Jackson White and Grace Van Patten, who portray the tumultuous couple Stephen and Lucy in Hulu’s popular series “Tell Me Lies,” have developed a real-life romance that adds an intriguing layer to their on-screen chemistry. The pair’s relationship began before filming for the series started, and they managed to keep it under wraps from their co-stars for a while, although that secrecy didn’t last long.
The couple initially met years before they were cast in “Tell Me Lies” at a birthday party, as White shared during an interview. Van Patten recalled that he was associated with a friend at the time. Their paths crossed again during a chemistry read for the series, where they began to forge a connection that would soon blossom into romance. Although White didn’t remember their first meeting, the chemistry read was pivotal, marking the moment when sparks began to fly, albeit cautiously at first.
During auditions, Van Patten was already cast in the role of Lucy, while White was a favorite for the part of Stephen. Their initial interaction revealed a professional admiration—Van Patten found him “so good” but also felt a bit frustrated, as she wasn’t sure they would have any rapport. However, meeting him in person changed everything, igniting a connection that led to their first date.
After a dinner with mutual friends following White’s project wrap-up, the two quickly realized they had feelings for each other. They spent hours contemplating the implications of their attraction, only for Van Patten to ultimately kiss White, marking a turning point in their relationship.
As filming commenced in early 2022, White and Van Patten were already dating, though they initially kept it a secret from their cast mates. Their relationship’s details became more public when they were spotted together and shared photos that hinted at their romance. Van Patten eventually embraced their connection, sharing a playful photo of them together that solidified their status as a couple.
Fast forward to recent times, Van Patten clarified in an interview that despite being in a committed relationship, they were not living together; she was residing alone in Los Angeles after moving there over two years ago.
“Tell Me Lies,” which features this captivating couple both on and off-screen, is set to return for its third season on January 13, 2025, continuing to draw in audiences with its mix of romance and drama. The story of White and Van Patten’s relationship mirrors the complexity portrayed in the series and offers fans a more personal insight into the lives of their favorite characters. Their journey serves as a reminder that real connections can indeed flourish in unexpected circumstances.