Grace Van Patten Had Concerns About Jackson White Joining “Tell Me Lies”
Even though Grace Van Patten found love with Jackson White while auditioning for Tell Me Lies, she admitted that she thought it might be “more complicated” to portray love interests on-screen while navigating an offscreen romance.
At 28, Van Patten shared rare insights about her relationship with White, 29, which began just before he was cast in the popular Hulu series. She told Elle on Tuesday, August 19, “We were unsure whether it would be more complicated if he got the role or didn’t. But honestly, we didn’t care. We just couldn’t resist.”
The actress has since warmed up to the idea of working alongside her boyfriend, particularly when it comes to the more intense scenes in Tell Me Lies.
“That’s the best part about all of this. With a role as complex as this and during these kinds of scenes, you really have to dig deep,” Van Patten explained. “They’re emotionally charged and intimate. To experience that with someone you trust so well makes it an entirely different situation compared to doing it with someone unfamiliar.”
She added: “With us, there’s no barrier. We’re fully open to each other because that’s just how we are.”
White and Van Patten met while auditioning for their roles as college students Lucy and Stephen in Hulu’s adaptation of Carola Lovering’s novel. Tell Me Lies, which premiered in 2022, explores the toxic relationship of a fictional couple and its impact on those around them.
During promotional activities for the project, White and Van Patten played coy regarding their relationship.
“All I’ll say is that I’m obsessed with her because she’s absolutely incredible. Our lives are so intertwined; it’s wild, we have so much to accomplish together,” White remarked on an episode of the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast in October 2022.
“She is the coolest, most grounded person you’ll ever meet in real life. She led our show with such fearlessness. At just 25, she manages the set like a pro who’s been doing this for three decades. She is remarkable at what she does,” he further praised.
Patten enjoyed teasing fans about her relationship with White as well.
“Fans should embrace the mystery and keep it fun. Who knows?” she told Entertainment Tonight in November 2022. “[The speculation] doesn’t bother me at all. It’s entertaining. It’s just another engaging discussion about the show, and I find it hilarious. I love it.”
The couple has subtly confirmed their relationship by attending events together. White even showed his support for Van Patten at a recent red carpet premiere for her new Hulu series, The Twisted Life of Amanda Knox.
Tell Me Lies is currently in production for season 3, and previous seasons can be streamed on Hulu.
