You know that feeling when you're watching a show and you see a face that is so familiar it actually bothers you? That was basically the collective experience of millions of people tuning into the second season of HBO’s The White Lotus. We all saw that polite, slightly awkward Stanford grad trying to navigate his toxic family tree while wearing a collection of very sensible polo shirts.
Adam DiMarco is the guy who played Albie Di Grasso, and honestly, he nailed the "Nice Guy" trope so well it sparked a thousand think pieces.
It’s one thing to play a villain. It’s another thing entirely to play a guy who thinks he’s the hero but might actually just be a walking red flag in a bucket hat. DiMarco brought a weirdly specific, soft-spoken energy to Albie that made you want to root for him and roll your eyes at him at the same time.
From Disney Channel to Italian Aristocracy
If you recognized Adam DiMarco before he checked into the White Lotus resort in Sicily, you’ve probably spent some time on the more niche corners of Netflix or, weirdly enough, Disney Channel.
Before he was playing the sensitive son of Michael Imperioli, DiMarco was a bit of a staple in the teen and sci-fi world. He was in Radio Rebel back in 2012 (yes, he's the guy in the "Debby Ryan smirk" meme). He also starred in The Order on Netflix as Randall Carpio, a werewolf who was significantly less polite than Albie.
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It’s kinda funny to look at his trajectory. He went from:
- Playing the love interest in Disney movies.
- Getting his hands dirty in supernatural thrillers like The Magicians.
- Landing the role of Albie Di Grasso, which catapulted him into the "prestige TV" stratosphere.
He’s Canadian, by the way. Originally from Oakville, Ontario. He actually dropped out of a life sciences program at McMaster University because he realized he’d rather be acting than looking at petri dishes. Good call, Adam.
Why Adam DiMarco Was the Perfect Albie Di Grasso
The casting of the Di Grasso family was sort of a stroke of genius. You had F. Murray Abraham as the lecherous grandpa, Michael Imperioli as the sex-addicted dad, and then Adam DiMarco as the "enlightened" grandson.
Albie was supposed to be the palate cleanser. The guy who respected women. The one who hated his dad’s infidelities.
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But as the season went on, people started to realize that Albie’s "niceness" was its own kind of weapon. DiMarco played this with such a straight face that it was hard to tell if Albie was genuinely sweet or just incredibly naive. That scene where he basically "buys" a girl’s freedom by guilt-tripping his dad for fifty thousand euros? Pure, uncomfortable gold.
Who played Albie Di Grasso wasn't just a question of finding a handsome actor. Mike White (the show's creator) needed someone who could look innocent enough to get scammed but entitled enough to think he was doing the scammer a favor.
The "Nice Guy" Debate
Online, the character became a total lightning rod.
- Some fans thought he was the only good person in the show.
- Others called him a "performative feminist."
- The phrase "wounded birds" became synonymous with his character's specific brand of savior complex.
Adam DiMarco has actually talked about this in interviews. He’s mentioned that he doesn't think Albie is "bad," but he definitely isn't the saint he pretends to be. He’s just a kid trying to be the opposite of his father and failing in his own unique, expensive way.
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What's Next for the Man Who Played Albie?
Since The White Lotus wrapped, DiMarco hasn't exactly been slowing down. He’s been popping up in more high-profile projects, including the comedy series Overcompensating and some upcoming A24 projects.
He also makes music under the name Good One. It’s sort of bedroom pop/indie stuff—very much the vibe you’d expect from a guy who played a sensitive Stanford grad.
If you're looking to dive deeper into his filmography, here's a quick roadmap:
- The Order (Netflix): If you want to see him as a chaotic werewolf.
- The Magicians (Syfy): He plays Todd. Everyone loves to hate Todd.
- Radio Rebel (Disney): For the pure nostalgia and to see where it all started.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you’re still thinking about that Season 2 finale and how Albie ended up, the best thing you can do is go back and re-watch his first few scenes with Portia (Haley Lu Richardson).
Knowing how the season ends, his "nice guy" speeches hit way differently the second time around. Look for the moments where he ignores what she actually wants in favor of what he thinks she should want. It's a masterclass in subtle character writing and a testament to why Adam DiMarco was the only one who could have pulled it off.
Keep an eye out for his name on movie posters in 2026. He's moved way past the "Disney kid" label and is now officially one of those actors who makes everything he's in just a little bit more interesting.