If you’ve spent any time on social media talking about The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ve probably seen the name Jeremiah Fisher come up — the character that fans love to debate, and the actor behind him, Gavin Casalegno, has faced intense online backlash. This article breaks down who Jeremiah Fisher is, what makes him controversial, and what’s true about the actor and the role.
Portrayed by: Gavin Casalegno ·
Age of actor: 26 (as of 2025) ·
Character age: 16-17 in series ·
Number of seasons: 3 ·
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 1
Quick snapshot
- Gavin Perry Casalegno (BuzzFeed)
- Born: September 2, 1999 (The New York Times)
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm) (BuzzFeed)
- Criticized for manipulative and insecure behavior (Collider)
- Vogue article calls for “justice for Jeremiah” (The New York Times)
- Reddit users debate his character development (Collider)
- Fan polarization between Team Jeremiah and Team Conrad (WBUR)
Eight key facts define Jeremiah Fisher’s profile, and one pattern stands out: the gap between his on-screen age and the actor’s real age is wider than most fans realize.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name (Character) | Jeremiah Fisher |
| Portrayed by | Gavin Casalegno |
| Character Age | 16–17 during series |
| Actor Age | 26 (as of 2025) |
| First Appearance | Season 1, Episode 1 |
| Family | Susannah Fisher (mother, deceased), Conrad Fisher (older brother), Adam Fisher (father) |
| Love Interest | Belly Conklin (primary) |
| Actor Hometown | Dallas, Texas, USA (BuzzFeed) |
What is Jeremiah Fisher’s real name?
Who plays Jeremiah Fisher?
- Jeremiah Fisher is portrayed by actor Gavin Casalegno (WBUR).
- Casalegno’s full name is Gavin Perry Casalegno (BuzzFeed).
How old is Gavin Casalegno?
- Gavin Casalegno was born September 2, 1999, making him 26 as of 2025 (The New York Times).
- His character Jeremiah is 16–17 during the series.
Is Gavin an Irish name?
- The name Gavin is of Welsh origin, but it is also commonly used in Ireland (WBUR).
Bottom line: Gavin Casalegno plays Jeremiah Fisher, and at 26 he’s almost a decade older than his character. The name Gavin, while Welsh, appears frequently in Irish naming traditions.
Is Jeremiah LGBTQ?
Does Jeremiah kiss a boy?
- Jeremiah kisses a boy named Felix in Season 2 (IMDb).
What is Jeremiah’s sexuality in the show?
- The character is implied to be bisexual, though the show does not explicitly label him (Collider).
- Fans continue to debate his sexuality; the lack of an explicit label has contributed to ongoing discussion.
Jeremiah’s kiss with Felix in Season 2 is one of the show’s most talked-about moments, yet the ambiguity around his sexuality leaves fans wanting more clarity. For a character already under intense scrutiny, this becomes another layer of the controversy.
The implication: The showrunners may be keeping Jeremiah’s sexuality open-ended to allow for future storylines, but the ambiguity fuels both representation debates and character criticism.
Is Jeremiah married in real life?
Are Jeremiah and Belly married in real life?
- No — Gavin Casalegno and Lola Tung (who plays Belly) are co-stars only (BuzzFeed).
- In the show, Jeremiah and Belly have a romantic relationship but are not married by the end of Season 2 (E! Online).
Is Gavin Casalegno married?
- Gavin Casalegno is not married as of 2025 (BuzzFeed).
What this means: The online rumor that Jeremiah and Belly are a real-life couple is false. The actors maintain a professional relationship despite the show’s romantic storyline.
What did Jeremiah suffer from?
What are Jeremiah’s mental health issues?
- Jeremiah suffered from the emotional trauma of his mother Susannah’s cancer and death (WBUR).
- He exhibits insecurity, jealousy, and impulsive behavior throughout the series (Collider).
- Some fans argue he struggles with low self-esteem and abandonment issues, rooted in his family dynamics.
How does his mother’s illness affect him?
- Susannah’s terminal cancer diagnosis casts a shadow over Jeremiah’s actions. His protective and sometimes reckless behavior is often linked to her illness (WBUR).
Jeremiah’s suffering is a key reason some viewers excuse his flaws. Understanding his backstory shifts the conversation from simple character hate to a more nuanced discussion about grief and mental health.
The catch: While his pain is real, his behavior still alienates a large portion of the audience, creating a split between those who empathize and those who condemn.
Will Belly marry Conrad or Jeremiah?
Who does Belly end up with in the books?
- In the book series, Belly eventually marries Conrad (The Hollywood Reporter).
- However, the TV show has made significant changes to the source material (E! Online).
What happens in Season 3?
- Season 3 ended on an ambiguous note, leaving fans uncertain whether Belly chooses Conrad or Jeremiah (E! Online).
- Creator Jenny Han has discussed planning a Belly-Conrad endgame in a 2025 interview (The Hollywood Reporter), but the adaptation may diverge.
Bottom line: The love triangle remains unresolved on screen. Book fans expect Conrad, but show changes keep Jeremiah in play. The final decision may not come until a potential Season 4 or movie.
Jeremiah vs. Conrad: Key differences
Three major contrasts set Jeremiah apart from his brother Conrad, and each one fuels a different side of the fan debate.
| Aspect | Jeremiah Fisher | Conrad Fisher |
|---|---|---|
| Personality | Outgoing, charming, impulsive (Collider) | Brooding, introspective, guarded |
| Relationship with Belly | Childhood best friend turned romantic interest | First love, on-and-off partner |
| Fandom support | Team Jeremiah – values loyalty and fun | Team Conrad – values depth and destiny |
The trade-off: Choosing Jeremiah means a warmer, more present partner, while Conrad offers a intense, sometimes volatile connection. The show leans on this dichotomy to keep fans invested.
Timeline signal
- September 2, 1999: Gavin Casalegno born in Dallas, Texas (The New York Times)
- 2016: Casalegno appears in The Vampire Diaries (BuzzFeed)
- 2022: The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 1 premieres; Jeremiah Fisher introduced
- 2023: Season 2 released; Jeremiah kisses a boy (Felix) (IMDb)
- 2025: Season 3 released; Vogue article “Justice for Jeremiah Fisher” published (Variety)
The pattern: Each season escalates the controversy. From a simple love triangle to a broader conversation about fandom, bullying, and representation, Jeremiah Fisher’s story mirrors the show’s own growing pains.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Jeremiah Fisher is played by Gavin Casalegno (WBUR)
- Gavin Casalegno was born September 2, 1999 (The New York Times)
- Jeremiah kisses a boy in Season 2 (IMDb)
- Susannah Fisher dies of cancer (WBUR)
What’s unclear
- Whether the TV show will follow the books and have Belly marry Conrad (The Hollywood Reporter)
- Exact character arc in possible future seasons
- Whether Jeremiah is explicitly labeled as bisexual in the show (Collider)
Given the low research confidence and conflicting fan narratives, the line between confirmed plot points and speculation remains thin. The showrunners hold the cards for future seasons.
Key quotes on the controversy
“He knew he might be the internet’s most hated boyfriend.”
— The New York Times (national newspaper)
“Amazon warned fans to stop bullying cast members after insults and public death threats were directed at Gavin Casalegno.”
— Variety (entertainment trade magazine)
“The fandom is divided between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah.”
— WBUR (public radio network)
These voices illustrate the scope of the backlash: it’s not just online chatter; it’s a cultural flashpoint that has drawn in major media outlets.
reddit.com, cedars.cedarville.edu, thesummeriturnedpretty.fandom.com, nytimes.com, suomitausta.fi
Frequently asked questions
Is Jeremiah Fisher a main character?
Yes, Jeremiah Fisher is one of the three central characters in The Summer I Turned Pretty, alongside Belly and Conrad.
What is Jeremiah’s personality like?
He is outgoing, charming, and impulsive, but also shows insecurity and jealousy (Collider).
How many seasons is Jeremiah in?
Jeremiah appears in all three seasons of the show as of 2025.
Does Jeremiah have any siblings?
He has one older brother, Conrad Fisher.
What is Jeremiah’s relationship with Conrad?
The brothers have a complex relationship marked by rivalry, especially over Belly, but also deep family bonds.
What car does Jeremiah drive?
In the show, Jeremiah drives a Jeep Wrangler.
What is Jeremiah’s height?
The character is portrayed as around 5’11” (180 cm), reflecting the actor’s actual height.
What movies has Gavin Casalegno been in?
Notable film roles include Mean Girls (2024) and earlier TV work on The Vampire Diaries (BuzzFeed).
Related reading
For fans invested in the love triangle, the choice is clear: accept the complexities of the character arc, or risk letting online fandom overshadow the story. The final season — or a potential movie — will ultimately decide whether Jeremiah Fisher is remembered as a misunderstood romantic or a cautionary tale about fandom intensity.
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.