Jackson White Says He Has a “Huge Crush” on “Tell Me Lies” Costar Grace Van Patten

Image Source: Getty / Michael Buckner

In our Q&A series POPSUGAR Crush, we get to know some of our favorite celebs’ more intimate details – from their ideal first date to their most romantic gesture. This month, we’re crushing on “Tell Me Lies” star Jackson White.

Season one of “Tell Me Lies” is truly a roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Based on Carola Lovering’s 2018 novel of the same name, the Hulu series centers on the toxic, all-consuming romance between Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White) and Lucy Albright (Grace Van Patten) over the course of eight years. However, things finally came to a head during Wednesday’s season finale when it was revealed that Stephen is engaged to Lucy’s childhood friend, Lydia (Natalee Linez), seven years after we last saw him leave Lucy at a college party for his ex-girlfriend Diana (Alicia Crowder). So, what happened in those years in between?

Like the rest of us, White was “shocked” and “had so many questions” when he first learned about his character’s fate. But it turns out, even he doesn’t know what went down between Stephen and Lucy. “I can’t fill in those holes, because that’s why we need a season two,” White tells POPSUGAR. “There’s seven years between those two time periods. So I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know. My guess is as good as yours.”

As of now, Hulu has yet to renew the show for a second season, but both White and Van Patten are game to return. “I would love to do even more work on those people,” White told us back in September, with Van Patten adding, “Season one ends in such a way where there’s so much to be filled in, and I would love to see what happens within those eight years, because as of now, it’s a mystery.”

All 10 episodes of “Tell Me Lies” are currently available to stream on Hulu. See what else White had to say about “Tell Me Lies,” dating, and his real-life crush on Van Patten ahead.

Are you Team Diana, Lucy, or Lydia?

Lucy [because] fire [and] passion.

“Tell Me Lies” is based on Carola Lovering’s 2018 novel – what is your all-time favorite book?

I’m not a great reader, I’ll be honest with you. I read “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” [by Milan Kundera] in high school for an English class, and it stuck with me a lot. And then I read a book called “The Good Hand” [by Michael Patrick F. Smith] recently, and that was great, too. Those are the first that come to mind. I don’t read as much as I should. That’s the truth.

What is your go-to coffee or tea order?

A black cold brew or a cappuccino with an extra shot.

What is your signature scent/go-to cologne?

I think it’s called Reuzel. I got it on Amazon. It’s an aftershave. Terrence, this guy in Atlanta who was doing hair grooming and stuff on the show, he put it on me after because Stephen has this crazy beard that never moves, and I’ve been using it ever since. I think it’s so good.

What is your most memorable fan encounter to date?

This girl swerved her Mercedes into the middle of the street and almost caused a massive traffic collision just to say, “F*ck you, Stephen.” That was cool. And then the other day, this woman was really excited about the show, and then she left and her husband was still at the table, and she was like, “Oh my God, I love the show. You guys are great. Thank you so much.” And she walked away, and then the husband was like, “Who are you?” [I was like,] “Oh, I’m on that show.” And he’s like, “Well, my wife loves it, so it must be a cooking show.” And I said, “No, it’s not a cooking show. It’s actually kind of the opposite.” And then he goes, “So it’s an eating show.” I said, “No, I guess that’s technically the opposite, but it’s a sort of a romance show.” He said, “Oh, I’ll never see it. I’ll never watch it.” That was funny.

What is your ideal first date?

I think it depends on the person. It’s important to find out what they’re into and then try to do something that you both will actually genuinely enjoy so that you get over the nerves by doing something activity based, go ice skating, watch an old weird movie, do something where you don’t have to just sit there and get to know each other. Just coexist and enjoy an activity together, because that’s being in a relationship anyway, is just being happy doing stuff together. And I think it’s a good tell.

What is your biggest turn-on/turnoff?

Passion-driven talent is the most attractive thing, like give a sh*t about something and give every sh*t about it. And then the most unattractive thing is someone trying to be interesting and not interested. I think that’s really clear and obvious behavior and kind of makes me uncomfortable when someone’s trying to give you their résumé instead of listening to what you have to say.

What is the most romantic thing you’ve ever done or that’s ever been done for you?

I got flown to Paris one time. And the most romantic thing I’ve ever done? I don’t know. I try and do that sh*t all the time – just little stuff. The way that I show love is through action. So I like to do things for someone, whatever it is, pick them up, drive them, handle this thing they have to do, help them with the thing, or I just like to help. I think that’s my love language.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Rachel McAdams.

Grace Van Patten recently said you were her crush IRL; would you say the same about her?

Yes, I have a huge crush on Grace.