IN CONVERSATION WITH JACKSON WHITE

interview by MAREK BARTEK

Actor and musician Jackson White is the lead in Hulu’s series ‘Tell Me Lies’, which will premiere its second season on 4th September. Next up, he also has a pivotal role in 20th Century Studios’ upcoming film about ‘Bumble’ founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, which just started production.

jacket DOLCE & GABBANA
flannel R13
tank top DOLCE & GABBANA
trousers R13
boots R13
belt DIESEL
bracelet DAVID YURMAN

With ‘Tell Me Lies’ becoming such a breakout hit, how do you approach your character's complex dynamics, especially the one with the character of your co-star Grace Van Patten? What can fans expect from Season 2?

Working with Grace is so easy. We work off of each other so well and there’s space to be as intense as possible because we trust each other. The Stephen character is a hard balance. He’s always plotting. So, I just try to have as much fun as possible and let everyone else around me do their jobs.

With ‘Tell Me Lies’ being one of Hulu’s standout hits, what has been the most surprising or rewarding aspect of working on this series?

The people! The cast especially has all become really close. 

Your upcoming film, inspired by the story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, has been generating significant buzz. What attracted you to this project, and how was your experience working alongside Lily James?

Lily was great - she cared about the role a lot so it was cool to study her process. I love playing people that are thinking different things than they are saying. I’m really grateful I got to be a part of that one. 

sweater VERSACE
trousers DIESEL
boots R13
necklace DAVID YURMAN
bracelet DAVID YURMAN

You first gained recognition for your role alongside Kathryn Hahn in HBO’s 'Mrs. Fletcher’. How has your career evolved since then, and what have you learned from each of the roles you’ve taken on?

That’s a good question… I think I’ve learned how to be less heartbroken. I get really attached to roles I want to play, which can cause a lot of pain. I try and separate myself a little bit now. The first couple of projects I did I just tried to listen as best as I could. Now I get to say more. So I guess I’ve become a better talker? 

The connection between you and Grace Van Patten on ‘Tell Me Lies’ has captivated audiences. How do you build such palpable chemistry with your co-stars, and how does it affect your performance?

With Grace specifically, we were building the characters while we were building a personal relationship, which was beautiful. That first season was so special because there are so many moments of real anxiety and the early stages of love.

As someone who is making waves in both film and television, how do you decide on the roles you want to take? What factors influence your choice of projects?

I really focus on the writing. There's something special about reading a script and feeling that instant connection, knowing you can truly contribute to the story. Every now and then, you come across a role where everything just falls into place, and you know it’s meant for you.

jacket AMIRI
shirt DSquared2

You're not only an actor but also a talented musician and songwriter. How does your musical background influence your acting, and do you find that these two creative outlets complement each other?

They really do. I’m a drummer. That’s sort of how I approach everything; trying to find a rhythm. I find the work ethics similar, too. Practice until you get calluses, show up, let go of the results. That’s the idea, though sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. 

Looking ahead, what are some of your personal goals in the entertainment industry? Are there any specific types of roles or genres you’re eager to explore more deeply?

I write, as well. I want to write something I act in. Comedies make me feel better. So I want to do a lot of those.

jacket LANVIN
shirt LANVIN
trousers R13
necklace DAVID YURMAN

TEAM CREDITS:
talent JACKSON WHITE
photography BEN COPE AT MMG ARTISTS
styling MONTY JACKSON AT A-FRAME AGENCY
grooming ERICKA VERRETT AT A-FRAME AGENCY
location TERRAFORM LA
editor-in-chief TIMI LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK