Gavin Casalegno Talks 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 2, Acting, and More
Actor Gavin Casalegno shot to fame with the success of his TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty, but this is only the beginning.
Photography by Jana Schuessler
Styled by Grace Maier
Gavin Casalegno is playing his way into our hearts as Jeremiah Fisher in Amazon Prime's hit summer TV series The Summer I Turned Pretty. The show, based on the novel series of the same name by Jenny Han, captured viewers from teens to young adults waxing nostalgic about their own youth. Prior to its premiere, the show was already renewed for another season, which the cast, including Casalegno, is currently filming in North Carolina. Following the series' widely successful first season, L'OFFICIEL caught up with the rising star in New York to chat a bit about his show and his work as an actor.
L'OFFICIEL: Who or what influenced your decision to become an actor, because from a young age you acted in school plays and commercials and later made your film debut.
GAVIN CASALEGNO: I think from a young age I just enjoyed being in front of the camera. Then I got my first commercial and had so much fun just being myself that it sparked a love for it.
L'O: What do you think is the strength of a young actor?
GC: I have very mixed opinions. I think it's important for young people to experience life and be able to go through heartbreak, sadness, joy, etc. So I encourage people to take their time. But if you can get your foot in a door, go for it. I think being a young actor allows you to be surrounded by adults while you work and that gives you a much broader perspective on life.
L'O: What does your new role mean to you? Do your roles help you get to know yourself better?
GC: This new role of Jeremiah was such an eye-opening experience. I try to figure out the character so many times and just learn about the character's life, but with Jeremiah, I felt like I was learning about him and myself together. It's a scary but beautiful process.
L'O: Throughout your acting career, you've had the opportunity to work with many well-known actors. How did this experience affect your development as an actor?
GC: I think it gave me perspective and hope for my future. So many of them have been so encouraging and have treated me like I was their own child from an early age. So it was great that experienced actors gave me that time to learn and grow.
L'O: The Summer I Turned Pretty premiered in June 2022. What were your first thoughts when you received the offer to take part in this project?
GC: It was definitely scary. I knew my life would change so drastically from what I had imagined. I had planned all of these things in my life, and this series has upset my previous plans in an exciting, fun, and important way. I'm so happy with where I am right now in life because of the show and so thankful for it.
L'O: We just heard that there will be a second season. What does it mean to you that everyone is so crazy about the show that it's been renewed for another season?
GC: It's kind of a dream come true. Everyone has been praying for a second season and it just feels so good to get recognition for our hard work and long shoot. I'm excited for what's to come because Season 2 is going to be a wild ride that no one is ready for.
L'O: Which scenes were the most memorable to film for you?
GC: That scene with Jeremiah reading the emails about the cancer treatments really stuck in my mind and it brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it and think about it.
L'O: What do you think is special about being an actor?
GC: I think an actor's psyche is probably the most interesting thing of all. Having to dissect exactly how they're feeling, projecting memories, behaviors, and patterns from themselves onto another person is probably the most unique thing about actors, in my opinion.
L'O: How do you usually spend your time when you're not filming?
GC: Honestly, you'll find me on the volleyball courts or chilling in my car or room. I've learned to value quiet time after filming and to realize that it's very important to my mental health. It's something that has become kind of a passion for me and I'm trying to make people a little more aware of it.
TALENT Gavin Casalegno
HAIR Satoshi Ikeda
MAKEUP Sandy Nicha
ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER Luisa Sillmann
