Gavin Casalegno Reveals How His Faith and Cross Necklace Helped Him Survive the Criticism of Playing Jeremiah in The Summer I Turned Pretty

Gavin Casalegno, the actor behind The Summer I Turned Pretty’s most controversial character, Jeremiah, has faced his fair share of online hate. As fans of the series know, Jeremiah is no stranger to criticism—his actions, including cheating and stirring up drama during key moments, have made him one of the most hated boyfriends in recent TV history. But what fans don’t realize is how much the constant barrage of online attacks has taken a toll on Casalegno’s mental health.

In an exclusive interview, Casalegno opened up about the struggles of playing a character so widely disliked. “I’m just playing a role, not living my own life,” he shared. But despite his efforts to distance himself from the character’s actions, the harassment from fans has been relentless. In fact, it’s gotten so overwhelming that Casalegno has stopped checking his Instagram altogether, preferring to avoid the negativity that often floods his feed.

But there’s one thing that keeps him grounded: his faith. While the online world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, Casalegno revealed that his faith has been his anchor, providing him with the strength to weather the storm of public opinion. One particular item has been instrumental in his emotional resilience: a small cross necklace that he wears daily.

“The cross is my anchor,” Casalegno explained. “Whenever things get tough, I just touch it, and it reminds me of where my strength comes from.” It’s a powerful symbol of his steadfast faith, something he believes has protected him amid the overwhelming pressure and public scrutiny he faces as a result of playing a character that fans love to hate.

Casalegno’s revelation serves as a reminder that the actors who bring our favorite characters to life are not immune to the impacts of public opinion. While fans are free to dislike a character, Casalegno emphasizes that harassing the actor is never the answer. “I get it, fans can hate the character, but I’m just doing my job. It’s important to remember that we’re human too,” he added.

For those who may have misunderstood the actor’s connection to Jeremiah, it’s worth noting that Casalegno has never let the character’s flaws define him. In fact, his ability to remain grounded and focus on his personal values has helped him navigate the challenges of being in the public eye.

As The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to leave viewers divided between Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah, it’s clear that Casalegno’s portrayal of the complex character is just that—complicated. But through it all, his unwavering faith and the small but meaningful cross necklace have given him the strength to keep going, no matter the hate thrown his way.

“I’m just playing a role,” he says, but it’s clear that the strength to carry on goes far beyond any role he could ever play.