Jana Kramer Ponders Whether Allan Russell Would Back Her in a White Lotus Role
Jana Kramer feels confident that her husband Allan Russell would support her in filming a steamy scene if it were for the popular Max series The White Lotus.
“There are some very sexual scenes in that show though. I think those are some of the roles that really make an impact,” the 41-year-old actress mentioned on the Tuesday, April 15, episode of her “Whine Down” podcast. “And that’s when we discuss how this presents a major opportunity, and if it means I have to get naked, I’ll do it for this one.”
Russell, 44, was present for the podcast and offered his thoughts on the hypothetical scenario. He inquired whether that would mean being “totally naked.” Kramer admitted she was uncertain but didn’t believe that would be the case.
“Honestly, they’re showcasing people’s d***s left and right in that show, and I’m like, ‘For what reason? Why?’ I just don’t see the necessity,” she remarked. “However, I did find it funny when Steve Zahn’s character did it … When it’s part of a comedic moment, I think that’s humorous to just show a penis.”
Last year, Kramer and Russell attracted attention when they openly discussed his comfort level with her performing intimate scenes for her work.
“I told her, ‘There’s not a part of me that will ever, ever allow that, ever, for a man to be that close to you like that [on set],” Russell expressed during a December 2024 “Whine Down” podcast episode while discussing a sex scene from Yellowstone season 5.
When Kramer questioned if he would make an exception for her if a project like Yellowstone came along, Russell stood firm.
“I’d be calling the producers, threatening them like, ‘You need to change that scene. For your own well-being, you need to alter this scene,’” he said, adding that from his outsider perspective — as someone not in the entertainment industry — he doesn’t believe that filming sex scenes is “healthy for any relationship.”
He continued: “That type of role isn’t good for a marriage, especially for a man who isn’t part of the acting world. It’s challenging. This is just my view based on the fact that I’m not in that arena.”
After his strong opinions gained media attention, he made it clear that any decision would need to be a joint discussion between them.
“If the opportunity is good for your career, then it’s definitely a discussion we need to have as a couple,” he said in a subsequent podcast episode in December 2024. “And listen, if you believe it’s beneficial for your career, I’m not going to hold you back from pursuing something. You know that.”
Kramer brought up the topic with Russell again, asking if he thought it would be “worth a conversation” if she received the offer.
“I’m always open to having conversations about most things,” Russell responded. “How quickly I shut it down is another matter.”
While Russell did not elaborate further on his stance regarding a potential nude scene for a role in The White Lotus, Kramer shared her thoughts on how she envisioned their discussion would unfold.
“I don’t think you would shut this down,” she stated. “I believe this would be one of those roles where, while you might not like it, you’d be incredibly proud of me.”
Russell agreed, admitting that he recognizes how “dedicated” Kramer is to her craft. He joked that if she starred in The White Lotus, they ought to cast a Scottish guy as well. (Russell is a former professional soccer player from Scotland.)
