If you’ve spent any time watching Tell Me Lies on Hulu, you’ve probably had that moment. You know the one. You’re looking at Stephen DeMarco—played by Jackson White—and thinking, "Wait, he looks so familiar. Who are his parents?"
The internet has a funny way of jumping to conclusions. Because of his name, a lot of people assume he’s the son of Jack White from The White Stripes. I mean, it makes sense, right? Both are artistic, both have that brooding energy. But that’s actually not the case at all. Jackson’s family tree is rooted deep in Hollywood royalty, but it’s a different branch entirely.
Honestly, the reality is way more interesting than the rumors. Jackson White is the son of Katey Sagal and the late Jack White (the legendary drummer, not the "Seven Nation Army" guy). Growing up with a mom who played Peggy Bundy and a dad who drummed for Tina Turner is a wild way to start life.
The Mom: Katey Sagal Is More Than Just a Sitcom Star
We all know Katey Sagal. Whether you grew up watching her in Married... with Children or you’re a die-hard Sons of Anarchy fan who still hasn't recovered from what Gemma Teller Morrow did with that carving fork, she’s an icon.
But for Jackson, she was just Mom. A mom who, funnily enough, didn't actually want him to be an actor at first.
She wasn't being mean. She just knew the industry. Katey reportedly told Jackson to finish high school and at least try college before jumping into the "family business." She wanted him to have a foundation. Jackson actually did listen for a bit—he went to USC for music—but the acting bug is a persistent little thing.
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What's really cool is that they eventually worked together. In the first season of Tell Me Lies, Katey Sagal actually played Jackson’s on-screen mother, Nora. Jackson has talked about how "insane" and "perfect" that casting was. They had to be super tense and passive-aggressive with each other on camera, which is basically the opposite of their real relationship. Imagine having to look at your actual mom and play a character who kind of hates her. Talk about a weird day at the office.
The Dad: Remembering "Big Jack White"
This is where the confusion usually starts. Jackson’s father, Jack White, was a powerhouse in the music world. He wasn't the guy from the White Stripes, but he was a massive deal in his own right.
He was a drummer. Not just any drummer—we’re talking about the guy who provided the backbeat for Rick Springfield and Tina Turner. He was 6'4", wore denim shirts, and apparently loved a good Starbucks muffin.
Sadly, Jack White passed away in July 2024 at the age of 70. Jackson posted a really moving tribute on Instagram when it happened. He called his dad "the funniest person" he and his sister Sarah knew. He didn't sugarcoat it, either. He mentioned they had their "ups and downs," which feels very human.
The music connection is huge for Jackson. Before he was an actor, he was 100% focused on being a musician. His dad's house was basically a shrine to sound—recording studios, B3 keyboards, and drums everywhere. Even though Jackson eventually pivoted to acting, you can still see that "rockstar" edge in his performances. He literally wears his dad's shoes (not a metaphor, he actually kept his shoes).
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A Dynasty of Performers
It's not just the parents, though. Jackson is surrounded by talent.
- Sarah Grace White: His older sister. She’s an actor and musician too.
- Kurt Sutter: His stepfather. The creator of Sons of Anarchy.
- Boris Sagal: His grandfather. A famous director (he directed The Omega Man).
Jackson has admitted that he was "fed up" with the acting world for a while before he landed his breakout roles. He went through what he called a "dark period" where he was getting sober and trying to figure out if he even wanted to be in this industry.
It’s easy to look at "nepo babies" and think they have it easy. But when your parents are that talented, there's a different kind of pressure. You’re not just trying to get a job; you’re trying to live up to a legacy.
What You Should Know If You’re Following His Career
If you’re a fan of Jackson White, understanding his background explains a lot about his "vibe." He has that gritty, Nashville-meets-LA energy that comes from being raised by a rockstar and a TV legend.
Key Takeaways:
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- Stop the Jack White (White Stripes) rumors. His dad was a famous drummer, but not that one.
- Music was the first love. If he seems like he knows his way around a guitar or a kit, it's because he grew up in a studio.
- He’s a survivor. He’s been very open about his journey to sobriety and the mental toll of the industry.
- Watch his work with Katey. If you haven't seen them together in Tell Me Lies, go back and watch the chemistry. It’s fascinating knowing they’re related.
Jackson isn't just "Katey Sagal's son" anymore. He’s carving out a very specific, very intense niche for himself. Whether he’s playing a manipulative college student or a guy in a horror flick like Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, he brings a level of authenticity that you can’t really fake. It’s in the blood.
If you're looking to dive deeper into his filmography, start with Mrs. Fletcher on HBO. It’s where a lot of people first noticed he had that "it" factor. From there, Tell Me Lies is the natural next step. You’ll see exactly why the industry—and his parents—eventually realized he was meant for the screen.
Keep an eye on his upcoming projects in 2026; with the foundations his parents built and his own raw talent, he's staying power personified.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Jackson's musical releases on streaming platforms to hear the influence of his father, Jack White.
- Watch Tell Me Lies Season 1 on Hulu specifically to see the mother-son dynamic between him and Katey Sagal.
- Follow his social media for updates on his sobriety journey and his tributes to his father's musical legacy.