Jackson White: Toxicity and Tell Me Lies - Call Her Daddy Recap
Podcast: Call Her Daddy
Published: 2026-02-18
Duration: 57 min
Summary
In this episode, Jackson White discusses his role as Steven DeMarco in 'Tell Me Lies,' sharing insights into the character's complexity and his emotional journey throughout the series. He reflects on the challenges of portraying a sociopath and the bittersweet experience of the show's finale.
What Happened
Alex Cooper welcomes Jackson White to the podcast, diving straight into the complexities of his character, Steven DeMarco, from 'Tell Me Lies.' Jackson shares how playing a sociopath was both challenging and enjoyable, revealing that he initially approached the character with an understanding of his motivations. However, as the series progressed, the character morphed into a darker figure, which made it increasingly difficult for Jackson to relate to him. He explains that the physicality and mannerisms he adopted for Steven were a blend of personal traits and creative invention, resulting in a distinct portrayal that has sparked much discussion among fans.
As the conversation unfolds, Jackson reveals his emotional state upon learning that the series finale was not just a season finale. He candidly expresses his sadness about the ending, acknowledging the strong bonds he formed with his castmates over four years. The finale felt like a loss, both of a job and a family, as he and his co-stars navigated their personal and professional connections. Despite the emotional weight of the conclusion, Jackson reflects on the creative intentions behind the show's ending, suggesting that it was a fitting closure to their narrative journey.
Key Insights
- Jackson White found the character of Steven DeMarco both challenging and fun to portray.
- The transformation of Steven from a complex character to a darker figure impacted Jackson's connection to him.
- Learning about the series finale brought mixed emotions for Jackson, including sadness over losing a job and a family.
- Jackson emphasizes the importance of separating himself from the character as the series progressed.
Key Questions Answered
What did Jackson White say about playing Steven?
Jackson described playing Steven as a challenging yet enjoyable experience, stating that it involved being truthful to the character while navigating his sociopathic traits. He emphasized the complexity of Steven's personality, which evolved into a character that is deeply flawed and sometimes terrifying.
How did Jackson feel about the end of 'Tell Me Lies'?
Jackson expressed sadness upon learning that 'Tell Me Lies' was concluding, as he felt a strong connection to the cast, likening it to losing a family. He mentioned how the show had been a significant part of his life for four years, making the finale an emotional experience.
What are some of the physical traits Jackson used for Steven?
Jackson mentioned that he incorporated specific mannerisms and a distinct posture into his portrayal of Steven. He described the character as having a calculating presence, which influenced how he moved and interacted with others on screen.
How did Jackson prepare for the character's mannerisms?
Jackson revealed that his preparation involved a mix of personal traits and invented characteristics, aiming to find a balance that felt authentic to Steven. He noted that some mannerisms were instinctive, while others were crafted to enhance the character's unsettling nature.
What was Jackson's approach to watching his performances?
Initially, Jackson would watch his performances multiple times to critique and learn from them. However, he admitted that as the character became darker, it became more emotionally challenging, leading him to detach from the role to cope with the intense feelings associated with watching himself.