Grace Van Patten Boyfriend: What Most People Get Wrong About Jackson White

If you’ve spent any time watching Tell Me Lies on Hulu, you probably have a visceral reaction to Stephen DeMarco. He’s the guy who makes your skin crawl while somehow keeping you glued to the screen. But here is the weirdest part: the man behind the villain, Jackson White, is actually Grace Van Patten's boyfriend in real life.

They aren't just a "maybe they are" couple. They are very much the real deal. In a town where relationships often feel like they were manufactured in a PR lab, these two have managed to build something that feels, well, normal. Even if their on-screen counterparts are the literal definition of a "red flag" parade.

Who is Grace Van Patten's Boyfriend?

Jackson White isn't just "the guy from the show." He’s a 29-year-old actor with some serious Hollywood DNA. His mom? That would be Katey Sagal. Yes, the legendary Peggy Bundy from Married... with Children and Gemma Teller from Sons of Anarchy. In fact, Katey actually played Jackson’s mom on the show during season one, which adds a whole other layer of "meta" to the production.

Jackson and Grace met back in 2022 during the audition process for Tell Me Lies. Interestingly, it wasn't exactly sparks and fireworks at first sight. Grace has been pretty honest about the fact that during their initial Zoom chemistry read, she didn't really "vibe" with him. She thought he was a bit too "actor-y."

But then they met in person.

The energy shifted instantly. Grace has described that second meeting as having a "completely different energy." They started dating before the first season even began filming, which means every ounce of that electric, albeit toxic, chemistry you see on screen is fueled by a very healthy real-world connection.

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The "Tell Me Lies" Effect: Separating Fiction from Reality

It’s gotta be weird. Imagine going to work and spent ten hours a day being psychologically manipulative or screaming at the person you’re going home with to watch Netflix. Grace and Jackson have talked about this quite a bit. They actually use the show as a weird form of "couples therapy."

Basically, they get all the toxic energy out on camera. They scream, they lie, they betray each other for the script, and then they leave it on the set.

• Trust is Key: Jackson has mentioned in interviews that the intimacy and the fights are easier because there is a foundation of safety. He knows she isn't actually mad. She knows he isn't actually a sociopath.
• The Schedule: Because they are on the same show, their lives are perfectly synced. When Grace is busy, Jackson is busy. When they have a hiatus, they travel together.
• Privacy: While they don't hide their relationship—they’ve walked plenty of red carpets, including the 2026 Season 3 premiere in NYC—they aren't "flaunting" it for clout. You won't see them doing those weird staged paparazzi walks every Tuesday.

Where They Stand in 2026

As of January 2026, the couple is still going strong. They recently made a rare public appearance in Manhattan to promote the third season of their show. Grace looked chic in a leather trench; Jackson looked dapper in a tie. They looked like a normal, happy couple, which is almost jarring if you’ve just binged the latest episodes.

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There have been rumors of engagement—because people love to rush things—but the couple hasn't confirmed anything. In a January 2026 interview with NYLON, Grace made it clear that they are just living their lives. She mentioned that even if they weren't on a hit show together, she wouldn't be the type to post "a million posts" about her boyfriend anyway.

Why Their Relationship Matters to Fans

People are obsessed with this pairing because it’s the ultimate "good ending" for a "bad story." In Tell Me Lies, Lucy and Stephen are a tragedy in slow motion. Knowing that Grace and Jackson are actually happy in real life provides a much-needed palate cleanser for the audience.

It’s also a testament to their acting. If you can convince the world you hate each other (or are obsessively destroying each other) while being secretly in love, you're doing something right.

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you're following the Grace Van Patten and Jackson White saga, here is how to keep up without falling for the "fake news" trap:

1. Watch the Body Language: If you want to see the real them, look for their "Co-Star Test" videos or behind-the-scenes interviews. You’ll notice Jackson is much softer and more attentive than his character Stephen ever could be.

2. Follow the Official Sources: Instead of gossip blogs, keep an eye on People or Vanity Fair interviews. Grace and Jackson tend to give their most honest updates during major press junkets, like the one that just happened for the 2026 season launch.

3. Respect the Boundary: Grace has been vocal about keeping some things for themselves. If they aren't posting it on Instagram, it’s probably because they want that moment to stay private.

The most important takeaway? Jackson White is proof that you can play a "super-villain" on TV and still be a supportive partner behind the scenes. Just don't expect him to give you any relationship advice based on Stephen DeMarco's playbook—unless you're looking for what not to do.

To stay updated on the couple, you can follow their rare public appearances during the current 2026 press tour for Tell Me Lies Season 3.