If you’ve spent any time watching Tell Me Lies on Hulu, you probably have a complicated relationship with Jackson White. He plays Stephen DeMarco so well—so manipulatively—that it’s hard not to let that bleed into how you see him in real life. But the truth about the Jackson White dating history is actually way more wholesome than the toxic, psychosexual chaos we see on screen.
He isn't a serial dater. At least, not in the way the tabloids usually like to paint young, rising stars in Hollywood.
Honestly, the most interesting thing about his romantic life is that it’s defined almost entirely by one person. While fans keep digging for a long list of exes or secret flings, the trail usually leads back to the same place. It's a "co-stars to lovers" story that actually worked.
The Grace Van Patten Era (2022–Present)
Basically, if you’re looking for the heart of his dating life, it’s Grace Van Patten. They met in 2022 during the casting process for Tell Me Lies. You’d think it was sparks and fireworks from the second they locked eyes, right?
Not exactly.
Grace has been super open about the fact that she kinda didn't like him at first. During a chemistry read on Zoom—back when everyone was still doing everything virtually—she thought he was a bit too "actor-y." She even told Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy that her first impression was basically, "Ugh, this guy."
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But things changed fast.
When they finally met in person, the energy shifted. They ended up sitting on a stoop after a group dinner for six hours just talking. They went through every single reason why they shouldn't date. You know, the classic "we're about to work together and this could get messy" talk.
And then she kissed him.
Keeping it Low-Key
For a long time, they played this game of "are they or aren't they?"
- September 2022: The show premieres. The chemistry is insane. People start talking.
- October 2022: Jackson goes on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast and admits he has a "huge crush" on her. He says their lives are "built in together."
- November 2022: They finally hard-launch at the CFDA Fashion Awards. Hand-holding. Photo booth strips with emojis covering the kisses. The whole deal.
They've been together ever since. Even now, in early 2026, as Tell Me Lies enters its third season, they are still going strong. It’s actually pretty rare for a Hollywood couple to survive four years of playing a couple that absolutely destroys each other on camera.
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Are There Any Secret Exes?
Before Grace, the Jackson White dating history is pretty much a blank slate. He wasn't a child star in the traditional sense, though he grew up in the industry.
His mom is Katey Sagal (yes, Peggy Bundy herself). His dad was the late Jack White, a musician. Growing up with famous parents usually means you're in the spotlight early, but Jackson seemed to stay under the radar until his breakout roles.
There were some rumblings about him and other young actors in the late 2010s, but nothing ever made it to the "confirmed" stage. He spent a lot of time focused on music before acting really took off. He studied music at USC, and usually, when you're buried in practice rooms and songwriting, you aren't exactly out making headlines with high-profile dates.
Why People Get Confused
People often mix him up with other "Jackson Whites" or assume he’s dated his other co-stars. When he was in Mrs. Fletcher, people wondered if there was anything there, but it was all just professional.
The biggest misconception?
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That he’s anything like Stephen DeMarco.
Grace has said repeatedly that in real life, Jackson is grounded, supportive, and "wildly different" from his character. He's the guy who supports her at her own premieres, like when he showed up for The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox in 2025.
Why This Relationship Actually Lasts
It’s the "same schedule" factor. Grace mentioned in a 2026 interview with NYLON that because they work on the same show, their lives are perfectly synced. When she’s stressed, he gets it. When he’s exhausted from a 14-hour day, she’s right there with him.
They don't flaunt it on Instagram constantly, which honestly might be the secret sauce. They treat it like a normal relationship that just happens to exist in a weird industry.
What to Watch for Next
If you're following Jackson's journey, here is how to keep up without falling for clickbait:
- Check the Source: If a headline says they broke up but they're still doing press for Season 3 together, it’s probably fake. They’ve been very consistent about their status.
- Watch the Red Carpets: They tend to make their "statements" through fashion and public appearances rather than long captions on social media.
- Separate Art from Reality: Don't let Stephen's gaslighting on the show trick you into thinking Jackson is a "red flag" IRL.
The most important takeaway from the Jackson White dating history is that it’s a short list because he’s a "quality over quantity" kind of guy. He found a good thing with Grace Van Patten and hasn't looked back.