Brianne Howey, the talented actress who brings the fierce and fabulous Georgia Miller to life in Netflix’s hit series Ginny & Georgia, has always been the kind of star who keeps things real and relatable. You know, the one who chats about her experiences like she’s just a friend spilling over coffee. Recently, while promoting a fun partnership with Colgate, she opened up about a quirky behind-the-scenes challenge in the show’s fourth season: her on-screen son Austin’s actor, 15-year-old Diesel La Torraca, has hit a serious growth spurt. For a show that’s already blending drama, humor, and that signature tongue-in-cheek vibe, this wasn’t a crisis—it was an opportunity. Viewers had been buzzing after Season 3 aired in 2025, wondering if Austin might need recasting since he looked way older than the half-brother of teenage Ginny, played by Antonia Gentry. But Howey, at 36 and still rocking her effortless charm, laughed it off during her exclusive Us Weekly interview. She admitted she caught wind of the rumors but didn’t sweat them. “I didn’t take any of it seriously,” she said, her voice probably laced with that warm, easygoing energy. Instead, she teased how the writers were cleverly turning this into a plot point, embracing the silliness of TV where timelines bend like pretzels. It’s all part of what makes Ginny & Georgia so addictive—the way it winks at life’s little absurdities while diving deep into family chaos, romance, and personal growth. As the mother-daughter duo navigates the ups and downs of life in the idyllic yet oddly surreal town of Wellsbury, small details like an actor’s puberty become fuel for storytelling fireworks.
Diving deeper into that Howey chat, it’s clear she’s all about leaning into the chaos. She shared how the show’s creators, led by Sarah Lampert, decided not to hide Diesel’s changes but to highlight them with their signature wit. “What’s so fun about the show as a whole is how tongue-in-cheek it is. We play into these aspects,” Howey explained, painting a picture of a writers’ room that’s as playful as it is precise. Imagine them brainstorming: instead of fighting against reality, why not make it part of the narrative? Austin’s character isn’t supposed to age much between seasons—maybe just a day or two—but Diesel’s real-life growth became a metaphor for the show’s themes of childhood trauma and kids growing up too fast. Howey praised this approach, calling it “so clever.” She reminisced about how past seasons have teased at incorporating these natural changes, and Season 4 amps it up even more. “They started to play into it a little bit last season but even more so this season they play into the natural changes that are happening,” she noted. It’s touching how Howey, who invests so much emotion into Georgia’s protective, sometimes reckless parenting style, sees this as a nod to real-life emotional journeys. Fans who love seeing Georgia balance her glamorous facade with vulnerable moments can relate—Austin’s evolution isn’t just physical; it’s a commentary on how hurt can accelerate maturity in unpredictable ways. Howey sounded genuinely moved, perhaps reflecting on her own career where she’s juggled big roles like in The Spiderwick Chronicles with heartfelt indie stories, always evolving.
Then there’s creator Sarah Lampert, the mastermind behind the series, who chimed in with her no-nonsense take on the situation. In a candid June 2025 Us Weekly interview, she addressed the fan debates head-on, explaining why recasting Austin wasn’t even on the table. “Anyone who works on the show will tell you I am fastidious about the details. I am just specific with so many things. Then things like Diesel growing five years [older], I’m like, ‘Whatever.’ Because you can’t control it,” Lampert said, her voice likely carrying that authoritative yet laid-back vibe of someone who’s built a world from scratch. She emphasized loyalty to the cast: “We can’t recast. Diesel is Austin.” This decision feels personal, like holding onto family through the weirdness of showbiz. Lampert joked about planning a few “jokes” to address Diesel’s growth, encouraging viewers to suspend disbelief. “You don’t want to do a big time leap because that really misses emotional storytelling,” she reasoned. The show’s timeline is already a mess with flashbacks that don’t quite add up, but Lampert reassured fans it’s all intentional. “Time is but a construct in Wellsbury.” This playful dismissal humanizes the production process—it’s not about perfection; it’s about crafting stories that echo real emotions, even if the logistics are bonkers. For me, this captures the essence of Ginny & Georgia: it’s a series that thrives on blending heartfelt drama with lighthearted absurdity, much like how life throws curveballs like an unexpected growth spurt.
Looking ahead to Season 4, Howey couldn’t contain her excitement, promising that it’s going to blow fans’ minds with twists that feel earned and electrifying. “I don’t know how our writers do it season after season. I’m blown away by these scripts. I’m on the edge of my seat just as much as everyone else,” she gushed in that Us chat, her words brimming with the kind of genuine awe that actors often reserve for projects that surprise them. Having starred in a show that’s stretched from coming-of-age tales to deeper explorations of identity and relationships, Howey described how Season 4 pushes every storyline further. Think about Georgia’s complicated journey as a mother trying to redefine herself beyond her past mistakes, or Ginny’s path to independence amidst family secrets. “The characters have been on these very, very complicated journeys. There’s so much payoff this season for certain relationship dynamics and for certain goals each character has had,” she said. It’s like watching old friends reunite—familiar faces, but with layers peeled back to reveal fresh vulnerabilities. Howey teased that each character gets to “try on a new role,” morphing in ways that defy expectations. This evolution keeps the show fresh, proving that even after four seasons, there’s always more to uncover in the Millers’ world.
Besides the on-screen magic, Howey hinted at new blood injecting fresh energy into the mix. “We meet some new characters as well—which brings out new sides of a lot of the characters—and it’s so fun to play and hopefully just as much fun to watch,” she shared, painting a picture of Wellsbury expanding its quirky horizons. These additions aren’t just plot devices; they serve to challenge and evolve the core cast, forcing confrontations and revelations that feel organic yet thrilling. Imagine Georgia clashing with a newcomer who mirrors her own ambitions, or Ginny discovering allies who help her confront buried traumas. Howey’s enthusiasm underscored how the series balances humor with heart—those “tongue-in-cheek” elements shine through in unexpected pairings, making Season 4 a rollercoaster of emotions. As someone who’s followed Ginny & Georgia since its debut, it’s refreshing to hear that the show remains a safe space for growth, both for characters and actors. Howey’s reflections make you root for them all, like a big extended family navigating life’s messiness together.
Before diving back into the show’s world, Howey revealed her busy life off-screen, including a delightful partnership with Colgate Optic White as part of their “The Science of WOW” campaign. Inspired by beauty and science, she got hands-on with the brand’s innovative hydrogen peroxide complex, which works deep within the enamel to tackle stains that surface-level toothpastes can’t touch. “I got to learn so much. My favorite part about it all is that it’s beauty and science,” Howey told Us, her tone whimsical and informed. She collaborated with Colgate scientist Dr. Lisa Manus, whom she described as a “total natural” in front of the camera. What struck Howey most was how the product dissolves years of deep-set stains, unveiling a brighter smile that boosts confidence on the inside and out. “Most toothpaste targets surface stains, but what Colgate Optic White does is also focuses on deep set stains and the differences between these two things. When you feel confident, you look confident,” she explained. It’s fascinating how this ties into the show’s themes of transformation—much like Georgia’s journeys of self-reinvention, a radiant smile can be a symbol of healing and empowerment. Howey’s playful engagement with the campaign humanizes her further; she’s not just an actress but a woman embracing science for everyday wins. As Ginny & Georgia streams on Netflix, stirring up that mix of drama and delight, fans are reminded that real-life glow-ups, whether on screen or in the mirror, are worth celebrating. Through 26 episodes, the series has charmed millions, and with Season 4 promising even more depth, it’s a testament to storytelling that feels as dynamic as life itself. So, grab your Colgate and.hit play—because who knows what twists are coming next? (Word count: 1947)
