – Gavin brings real depth to the role, especially as Jeremiah matures throughout the seasons.
Gavin isn’t new to television magic. Before joining the cast of the summer i turned pretty, he appeared in hit shows like Walker and The Vampire Diaries, where he played a younger Damon Salvatore. For those wondering Who Plays Jeremiah Fisher, his impressive resume speaks for itself.
The actor has shared fascinating insights into his character’s growth, offering his Thoughts on Jeremiah’s maturity and how the character evolves from carefree teenager to someone capable of handling life’s bigger challenges. In November 2024, Gavin married Cheyanne King Casalegno, bringing his own real-life happy ending to complement his on-screen romance.
These three talented actors have created something truly special together. Their authentic chemistry and commitment to their characters’ journeys make every episode feel genuine, whether they’re sharing tender moments or navigating the inevitable drama that comes with growing up at the beach.
Meet the Families: Supporting Cast and Characters
The magic of The Summer I Turned Pretty extends far beyond its central love triangle. The cast of the summer i turned pretty includes a wonderful ensemble of family members and friends who create the warm, complicated world of Cousins Beach. These supporting characters bring the laughter, tears, and authentic family dynamics that make us feel like we’re part of their summer traditions.
The Conklins and The Fishers
The intertwined histories of the Conklin and Fisher families form the emotional backbone of the series. These aren’t just background characters – they’re the people who shaped Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah into who they are today
Sean Kaufman brings Belly’s protective older brother Steven to life with perfect big-brother energy. Born on June 22, 2000, Sean captures Steven’s journey from Princeton graduate to startup employee, all while navigating his complicated feelings for Taylor. You might recognize Sean from his previous work in Manifest, Walker, and FBI: Most Wanted. What’s heartwarming is how Sean has formed real friendships with Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno off-screen – those bromance vibes you see on camera are absolutely genuine.
Jackie Chung delivers a powerhouse performance as Laurel Park, Belly and Steven’s sharp-witted author mother. Born in 1979, Jackie masterfully portrays Laurel’s grief following her best friend Susannah’s death while maintaining her fierce love for her children. Jackie’s experience in emotionally demanding shows like Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy serves her well here. In her personal life, Jackie found love with fellow actor Louis Ozawa in what she describes as a “bizarre romantic comedy” meeting during a film callback. They now share two children together.
The late Susannah Fisher, brought to life by Rachel Blanchard, remains the heart of the series even after her character’s passing. Born on March 19, 1976, Rachel infused Susannah with the kind of warmth that made everyone feel special – especially Belly. Rachel’s extensive career includes the Clueless TV series and You Me Her. She’s married to composer Jeremy Turner, and they have a daughter together.
Tom Everett Scott steps into the role of Adam Fisher, the boys’ father who becomes more present after Susannah’s death. You’ll recognize Tom from classics like That Thing You Do! and An American Werewolf in Paris. Meanwhile, Colin Ferguson portrays John Conklin, Belly’s father who’s navigating co-parenting with Laurel post-divorce. Colin brings his Eureka and The Vampire Diaries experience to this complex family dynamic.
These family relationships explore the beautiful messiness of grief and loss, showing us how families can heal and grow stronger even through their darkest moments.
Belly’s Best Friends
Every coming-of-age story needs those crucial friendships that help shape who we become. Belly’s inner circle provides both support and drama in equal measure.
Rain Spencer perfectly captures the complexity of Taylor Jewel, Belly’s best friend who walks the line between loyal supporter and complicated rival. Born on February 21, 2000, Rain shows us Taylor’s evolution from a somewhat superficial friend to someone who truly has Belly’s back. Taylor’s romantic messs with Steven add another layer of drama to the mix. Rain has appeared in Good Girl Jane and The Super Man, and her portrayal of Taylor’s shifting allegiances – from Team Conrad to firmly Team Jeremiah – reflects the changing dynamics within their friend group.
David Iacono brings sweetness and authenticity to Cameron “Cam” Cameron, Belly’s gentle first boyfriend. Born on June 20, 2002, David captures Cam’s earnest nature perfectly. What’s interesting is that David was surprised to return for Season 2, since Cam doesn’t appear in the later books – a testament to how memorable his performance was. David’s previous work includes Grand Army and The Flight Attendant. In a funny twist, David once had a Tinder bio reading “Wait, this isn’t cool math games?” and has since sworn off dating apps entirely, calling them “creepy.” We can definitely relate to the awkwardness of modern dating!
These friendships add depth to Belly’s world, showing us how relationships shift and evolve as we grow up. They remind us that sometimes the people who know us best are the ones who challenge us the most.
New Faces in Cousins Beach for Season 3
As we eagerly await the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, premiering in July 2025, there’s so much more to look forward to than just finding Belly’s ultimate choice. The cast of the summer i turned pretty is expanding with exciting new faces who promise to bring fresh energy and unexpected twists to our beloved Cousins Beach.
Who are the new members of the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty for Season 3?
Season 3 welcomes seven talented actors who will shake up the dynamics we’ve grown to love. Some of these characters come straight from Jenny Han’s books, while others are brand-new creations that will keep even the most devoted fans on their toes.
Isabella Briggs steps into the role of Denise, a character created specifically for the show. Working alongside Steven at Breaker Capital venture capital firm, Denise brings a sardonic edge and passionate work ethic that could spell trouble for Steven’s professional ambitions. Isabella previously captivated audiences in Fatal Attraction, and we’re excited to see how she’ll steer this workplace dynamic.
Kristen Connolly joins as Lucinda Jewel, though details about her character remain mysteriously under wraps. You might recognize Kristen from her powerful performances as Christina Gallagher on House of Cards or Jamie Campbell on Zoo. Her presence alone suggests we’re in for something special.
College life takes center stage with Sofia Bryant as Anika, who becomes Belly’s first significant friend outside her childhood circle. Sofia beautifully describes Anika as an “older sister” figure, representing Belly’s growth into a more mature phase of life. Having starred in Netflix’s I Am Not Okay With This and shows like The Good Wife, Sofia brings depth to this pivotal friendship role.
Things get complicated with Lily Donoghue as Lacie Barone, one of Taylor’s sorority sisters who shares a messy history with Jeremiah. This casting choice promises to add delicious drama to the Belly-Jeremiah storyline. Lily’s impressive resume includes Daisy Jones & the Six and Jane the Virgin, so we know she can handle complex relationship dynamics.
Zoe de Grand Maison portrays Agnes, a close friend of Conrad’s who might just be the push he needs to finally voice his true feelings for Belly. Zoe’s experience playing Evelyn Evernever on Riverdale proves she knows how to make an impact, and Agnes could be the catalyst for some major love triangle revelations.
From Jeremiah’s college world comes Tanner Zagarino as Redbird, one of his frat brothers. Early hints suggest Belly isn’t thrilled about his presence, which could lead to either hilarious moments or serious conflict. Tanner’s work in Shrinking shows he can balance comedy and drama perfectly.
The most intriguing addition might be Emma Ishta, whose role remains completely secret. Known for her starring role in Stitchers, Emma has only teased “sweet summer secrets,” leaving us all wondering what surprises Jenny Han has planned for the final season.
How the New Characters Impact the Story
These fresh faces aren’t just window dressing – they’re set to fundamentally change the dynamics we’ve grown attached to over two seasons. Denise’s workplace rivalry with Steven could test everything he’s learned about ambition and relationships, especially as he’s navigating his post-Princeton life at a digital startup.
Anika represents something completely new for Belly – a friendship formed in college, separate from the intense history of Cousins Beach. This relationship could provide Belly with the outside perspective she desperately needs as she makes her final choice between the Fisher brothers. Sometimes we all need that friend who wasn’t there for all the messy history to help us see clearly.
The introduction of Lacie’s complicated past with Jeremiah adds another layer to the already complex love triangle. Will this force Belly and Jeremiah to confront uncomfortable truths, or will it actually strengthen their bond? The timing couldn’t be more crucial as Belly steers her feelings in the final season.
Agnes’s role as Conrad’s confidante might be exactly what Team Conrad fans have been hoping for. If she can help Conrad finally express what he’s been holding back, we might see the passionate, vulnerable side of him that made us fall in love with his character in the first place.
Even Redbird’s presence as a frat brother introduces the reality of how college life has shaped Jeremiah. Belly’s reported displeasure with him suggests she might not love the person Jeremiah is becoming in his college environment – a relatable struggle for anyone who’s watched friends change during their university years.
These additions brilliantly expand the world beyond the beach house, incorporating the realities of college friendships, career pressures, and new romantic complications. By deviating from the books in strategic ways, the show keeps us guessing while staying true to the emotional core that made us fall in love with the cast of the summer i turned pretty in the first place.
Behind the Scenes: Ages, Relationships, and Filming Locations
There’s something magical about getting to know the people behind our favorite characters. When we fall in love with the cast of the summer i turned pretty, we naturally become curious about their real lives – from their actual ages to their romantic relationships and the stunning places where they bring Cousins Beach to life.
What are the real-life ages of the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty?
You might have noticed that the actors playing our beloved teenagers look a bit more mature than typical high schoolers. This is actually quite common in Hollywood, and there are some practical reasons behind it. Labor laws for minors restrict how many hours young actors can work, which can complicate filming schedules. Additionally, casting slightly older actors allows for more complex romantic scenes without the ethical concerns that come with working with actual teenagers.
The age differences in the cast of the summer i turned pretty are particularly interesting when you see them side by side:
| Actor Name | Character Name | Actor Real-Life Age (approx.) | Character Age (Season 1/Season 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lola Tung | Isabel “Belly” Conklin | 22 | 16 / 21 |
| Christopher Briney | Conrad Fisher | 27 | 17 / Early 20s |
| Gavin Casalegno | Jeremiah Fisher | 25 | 16 / Early 20s |
| Sean Kaufman | Steven Conklin | 25 | 17-18 / Early 20s |
| Rain Spencer | Taylor Jewel | 25 | 16 / Early 20s |
| David Iacono | Cam | 22 | 16 |
Lola Tung comes closest to her character’s age, being just six years older than Belly in Season 1. Meanwhile, Christopher Briney has the largest age gap, being about ten years older than Conrad was initially portrayed. This maturity actually works beautifully for his character’s brooding, introspective nature.
What’s fascinating is how these age differences allow the actors to bring life experience and emotional depth to their roles while still capturing that youthful summer energy we all remember from our teenage years.
Real-Life Romances of the Cast
While Belly is torn between two brothers on screen, the real-life romantic situations of the cast of the summer i turned pretty are refreshingly drama-free. In fact, many of them are in committed, happy relationships that offer a sweet contrast to all the on-screen heartbreak.
Christopher Briney has been with his girlfriend Isabel Machado since June 2021. Their love story is actually quite sweet – they met as students at Pace University and started as friends before romance bloomed. It’s the kind of college sweetheart story that makes you believe in real love, especially when you see how supportive Isabel is of Christopher’s career.
Gavin Casalegno took a major step in November 2024 when he married Cheyanne King Casalegno. Their wedding reflects Gavin’s thoughtful approach to relationships – he’s spoken openly about dating with the intention of marriage and being purposeful in romantic connections. This mature outlook definitely shines through in how he portrays Jeremiah’s emotional growth throughout the series.
Jackie Chung, who plays Belly’s mom Laurel, has her own romantic success story. She’s married to fellow actor Louis Ozawa, and their meeting sounds like something straight out of a romantic comedy. They met during a callback for a short film at New York University, and now they’re happily married with two children. Jackie brings that real-life experience of motherhood to her portrayal of Laurel, adding authentic depth to her performance.
It’s refreshing to see that while their characters steer complicated love triangles and heartbreak, the actors themselves have found stability and happiness in their personal relationships. This probably helps them dive deeper into the dramatic moments without getting too caught up in the on-screen chaos.
Filming Locations: Bringing Cousins Beach to Life
Cousins Beach might be fictional, but the magic feels completely real thanks to the gorgeous filming locations throughout North Carolina. The production team chose Wilmington, North Carolina and its surrounding coastal areas to create this perfect summer paradise that has us all dreaming of beach house getaways.
Wrightsville Beach provides those stunning shoreline shots that make us want to pack our bags immediately. The pristine sand and rolling waves create the perfect backdrop for all those romantic sunset walks and emotional beach conversations. Fort Fisher adds historical charm and natural beauty, giving Cousins Beach that timeless quality that makes it feel both contemporary and classic.
The production also uses Padgett Station and locations like Russell’s Quik Stop to create that authentic small-town atmosphere. Cape Fear Country Club serves as the setting for more upscale social events, adding variety to the show’s visual landscape.
For those of us who love combining travel with incredible food experiences, these North Carolina coastal locations offer so much more than just beautiful scenery. The area is known for its incredible seafood scene, from casual fish shacks to upscale coastal dining. Imagine exploring the local oyster bars in Wilmington or finding hidden gem restaurants along Wrightsville Beach – the kind of culinary trips that make travel truly memorable.
The connection between beautiful locations and amazing food is something we understand deeply. Whether you’re planning a coastal getaway inspired by The Summer I Turned Pretty or exploring urban food scenes in cities like New York, the joy of finding new flavors in stunning settings never gets old. These filming locations remind us that sometimes the most magical dining experiences happen with sand between your toes and the sound of waves in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Summer I Turned Pretty
As fans eagerly await the final season, countless questions swirl around social media and fan forums about the future of our beloved cast of the summer i turned pretty. Will Belly finally make her choice? Where can we watch the drama unfold? Let’s explore the most burning questions that have kept us all talking since Season 2’s cliffhanger ending.
Where can I watch Season 3 of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’?
The Summer I Turned Pretty lives exclusively on Amazon Prime Video as one of their flagship original series. If you’re planning to catch up with Belly’s final chapter, you’ll need an active Amazon Prime subscription to access all the Cousins Beach drama.
The highly anticipated Season 3 is set to premiere in July 2025, giving us plenty of time to rewatch our favorite moments and pick our teams one last time. Amazon has stuck with their proven release strategy for the series – typically dropping the first few episodes together, then releasing new episodes weekly. This approach has worked brilliantly for building anticipation and keeping fans engaged in heated discussions throughout each season.
New episodes usually arrive early on Wednesday mornings at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT, perfect for those midnight binge sessions or early morning viewing parties. Season 3 promises 11 new episodes, which suggests we’ll get that familiar pattern of an initial multi-episode drop followed by weekly releases. This staggered approach has become part of the show’s charm, allowing theories to build and giving us time to process each emotional twist.
What book is Season 3 based on?
Jenny Han’s beloved trilogy provides the roadmap for our favorite characters’ journeys, and Season 3 draws its inspiration from the final book, We’ll Always Have Summer. The series has followed a clear pattern – Season 1 adapted The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 2 tackled It’s Not Summer Without You, making the third book the natural choice for the final season.
What makes this particularly exciting is the significant time jump that occurs in the third book. We’ll catch up with Belly at the end of her junior year of college, two years after the heartbreak and healing of Season 2. This time leap allows the cast of the summer i turned pretty to explore more mature themes and relationships, showing how our characters have grown and changed.
The third book introduces some major plot developments that have book fans both excited and nervous. Without spoiling too much, the story centers around Belly’s engagement to Jeremiah and the emotional complexity that surrounds their upcoming wedding. Meanwhile, unresolved feelings between Belly and Conrad continue to simmer beneath the surface, creating the kind of tension that has made this series so addictive.
While the show has taken creative liberties with the source material – adding characters and expanding certain storylines – the core emotional journey from We’ll Always Have Summer will likely remain intact. Jenny Han’s involvement as showrunner ensures the adaptation stays true to the heart of her original vision.
Who will Belly choose in the end?
This is the question that has launched a thousand TikTok debates and divided friend groups across the globe! The Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah battle has become a cultural phenomenon, with passionate fans on both sides presenting compelling arguments for their chosen Fisher brother.
Team Conrad supporters point to the deep, almost mythic connection between Belly and Conrad – their shared history, the intensity of first love, and those lingering glances that seem to say everything. They argue that Conrad’s emotional complexity and his struggles with vulnerability make their love story more profound and worth fighting for.
Team Jeremiah fans champion his unwavering devotion, his ability to make Belly laugh, and the comfort and security he provides. They see Jeremiah as the one who truly sees Belly for who she is and loves her unconditionally, without the dramatic ups and downs.
The beauty of Jenny Han’s storytelling is that both brothers have genuine, compelling reasons to be Belly’s choice. Fan theories continue to flood social media, with viewers analyzing every glance, every conversation, and every Instagram post from the cast for clues about the final outcome.
Here’s what we know for certain: showrunner Jenny Han has committed to following the books’ trajectory. In We’ll Always Have Summer, Belly does make her final choice, and that decision will be reflected in the series. The challenge for the show lies in making that choice feel earned and emotionally satisfying, regardless of which team you’re rooting for.
As Lola Tung beautifully put it, Belly should “follow her heart,” and after three seasons of watching her grow from a shy teenager into a confident young woman, we trust that wherever her heart leads will be the right destination. The cast of the summer i turned pretty has done such an incredible job bringing these complex relationships to life that we know the final season will deliver the emotional payoff we’ve all been waiting for.
Conclusion
The cast of the summer i turned pretty has created something truly magical, changing Jenny Han’s cherished novels into a television phenomenon that has captured hearts worldwide. From Lola Tung’s breakthrough performance as Belly to Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno’s compelling portrayals of the Fisher brothers, every member of this talented ensemble has poured authenticity and passion into their roles.
What strikes us most about this cast is how they’ve grown together, both as performers and as people. We’ve watched Lola steer her first major role while balancing college life, seen Christopher and Gavin handle the pressure of being at the center of one of television’s most passionate fan debates, and witnessed the entire supporting cast create a family dynamic that feels genuine and lived-in.
The supporting players – from Sean Kaufman’s protective Steven to Jackie Chung’s wise Laurel, from Rain Spencer’s loyal Taylor to the beloved Rachel Blanchard as Susannah – have all contributed layers of depth that make Cousins Beach feel like a real place we’d love to visit. Their performances remind us that the best stories aren’t just about romance, but about the complex web of relationships that shape who we become.
As we look ahead to Season 3’s arrival in July 2025, there’s something bittersweet about saying goodbye to these characters. The cast of the summer i turned pretty has given us summers filled with laughter, tears, and endless debates about Team Conrad versus Team Jeremiah. They’ve shown us that growing up is messy, beautiful, and worth celebrating.
At The Dining Destination, we understand the joy of findy – whether it’s finding the perfect beachside restaurant or stumbling upon a hidden culinary gem in a new city. The spirit of exploration that drives Belly and her friends resonates with our own passion for helping food lovers find their next great dining trip.
The legacy of this remarkable cast will endure long after the final episode airs. They’ve reminded us that the best summers aren’t just about the places we go, but the people we share them with. For more insights into entertainment, travel, and the culinary experiences that make every journey memorable, Explore more entertainment and travel guides and find your own perfect summer story.
