Christopher Briney, who became an icon in the hearts of fans through his portrayal of Conrad in The Summer I Turned Pretty, grew a beard after the series wrapped up. Many have questioned the reason behind this change, but few know that this decision could be the result of the sacrifices Briney made for this emotionally charged role. He paid three major prices for his performance, and after all that effort, it seems that those sacrifices went unrewarded.

1. Low Pay Despite Fame

Though he became a rising star and The Summer I Turned Pretty brought Briney major attention, his pay per episode didn’t rise with his newfound fame. In season 1, it was reported that Briney earned around $10,000 per episode – not a large sum for a lead actor in a hit series. Even when his popularity exploded after the show aired, his pay remained relatively unchanged, forcing Briney to accept a salary that didn’t match the effort and dedication he put into the role.

2. Sacrificing His Mental Well-Being for the Role

One of the most emotionally intense scenes in The Summer I Turned Pretty was when Conrad expressed his deep sorrow and love for Belly. According to reports, Briney became so immersed in the role that during a particularly tense scene, he stayed in character even after the cameras stopped rolling. After filming had wrapped, Briney continued to maintain Conrad’s mindset, leaving his co-stars Lola Tung and Gavin Casalegno visibly shaken by his dedication. It’s clear that Briney made a significant mental sacrifice to fully embody the role, but these sacrifices seemed to go unappreciated.

3. Endurance and Discomfort on Set

One of the most challenging and uncomfortable scenes Briney faced was the moment when Conrad gently wiped peach juice from Belly’s face with his shirt. While the scene was tender and romantic, Briney had to endure something most fans never knew: during the shoot, a swarm of tiny flies flew into his mouth, causing him extreme discomfort and disgust. This is just one of the many challenges Briney faced while delivering emotional performances, yet it stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the role.

Could Conrad Really Die?

Recently, a shocking theory has gone viral online suggesting that Conrad might die in the upcoming season, which contradicts the book’s ending where Conrad survives and marries Belly. However, director Jenny Han has hinted that the show would take a different route. Some speculate that Conrad could inherit his mother Susanna’s cancer, ultimately losing his life without ever marrying Belly. If this happens, it wouldn’t just break the hearts of fans, but would also be a devastating blow to Briney, who has invested so much into this role.

The End of a Sacrifice

With all the sacrifices Briney has endured – from the low pay to his emotional immersion in the character and enduring physical discomfort – his decision to grow a beard after finishing The Summer I Turned Pretty may be his way of saying goodbye. Or perhaps, it’s a subtle form of protest against what he had to endure, as all his efforts seem to have gone unrecognized.

Christopher Briney’s sacrifice and dedication to the role of Conrad have left a lasting impact on fans, but will those efforts be truly rewarded? The answer may unfold in future seasons of The Summer I Turned Pretty, as the characters face difficult choices and unexpected outcomes.