Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, the captivating duo from Hulu’s Tell Me Lies, recently set the red carpet ablaze at the Academy Museum Gala, further solidifying their real-life romance which blossomed from their on-screen chemistry, a journey Van Patten candidly shared on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala was abuzz with A-list glamour, but few couples commanded as much attention as Grace Van Patten and Jackson White. The stars of Hulu’s hit drama Tell Me Lies arrived hand-in-hand, showcasing not only their undeniable style but also their deep real-life connection, which has captivated fans since their on-screen debut. Their appearance provided a dazzling chapter in a love story that began with a memorable audition and deepened through intense dramatic performances.
Van Patten, 28, and White, 29, chose all-black ensembles for the prestigious event. White looked dashing in a classic tux, while Van Patten made a bold statement in a sheer, off-the-shoulder gown worn without a bra, accentuating her figure. Her ensemble was completed with a black choker and a gold chain, paired with a smoky eye and rose-colored lip, as reported by US Magazine. This daring fashion choice underscored Van Patten’s long-standing interest in experimenting with style, a passion she previously shared with Fashionista in 2021.
From Initial Dislike to Undeniable Chemistry: The “Tell Me Lies” Origin
Their real-life romance is a narrative as compelling as their on-screen one. Van Patten recently offered a candid glimpse into their origin story during an October 1 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast. She humorously admitted to an initial dislike for White during their Zoom chemistry read for Tell Me Lies.
“I didn’t like Jackson. We talk about this all the time,” Van Patten recalled. She confessed to perceiving him as a “serious, like, actor-y actor” and initially rolling her eyes. However, she recognized his talent and suitability for the role of Stephen DeMarco, her character Lucy Albright’s love interest. This early dynamic of resistance and undeniable professional respect set the stage for their personal connection.
The shift occurred when they met in person. White later admitted to being nervous during the Zoom call, which Van Patten described as a “completely different energy” in person. That pivotal evening, after a cast dinner, the two sat on a stoop for hours, acknowledging their mutual crush and debating all the reasons not to act on it. “Then, I kissed him,” Van Patten concluded, marking the beginning of their romantic journey, as detailed on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
A Relationship Forged in Fiction: The “Tell Me Lies” Effect
Their on-screen dynamic as the tumultuous Lucy and Stephen on Tell Me Lies quickly became a talking point, with fans noting their intense chemistry. This translated into a real-life partnership, making their intimate scenes “so much easier” to film, according to Van Patten. She explained that the comfort and safety of working with her real-life boyfriend alleviated much of the awkwardness often associated with such scenes, a sentiment she also shared with E! News.
Jackson White’s mother, actress Katey Sagal, confirmed their relationship timeline in January 2024 on Rachel Bilson’s Broad Ideas podcast, revealing they had been dating for two years, essentially since their audition. She praised their chemistry, which was evident from the start.
Key Milestones in Their Romance: A Timeline
The couple’s journey from co-stars to a publicly adored duo has been marked by several significant moments:
- September 2022: Tell Me Lies premieres, and the pair make their first red carpet appearance together at a screening event. Fans immediately sense their chemistry.
- October 2022: They attend fashion events like the Ralph Lauren spring/summer 2023 show and the Giambattista Valli dinner, sparking dating rumors. Van Patten tells E!’s The Rundown that White is her “biggest crush ever.” White, in turn, shares his obsession with Van Patten on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast.
- November 2022: The couple makes their official red carpet debut at the 2022 CFDA Awards in New York, cementing their status as a couple.
- January 2023: They share a sweet mirror selfie with a dog, giving fans a glimpse into their shared life.
- February 2023: The couple playfully jokes about getting married in matching Waffle House hoodies, further endearing themselves to fans.
- March 2023: Van Patten publicly wishes White a happy birthday on Instagram Stories, and later posts a photo of him with the caption, “Fix me.”
- August 2024: Both actors open up about the unique experience of filming season two of Tell Me Lies while in a real-life relationship. Van Patten tells Only Natural Diamonds she felt “so safe and comfortable” working with him. They also attend the US Open together.
- September 2024: Speaking to People, Van Patten and White emphasize that their real-life dynamic is “wildly different” from their intense on-screen characters, clarifying that their comfortable relationship helps them explore the challenging roles more freely.
- August 2025: White supports Van Patten at the premiere of The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, posing with her family and expressing his happiness to Entertainment Tonight.
Anticipation for the Future of “Tell Me Lies” and Beyond
As fans eagerly await the highly anticipated third season of Tell Me Lies, Van Patten has teased that it promises to be the “messiest yet.” She exclusively told US Weekly in September, “I think it’s the messiest yet and it truly feels like the peak of all these characters’ worst decisions. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on.”
The real-life romance between Grace Van Patten and Jackson White adds another layer of intrigue and connection for their dedicated fan base. Their ability to navigate a challenging on-screen relationship while nurturing a strong, supportive one off-screen continues to fascinate and endear them to audiences, making their public appearances, like the recent Academy Museum Gala, highly anticipated events.
