Gavin Casalegno has been in the entertainment industry for most of his life, but his breakthrough as Jeremiah Fisher in Amazon Prime’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty catapulted him into the spotlight. With his natural charisma and layered performances, he’s quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors.
Early Life and the Start of Something Big
Born on September 2, 1999, in Dallas, Texas, Casalegno didn’t waste any time finding his way onto the screen. His journey started thanks to a family friend’s suggestion that he try modeling, leading to his first gig with JC Penney at just four years old. That early exposure sparked something in him, and soon enough, he was booking commercials for major brands like Sony and Papa John’s.
Acting, however, wasn’t always a clear-cut path for him. In interviews, he’s been candid about moments of self-doubt, wondering if he was truly meant for the industry. But every time he considered stepping away, a new opportunity would come knocking—something he attributes to his deep faith. His mother, Allyson Casalegno, played a crucial role in his early career, managing his auditions and work commitments while he was still a minor. By age 11, he had already booked his first film role, and there was no turning back.
Making a Name in Hollywood
Casalegno’s early career was filled with roles that, while small, helped establish him as a serious young actor. He played young Shem in Darren Aronofsky’s Noah (2014) and later took on the role of young Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries (2015). His ability to embody complex characters at such a young age caught the attention of casting directors, eventually landing him a recurring role as Trevor Strand in Walker (2021).
Then came the game-changer: The Summer I Turned Pretty. When the opportunity arose to audition for the role of Jeremiah Fisher, Casalegno didn’t hold back. He famously taped his audition at 3 AM and sent it off, thinking little of it. A week later, he found out he had been pinned for the role. The next steps included chemistry reads over Zoom, and before he knew it, he had secured the part of the charming, golden-hearted Jeremiah.
The show, based on Jenny Han’s beloved coming-of-age novel, became an instant success when it premiered on June 17, 2022. Fans quickly split into two camps—Team Jeremiah or Team Conrad—fueling debates across social media. Casalegno’s portrayal of Jeremiah, the fun-loving, emotionally open younger brother, resonated with many viewers, making him a standout in the series.
Even before the first season aired, Amazon renewed the show for a second season, which premiered on July 14, 2023. According to Amazon, the second season ranked among the platform’s ten most-watched seasons ever, leading to a third-season renewal before the second even finished airing. Season three, set to feature ten episodes, is highly anticipated by fans.
Expanding His Horizons
While The Summer I Turned Pretty cemented Casalegno as a household name, he’s not limiting himself to one type of role. On June 13, 2023, Variety reported that he had been cast in Queen of the Ring, a biographical film about wrestling icon Mildred Burke. In the film, he’s set to play a younger version of Burke’s son, Joe—marking an exciting shift from the romantic drama genre into something more dramatic and historically significant.
Personal Life: Faith, Family, and Love
Away from the cameras, Casalegno keeps his personal life relatively private, but he’s open about the things that matter most to him. A devout Christian, he often shares Bible verses and reflections on faith with his followers. He credits his belief system with helping him navigate the pressures of Hollywood and keeping him grounded amid his growing success.
In late 2024, Casalegno surprised fans by revealing he had tied the knot with Cheyanne King, a registered nurse. Unlike many celebrity relationships that play out in the public eye, the couple managed to keep their romance under wraps until their wedding day. King, a graduate of Baylor University, shares his faith and has spoken about wanting to use her medical career as a ministry. Their relationship reportedly began in 2023, with subtle social media hints before they officially confirmed their marriage.
What’s Next for Gavin Casalegno?
With season three of The Summer I Turned Pretty on the horizon and his role in Queen of the Ring generating buzz, Casalegno is at a pivotal moment in his career. He’s shown he has the range to take on different roles, and with his talent, charisma, and strong sense of self, his trajectory is only pointing upward.
Whether it’s through heartfelt performances on-screen or his advocacy for mental health and faith-based living off-screen, Gavin Casalegno is proving that he’s more than just another rising star—he’s here to stay.
