Christopher Briney: The Rising Star on Prime Video’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
Background
Christopher Briney had auditioned for 70 different roles before landing his debut acting role in Mary Harron’s period drama “Dalíland,” which is in limited release now. Prior to acting, Briney had aspirations of becoming a pro baseball player, but he fell in love with film, which led him to audition for various roles and pursue a career in acting. Briney’s parents were actors in New York in the ’80s before moving to Connecticut to raise their family.
From “Dalíland” to “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
Director Mary Harron discovered Briney from acting-grad showreels and cast him in his feature film debut as James, an art-world neophyte in “Dalíland.” The film stars Ben Kingsley as Salvador Dalí, and Harron noted that Briney had both the smarts and maturity to hold his own against Kingsley’s Dalí. His role in “Dalíland” was a risky bet for Harron, as he was a new actor. Despite the pressure, Briney delivered a remarkable performance as James.
After completing filming for “Dalíland,” Briney landed the role of Conrad Fisher on Prime Video’s hit series “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” which premiered to critical acclaim and TikTok fervor last June. Briney, who plays the emotionally guarded Conrad, is entangled in a love triangle with the show’s teenage heroine, Isabel “Belly” Conklin (Lola Tung). The chemistry between Briney and Tung was vital to bringing the beloved characters to life.
The Challenges of Fame
Briney is still adjusting to his soaring fame, as he gained 1.8 million followers on Instagram, showcasing his work and intimate glimpses of his personal life. However, his grounded character remains loyal to his enduring passion for art cinema. Briney recently completed Paramount’s “Mean Girls” musical adaptation and is exploring new roles.
With the second season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” premiering on July 14, audiences will see Briney unlock new dimensions in his Conrad character. Briney’s ability to convey emotions with just a glance brings the beloved character to life, as he captures Conrad’s seriousness and is judicious about lighthearted moments, such as when he grants the audience a rare smile.
Advice
Briney’s success story highlights the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s passion. Despite facing numerous rejections, Briney continued to audition for different roles and never gave up on his dream. For those aspiring to break into the entertainment industry, Briney’s story teaches us to remain persistent and not be afraid to take risks. In addition, success should not let one forget their roots and the passion for what they love. Staying true to oneself, embracing new challenges, and pursuing one’s passion can lead to a fulfilling career in the entertainment industry.
<< photo by Asad Photo Maldives >>
