The Untold Story: 5 Surprising Facts About Chris Briney's Long-Term Girlfriend, Isabel Machado

For fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the on-screen love life of Chris Briney's character, Conrad Fisher, is a constant source of speculation, but in real life, the actor's heart has been taken for years. As of December 2025, Chris Briney is not single; he is in a steady, long-term relationship with actress and fellow Pace University graduate, Isabel Rose Machado. Their romance is a quiet, supportive partnership that began long before Briney became a global heartthrob, offering a refreshing contrast to the turbulent love triangles of Cousins Beach.

This deep dive reveals everything you need to know about the woman behind the star, Isabel Machado, and the private timeline of their enduring relationship. From their college days in New York to their respective burgeoning careers in Hollywood, their story is a testament to building a genuine connection away from the glare of the celebrity spotlight. We've compiled the most recent and detailed information to give you the full picture of this low-key, powerful couple.

Christopher Briney & Isabel Machado: A Complete Biography Profile

Before diving into the details of their relationship, it is essential to establish the background of both actors who form this private power couple.

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Christopher Briney: The Star Behind Conrad Fisher

• Full Name: Christopher Thomas Briney
• Date of Birth: March 24, 1998
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 27 years old
• Birthplace: Danbury, Connecticut, USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Waterbury Arts Magnet School; BFA in Acting for Film, TV, Voice-Overs, and Commercials from Pace University (Class of 2020)
• Breakthrough Role: Conrad Fisher in the Amazon Prime Video series, The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–present)
• Other Notable Roles: The film Dalíland (2022) as James.
• Career Path: Briney's passion for acting began after taking a class at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School. He moved to New York City to hone his craft at Pace University, where he met his future girlfriend.

Isabel Rose Machado: The Actress & Partner

• Full Name: Isabel Rose Machado
• Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA (Moved to New York for university)
• Education: BFA in Acting for Film, Television, Voiceover, and Commercials from Pace University (Class of 2020)
• Career: Actress with a background in theatre, film, and commercial work. She is a triple-threat performer.
• Notable Projects: Film roles include AkronBecca (Supporting) and Correspondences (2016). She has also been involved in theatre productions like What If We Never Fell Apart and various musical showcases.
• Relationship Status: Long-term girlfriend of Christopher Briney.

The Relationship Timeline: From College Friends to Long-Term Romance

Chris Briney and Isabel Machado’s relationship is not a whirlwind Hollywood fling; it is a grounded, long-term romance built on a foundation of years of friendship and shared experiences. Their story began in an environment that is far removed from the glitz of red carpets: a university acting program.

Meeting at Pace University (2016)

The couple first crossed paths while studying for their Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Acting at Pace University in New York City. They were part of the same graduating class of 2020, sharing the intensity and camaraderie of a rigorous acting program. This shared educational experience is a key entity in their relationship, providing them with a deep, mutual understanding of the industry's challenges and triumphs. They started as close friends and classmates, supporting each other's artistic endeavors long before any romantic connection began.

The Transition to Dating (2021)

While they met in 2016, the pair officially transitioned from friends to a romantic couple in June 2021. This timing is significant because it coincided with the beginning of Chris Briney's rise to fame. The casting for The Summer I Turned Pretty was underway, and the series premiered in 2022, meaning their relationship was already established and solid before his career exploded. This pre-fame foundation is often cited as the secret to their stability.

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Public Confirmation and Private Support

The couple has kept their relationship largely out of the public eye, only occasionally sharing glimpses on social media. They made their red carpet debut in 2022 at the premiere of Dalíland, one of Briney's early film projects. Isabel Machado is frequently seen supporting Chris at his professional events, including the premiere of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2. This quiet, consistent support is a hallmark of their bond, proving that their connection is rooted in their personal lives, not just their public personas.

5 Surprising Facts About Isabel Machado, Chris Briney’s Real-Life Love

While Chris Briney is famous for his role as the brooding Conrad Fisher, Isabel Machado is a talented actress in her own right. Here are five key facts that highlight her unique background and career.

1. She is a "Triple Threat" Performer

Isabel Machado is often described as a triple threat in the performing arts world. Her BFA degree from Pace University covered acting for film, television, voice-overs, and commercials, but her talents extend to music and singing. She has been involved in cabaret and other musical theatre productions, showcasing her versatility as an artist. This shared passion for performance is a strong connecting factor between her and Briney.

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2. They Graduated Together During the Pandemic

Both Chris and Isabel are members of the Pace University Class of 2020, a cohort whose final year was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Navigating the end of their education and the beginning of their professional careers during such a tumultuous time likely strengthened their bond. They entered the professional acting world simultaneously, giving them a mutual understanding of the challenges of post-graduate life.

3. Isabel is a Chicago Native

While there has been some conflicting information regarding her birthplace, the most consistently cited and verifiable source, including her professional profile, indicates that Isabel Rose Machado is originally from Chicago, Illinois. She moved to New York specifically to pursue her acting degree at Pace University, demonstrating her commitment to her craft.

4. She Has Film and Theatre Credits

Isabel's professional portfolio includes more than just college productions. She has secured roles in independent films such as AkronBecca, where she played a supporting role, and the 2016 project Correspondences. Her career began in theatre, but her training was deliberately broad, preparing her for the diverse opportunities available in the entertainment industry.

5. She is the Target of Unfair Fan Scrutiny

Unfortunately, as a celebrity partner, Isabel has faced unwarranted negativity from a small segment of the *The Summer I Turned Pretty* fanbase, particularly those who strongly ship Chris Briney with his on-screen co-star, Lola Tung (Belly Conklin). This phenomenon of "shipping" actors and partners is common in fandom culture, but Briney has publicly defended his relationship and his girlfriend, emphasizing that their real-life connection is separate from his fictional role. This situation highlights the pressure on partners of rising stars, and their ability to navigate it together speaks volumes about their relationship's strength.

The Secret to Their Stability: Topical Authority and Shared Values

The long-term success of Chris Briney and Isabel Machado's relationship can be attributed to several factors that provide a strong topical authority on stable celebrity relationships.

A Foundation of Friendship and Shared Education

The fact that their romance evolved from a five-year friendship is their biggest asset. They knew each other's personalities, ambitions, and flaws long before the pressures of fame entered the picture. Graduating from the same BFA program also means they share a crucial professional language and understanding. They are both actors, which allows them to genuinely support each other's career highs and lows.

Prioritizing Privacy

Unlike many young Hollywood couples, Briney and Machado have made a conscious decision to keep their relationship private. Their social media presence together is minimal, and they rarely discuss their personal life in interviews. This strategy helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and protect their bond from the intense public scrutiny that often plagues celebrity relationships.

Mutual Respect and Public Acknowledgment

Despite their desire for privacy, Chris Briney has always been open about the fact that he is in a committed relationship. He has spoken about Isabel with respect and affection, even joking that the secret to their long-lasting relationship is "not doing press." This lighthearted acknowledgment, coupled with their public appearances together, sends a clear message that their partnership is a priority, offering a stable anchor in the often chaotic world of a breakout star.

In conclusion, Chris Briney’s girlfriend, Isabel Machado, is far more than just "Conrad Fisher's girlfriend." She is a talented, dedicated actress and the supportive, long-term partner who has been by his side since their college days. Their enduring, private romance is a refreshing story of stability in a constantly changing industry, proving that sometimes, the real-life love story is even better than the one on screen.