Why Conrad and the Rest of The Summer I Turned Pretty Cast Look So Familiar
Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty became an instant hit, captivating audiences with its heartfelt love triangle, sun-soaked setting, and nostalgic coming-of-age vibes. But as fans binge-watched the show, many couldn’t shake the feeling that they’d seen the cast somewhere before. From Conrad’s brooding charm to Belly’s relatable awkwardness, the actors behind these beloved characters have impressive resumes. Let’s break down where you’ve seen them before and what else they’ve been in.
1. Christopher Briney (Conrad Fisher)
Why He Looks Familiar:
Christopher Briney, who plays the moody and magnetic Conrad Fisher, had a breakthrough role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, but he’s no stranger to the screen. Before stepping into Conrad’s shoes, Briney starred in the indie film Dalíland (2022), where he played a young Salvador Dalí alongside Ben Kingsley. He also appeared in Mean Girls: The Musical (2024) as Aaron Samuels.
Fun Fact: Briney initially pursued theater before transitioning to on-screen roles, which explains his strong emotional depth in TSITP.
2. Lola Tung (Belly Conklin)
Why She Looks Familiar:
Lola Tung’s portrayal of Isabel “Belly” Conklin feels so natural that it’s hard to believe The Summer I Turned Pretty is her first major role! Tung was discovered through an open casting call, beating thousands of hopefuls. However, her background in theater (she studied at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama) prepared her for the emotional demands of the show.
Fan Reaction:
“Lola IS Belly—I can’t imagine anyone else playing her!” – @TSITPfanatic (Twitter)
3. Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah Fisher)
Why He Looks Familiar:
Gavin Casalegno, who plays the golden retriever-energy Jeremiah Fisher, has been acting since childhood. He appeared in The Vampire Diaries as a young Damon Salvatore and had roles in Noah (2014) and Walker (2021). His charm and on-screen presence made him a fan favorite in TSITP.
Behind the Scenes:
Casalegno revealed in an interview with Teen Vogue that he and Briney bonded over their shared love for music, even jamming together between takes.
4. Rachel Blanchard (Laurel Park)
Why She Looks Familiar:
Rachel Blanchard, who plays Belly’s mom Laurel, is a veteran actress. Fans might recognize her from Clueless (the TV series), Peep Show, or Fargo (Season 2). Her effortless warmth brings Laurel to life.
5. Jackie Chung (Susannah Fisher)
Why She Looks Familiar:
Jackie Chung, who plays the beloved Susannah Fisher, has appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, The Newsroom, and 13 Reasons Why. Her emotional performance in TSITP left fans in tears.
6. Sean Kaufman (Steven Conklin)
Why He Looks Familiar:
Sean Kaufman, Belly’s protective older brother Steven, had smaller roles in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Manifest before landing this breakout part.
Fan Theories & Social Media Buzz
The cast’s chemistry has sparked endless fan discussions. A TikTok trend even compared Conrad and Jeremiah to The Vampire Diaries’ Damon and Stefan, with one viral video (Watch Here) amassing over 2M views.
Conclusion
From indie films to major TV shows, the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty has been building impressive careers long before the series. Whether it’s Briney’s indie roots, Casalegno’s childhood roles, or Tung’s star-making turn, each actor brings depth to their character. With Season 3 on the way, fans can’t wait to see where these familiar faces go next!
What was your favorite role from the cast before TSITP? Let us know in the comments!
