Call Her Daddy

Jackson White: Toxicity and Tell Me Lies

February 18, 2026

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  • Jackson White finds it emotionally taxing to watch the finale of *Tell Me Lies* because of the disconnect between his real-life persona and his character, Steven DeMarco, who is often called a 'baby serial killer' by viewers. 
  • The writers intentionally escalated Steven's character into 'the worst' and a sociopath, which Jackson found fun to explore initially but became 'masochistic' to watch later. 
  • Jackson White learned about the show being a series finale, not just a season finale, from Grace while they were coincidentally in separate terminals at the airport. 
  • Jackson White's top love languages are giving 'acts of service' and receiving 'words of affirmation,' which he humorously contrasts with the toxic character he played on *Tell Me Lies*. 
  • Jackson White's first major splurge from his *Tell Me Lies* paycheck was purchasing a loud Dodge Durango with a Hemi engine, a choice influenced by his car-enthusiast father. 
  • Jackson filmed a new project after *Tell Me Lies* that featured a character opposite to Steven, described as electric, natural, and truthful, offering him a welcome reprieve from intense roles. 

Segments

Jackson White on Steven DeMarco
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(00:02:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Playing Steven DeMarco felt fun initially as a complicated character before the writers turned him into an extreme sociopath.
  • Summary: Jackson White initially approached playing Steven as being truthful to a complicated character, but the writers escalated the role to be extremely toxic, bordering on a serial killer. He noted that Steven’s physical mannerisms, like posture and hand placement, were a combination of his own habits and character invention. The character is described as very calculating and still, except when angry.
Reaction to Series Finale News
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(00:07:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson White learned the Tell Me Lies finale was the series end just days before the interview from Grace at the airport.
  • Summary: Jackson felt sad upon learning the news, despite knowing creatively that the ending aligned with the original intention. He described the cast as a family, making the conclusion feel like losing a job after four years of commitment. He and the cast are expected to have a going-away celebration due to their close bond.
Finale Ending Discussion
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(00:08:49)
  • Key Takeaway: The finale’s ending, where Steven ‘wins’ by marrying Lydia, was considered a ‘cosmic’ and ’tragic comedy’ by the actor and host.
  • Summary: The host was shocked the finale wrapped up so many plot threads, including Steven marrying Lydia. Viewers online overwhelmingly expected Steven to die, making his victory a surprising outcome. Jackson filmed the chaotic wedding scene while having a 103-degree fever, which he blacked out through.
Steven’s Final Act and Lucy
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(00:11:44)
  • Key Takeaway: The gas station moment where Steven confronts Lucy was viewed as twisted, but the host admitted to low-key wanting Steven and Lucy to end up together.
  • Summary: The host found it hilarious that Steven won, despite public desire for his demise, noting that bad people often win in reality. Jackson felt the ending was perfect because it showed the audience how toxic dynamics sometimes play out. He admitted that the audience’s desire for Steven to be punished highlights the success of the characterization.
Steven’s Advice in Character
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(00:13:24)
  • Key Takeaway: When roleplaying Steven, the character advised weaponizing secrets and revealing them during intimate moments for maximum impact.
  • Summary: Jackson adopted Steven’s persona to answer audience questions about relationship conflict. For a partner having a dating profile, Steven advised holding the information and revealing it during sex or in front of his parents on a flash drive. For a partner refusing accountability, Steven suggested learning their secrets and using them at a ‘horrible curve.’
Jackson and Grace’s Relationship Origin
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(00:18:53)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson initially gave off ‘serious actor energy’ during his first video call with Grace because he was nervous about securing the role she already had.
  • Summary: Grace told Jackson he seemed condescending during their first interaction because he genuinely complimented her performance, saying, ‘No, you’re doing great,’ while he was still auditioning. They were both in relationships initially, and the romantic feelings developed only after they knew they might work together. Jackson felt he had to tread lightly and let Grace make the first move because she was his superior on set.
Tattoos and Relationship Evolution
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(00:26:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson impulsively allowed Grace to give him four tattoos early in their relationship while riding the adrenaline of courtship.
  • Summary: Jackson stated that his relationship with Grace has evolved to be more ‘adult’ and comfortable, moving past the initial fear present in many relationships. He admitted to having abandonment issues stemming from an inconsistent childhood, leading him to approach new relationships defensively. He noted that he likes being dependent on Grace for things she does better, but maintains discipline to keep other life areas balanced.
Childhood Inconsistency and Fear
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(00:36:26)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson developed a deep-seated fear in relationships due to his parents’ divorce and subsequent remarriages, leading him to weaponize resentment in the past.
  • Summary: His father’s complicated life, including heavy drinking after tours, created a skewed perspective on substance use, which Jackson mirrored as a child. He experienced a realization that his parents were not ‘superheroes’ when he got older, leading to resentment that he used as a weapon. He has since worked through this, finding that he now genuinely cares about others, which is a major positive shift.
Sobriety and Personal Growth
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(00:46:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Achieving clarity by addressing unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use is essential for personal progression in career and relationships.
  • Summary: Jackson views substance use and negative behaviors as symptoms stemming from core fears like ‘I’m not enough’ or ‘I will be left alone.’ He stopped destructive patterns because he grew tired of running on that energy and saw a positive example in his mother who got her life together. The biggest positive change from gaining clarity is feeling an ’ease’ and genuinely caring about others, which he lacked when running on fear.
Cartier Ring Misunderstanding
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(01:00:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson gifted his partner a Cartier ring, which she initially mistook for a proposal/wedding ring.
  • Summary: Jackson gifted his partner a Cartier ring, which she initially mistook for a proposal ring, leading to a humorous misunderstanding. She clarified that it was a beautiful ring that didn’t need to be worn specifically as a wedding band. They agreed it could be worn on other fingers.
Love Languages Revealed
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(01:00:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson gives love through acts of service and needs to receive words of affirmation.
  • Summary: When asked about his top two love languages, Jackson stated he gives love through acts of service, often showing affection by offering to do things for others. Conversely, he needs to receive words of affirmation, wanting to be told how great he is.
Post-Show Paycheck Splurge
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(01:01:07)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson bought a Dodge Durango with a Hemi engine using his first major Tell Me Lies paycheck.
  • Summary: The first major purchase Jackson made with his earnings from Tell Me Lies was a new car because he needed one. He specifically bought a Dodge Durango equipped with a Hemi engine, which he acknowledges is a very loud and obnoxious car. This purchase held sentimental value as he picked it out with his father, who was a big car enthusiast.
Future Acting Projects
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(01:02:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson filmed a new role opposite to Steven, characterized by levity and natural acting.
  • Summary: Jackson confirmed he filmed another project after the last season of Tell Me Lies. The character in this new project was the opposite of Steven, offering levity and being very fun to play. This role required very truthful and natural acting, contrasting with the precision needed for the highly artistic Tell Me Lies production.
Co-star Grace’s Career Needs
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(01:03:13)
  • Key Takeaway: Jackson agrees that co-star Grace needs to take on lighter roles after intense performances.
  • Summary: Jackson supported the idea that his co-star Grace needs a reprieve from intense roles, referencing her desire to play lighter characters after roles like Lucy and Amanda Knox. He praised Grace as being incredibly funny and amazing. He expressed excitement for listeners to get to know the real Jackson after seeing his portrayal of the large character on the show.
Podcast Conclusion and Ads
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(01:04:31)
  • Key Takeaway: The host thanked Jackson White for appearing on Call Her Daddy before transitioning to sponsor reads.
  • Summary: The host thanked Jackson for joining Call Her Daddy, noting the conversation was lovely and that they had a good time getting to know him better. The episode concluded with advertisements for Sephora skincare, Amika Life Insurance, and the 2026 Chevy Equinox.