Wat-Not Staff
At the season 2 premiere of *Tell Me Lies*, held on September 4 in Santa Monica, California, stars Grace Van Patten and Jackson White not only reunited on-screen but also gave a glimpse into their off-screen relationship. The couple, who first met while filming season 1 of the Hulu original series in 2022, kept things low-key at the event but shared candid insights about working together as real-life partners. Van Patten described the experience as “trippy,” while White admitted feeling nervous at first before embracing the fun of playing their intense characters once again.
Van Patten on the Challenges and Excitement of Working with White
Van Patten revealed to PEOPLE that working alongside her real-life partner, White, in *Tell Me Lies* season 2 was a unique experience. She described it as “trippy” due to the deep personal connection they share outside of the show. Knowing each other so intimately, she admitted, added a layer of complexity to their on-screen chemistry. Despite this, the couple managed to balance their professional and personal lives effectively, bringing an authentic portrayal of their characters, Lucy and Stephen, to the screen.
For Van Patten, having White by her side made the transition back into their roles both challenging and rewarding. As they stepped into the second season, their relationship provided a deeper understanding of each other’s work process, which she believes helped to elevate their performances. Their off-screen romance undoubtedly influenced their dynamic, but it was clear that both actors remained committed to telling their characters’ stories with intensity and depth.
White on the Difficult Transition Back into Character
White shared that the break between filming seasons 1 and 2 felt strange, almost as if he had “put these people away for a while.” He confessed that stepping back into Stephen’s shoes wasn’t easy. The first few days were filled with nerves and self-doubt, with White recalling how the presence of the camera left him feeling disoriented. However, as the days passed, he regained his confidence and embraced the role once again, rediscovering the complexities of Stephen’s intense personality.
Reflecting on the filming experience, White also noted the sense of familiarity that eventually set in. By the end of the first week, the initial jitters faded, and he was fully immersed in his character. The process became more enjoyable as he reconnected with Stephen’s intensity, finding a renewed sense of fun in embodying such a serious and emotionally charged role.
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