Christopher Briney is a rising star in the entertainment industry, best known for his role as Conrad Fisher in the hit series “The Summer I Turned Pretty”. But behind his success lies a personal tragedy that shaped his passion for acting. His mom, Kelly Briney, died of brain cancer in 2014, when he was only 16 years old.
Kelly Briney: A Talented and Loving Mother
Kelly Briney was a soprano singer, an actress, and a graphic designer. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and performed in opera, art songs, and theater across the country. She also worked as a legal and administrative assistant and document specialist for various publications, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She married Michael Briney, an actor and a teacher, in 1987, and they had two children, Christopher and Michelle.
Kelly was a loving and supportive mother who encouraged her children to pursue their dreams. She was especially proud of Christopher’s talent for music and acting, and often accompanied him to auditions and rehearsals. She also shared her love for literature and theater with him, and introduced him to many classic works and authors.
Kelly Briney’s Battle with Brain Cancer
Kelly Briney was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012, after experiencing headaches, seizures, and memory loss. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but the cancer was aggressive and incurable. She fought bravely for two years, never losing her optimism and faith. She passed away on May 10, 2014, surrounded by her family and friends.
Kelly’s death was a devastating blow for Christopher, who was very close to his mom. He struggled with grief, anger, and depression, and felt lost and hopeless. He said in an interview:
“It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through. I felt like I lost a part of myself, and I didn’t know how to cope. I was angry at the world, at God, at myself. I didn’t want to do anything, I didn’t want to live.”
How Christopher Briney Overcame His Grief and Pursued His Acting Career
Christopher Briney found solace and strength in his family, his friends, and his faith. He also found comfort and healing in his art. He realized that acting was not only his passion, but also his therapy. He said:
“Acting helped me deal with my emotions, and express what I was feeling. It also helped me connect with other people, and make them feel something too. It was a way of honoring my mom, and keeping her memory alive.”
Christopher Briney decided to pursue his acting career, and enrolled in the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He graduated in 2020, and landed his breakthrough role as Conrad Fisher in “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, a series based on the bestselling novels by Jenny Han. He received critical acclaim and fan admiration for his portrayal of the brooding and complex character, who also lost his mom to cancer.
Christopher Briney said that playing Conrad was both challenging and cathartic, as he had to relive his own trauma and grief on screen. He said:
“It was hard to go back to that place, and feel those emotions again. But it was also therapeutic, because I could channel them into my performance, and hopefully touch someone else who is going through the same thing. I think that’s what my mom would have wanted me to do.”
Christopher Briney has proven himself to be a versatile and talented actor, who can handle different genres and roles. He has also shown himself to be a resilient and courageous person, who can overcome adversity and achieve his goals. He credits his mom for inspiring him to follow his dreams, and to live his life with love and gratitude. He said:
“My mom was my biggest fan, my best friend, and my hero. She taught me so much, and gave me so much. She is always with me, in my heart and in my mind. I hope I can make her proud, and honor her legacy.”