Gavin Casalegno Says Marriage Made Him ‘Understand’ Belly, Conrad’s ‘Summer I Turned Pretty’ Romance

Gavin Casalegno on Loyalty to Jeremiah and Understanding the Love Triangle in The Summer I Turned Pretty

Gavin Casalegno, the actor who brings Jeremiah Fisher to life in The Summer I Turned Pretty, has always been vocal about his loyalty to his character. However, in a recent panel discussion at Texas Christian University, Casalegno shared a surprising admission about his evolving perspective on the iconic love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. While he remains steadfast in his portrayal of Jeremiah, Casalegno revealed that his marriage has helped him understand the appeal of Belly and Conrad’s romance. This unexpected insight has given fans a deeper look into how his personal life influences his understanding of the show’s central dynamic.

Casalegno, who is 25, confessed that growing up, he never quite grasped the allure of Conrad Fisher, played by Christopher Briney. “I never understood the Conrad appeal, unfortunately,” he joked during the Valentine’s Day event, which was later shared on TikTok. However, as he’s grown older and navigated his own life, including his marriage to wife Cheyanne King, Casalegno has come to appreciate the complexity of Belly and Conrad’s relationship. He likened their dynamic to the process of searching for a life partner, where stability and a strong friendship often take precedence over fleeting sparks. “All in all, as far as choosing sides, I think having stability and having someone to do life with that is your best friend [is important],” he said, though he humorously added, “I’m not going to say that too loud.”

The Importance of Friendship in Romance: Gavin’s Take on Love and Life

Gavin Casalegno’s comments about the love triangle have resonated with fans, as they highlight the importance of friendship in romantic relationships. He emphasized that being friends first with a partner can create a solid foundation for a lasting relationship. “You always hear about being friends first, so when you jump into something romantic, you know everything about each other,” he explained. Casalegno believes that while the initial attraction between two people may fade over time, a strong friendship can endure, making the relationship more resilient. This perspective not only sheds light on the Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah dynamic but also reflects his own approach to love and partnerships.

Casalegno’s insights come as no surprise to fans who have followed his journey both on and off the screen. The actor has always been open about his romantic experiences, often describing himself as a “hopeless romantic.” In the past, he has shared stories about going to great lengths to surprise his former partner, Larsen Thompson, with whom he had a six-year relationship before they parted ways in 2020. One particularly memorable anecdote involved him secretly buying a plane ticket to surprise her at her 16th birthday party, where he playfully proposed to her with a Hershey’s Kiss. These stories illustrate how Casalegno values thoughtful gestures and meaningful connections in his own life, mirroring the themes of love and loyalty in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Love in Full Bloom: Gavin Casalegno’s Surprise Marriage to Cheyanne King

In a surprise move that delighted fans, Gavin Casalegno revealed in November 2024 that he had tied the knot with his wife, Cheyanne King. The 23-year-old changed her social media username to reflect her married name, becoming Cheyanne Casalegno, and the couple celebrated their union with a low-key ceremony. Casalegno shared photos from the special day on Instagram, captioning them with heartfelt words about his love for her: “FOREVER CAPTIVATED BY YOU 🕊️.” The actor’s decision to keep his love life relatively private after his breakup with Larsen Thompson made the announcement all the more exciting for fans, who had been eager to see him happy again.

Casalegno’s marriage has clearly had a profound impact on his perspective, both personally and professionally. His recent comments about the love triangle in The Summer I Turned Pretty suggest that his experiences with love and partnership have deepened his understanding of the show’s themes. By relating his own life to the dynamics of the series, Casalegno has bridged the gap between fiction and reality, offering fans a fresh lens through which to view the story.

The Future of The Summer I Turned Pretty and the Love Triangle Debate

As fans eagerly await the third and likely final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the debate over the love triangle continues to captivate audiences. Based on Jenny Han’s bestselling book series, the show follows Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) as she navigates her feelings for two brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah, during idyllic summers at the beach house. While the books ultimately conclude with Belly ending up with Conrad, the show’s creative team has remained tight-lipped about whether the series will follow the same path or forge its own route.

Gavin Casalegno has previously hinted that the show might explore a different outcome for the love triangle. In a 2023 interview with Us Weekly, he suggested that there is a “strong chance” the series could deviate from the books. “I do feel like there’s a strong chance that that’s a possibility,” he said, emphasizing that Jenny Han’s writing allows the story to unfold naturally without feeling forced. Casalegno’s comments have only added to the speculation, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the resolution of the love triangle when the final season premieres.

Final Thoughts: Love, Loyalty, and the Timeless Appeal of The Summer I Turned Pretty

Gavin Casalegno’s recent remarks about his marriage and the love triangle in The Summer I Turned Pretty have offered fans a unique glimpse into his thoughts on love and loyalty. By drawing parallels between his personal experiences and the show’s central themes, Casalegno has underscored the universal appeal of the series. His insights remind us that, at its core, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a story about the complexities of love, the importance of friendship, and the enduring power of human connection.

As the series approaches its conclusion, fans are left wondering how the love triangle will ultimately be resolved. Will Belly end up with Conrad, Jeremiah, or perhaps forge a path of her own? While the answer remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the legacy of The Summer I Turned Pretty lies in its ability to capture the beauty and messiness of love in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. Gavin Casalegno’s reflections on his own life and career only add to the richness of this beloved story.