Jackson White, the emerging talent who captivated audiences as Stephen DeMarco in the provocative drama series "Tell Me Lies," recently offered a rare glimpse into his personal life and the profound impact his mother, television icon Katey Sagal, has had on his journey toward self-improvement. During an intimate conversation on the widely-followed podcast "Call Her Daddy," White shared heartfelt reflections on how his mother's transformation served as a guiding light through his own battles with alcohol dependency and destructive behavioral patterns.
The actor, who has steadily built his reputation in Hollywood, didn't hesitate to discuss the complexities of his upbringing. Raised between two divorced parents, White found himself introduced to alcohol at an impressionably young age, often sharing drinks with his father. This premature exposure, coupled with the emotional strain of navigating a fractured family dynamic, planted the seeds for coping mechanisms that would later prove detrimental to his well-being. He spoke openly about how resentment became a powerful fuel in his relationships, driving his actions in ways he eventually recognized as profoundly self-sabotaging.
When discussing his mother's role in his recovery, White used refreshingly direct language. "My mom got her s— together," he stated emphatically. "She did, she got her s— together a long time ago." This raw acknowledgment wasn't meant as criticism but as profound admiration. Witnessing his mother's ability to confront her own challenges and emerge stronger provided White with tangible evidence that personal transformation is not merely a concept but an achievable reality. This firsthand experience became a cornerstone of his belief system when facing his own demons.
The actor elaborated on the practical lessons he gleaned from observing his mother's journey. He emphasized that recognizing the disconnect between one's goals and one's actions is crucial for meaningful change. "If you're being stopped from getting those things, and you're seeing signs that you're not getting those things—if you're missing your audition, if you're s—– on the phone, if you're reacting poorly," White explained, "you just gotta focus on it. You gotta have that self-knowledge though." This statement underscores the critical importance of self-awareness as the foundation for any genuine transformation.
White also highlighted the catalytic role that consequences play in prompting action. "The consequences are what start pushing that into action," he told host Alexandra Cooper. "And if you don't have consequences, sometimes you can go on and on and on." This pragmatic understanding reveals a maturity that suggests he's done considerable introspection, likely influenced by parental guidance and personal experience alike.
The professional landscape became particularly interesting when Sagal was cast to play White's mother on "Tell Me Lies." Initially, the younger actor experienced a natural hesitation about sharing the spotlight with his legendary parent. "There's a little kid thing where you're like, no, it's mine. Right?" he confessed, acknowledging the universal desire among children of famous parents to establish their own identity and success independent of their family name.
However, this initial resistance quickly evolved into appreciation. "But then I thought, 'Oh yeah, it's fine. No, it's great.' I thought it was really full circle," White reflected. The casting suggestion came from showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer, a proposition White initially dismissed as improbable. "I was like, 'Oh, that'd be hilarious.' And then they did and … it worked out." This development created a unique opportunity for mother and son to merge their personal bond with their professional craft.
The family dynamics on set were further complicated by the presence of White's real-life girlfriend, Grace Van Patten, who portrays his character's love interest in the series. This layering of reality and fiction presented unique challenges that White addressed with characteristic honesty. "You want to not let it blend, but I think it does," he admitted. "You do make believe for your job, you're probably a little f—ed up. And so you take on a little bit of everything and it was hard. It was hard not to let the lines blur."
This candid admission illuminates the psychological intricacies actors navigate when personal relationships intersect so directly with their work. The blurring of professional and personal boundaries demands exceptional emotional intelligence and the ability to compartmentalize experiences—skills White is actively developing.
Katey Sagal's illustrious career provides important context for understanding her influence on her son. Now 72, Sagal first achieved widespread recognition as Peggy Bundy on the revolutionary sitcom "Married… With Children," a performance that subverted traditional television motherhood and left an indelible mark on popular culture. Her portrayal of the unapologetically flawed matriarch resonated with audiences and established her as a formidable comedic talent.
Sagal's artistic range became even more evident with her dramatic turn as Gemma Teller Morrow in "Sons of Anarchy," a role that earned her a Golden Globe Award and cemented her status as a versatile powerhouse. Her subsequent work in "8 Simple Rules," "The Conners," "Shameless," and "Rebel" has consistently demonstrated her ability to embody complex, multifaceted women with authenticity and depth.
For Jackson White, growing up with such an accomplished mother could have created pressure, but instead, it provided inspiration. Her trajectory from personal challenges to professional triumph offered a concrete example of resilience and reinvention. The actor's willingness to publicly acknowledge these influences reflects a refreshing vulnerability in an entertainment industry that often prioritizes polished facades over genuine human experience.
The convergence of family and artistry on "Tell Me Lies" represents what White described as a "full circle" moment—an opportunity to honor his mother's legacy while simultaneously carving out his own niche in Hollywood. As he continues to navigate the complexities of fame, romantic relationships, and ongoing personal development, he carries forward the essential lesson his mother's life demonstrated: that transformation is always possible when one commits to the difficult work of self-improvement.