Jackson White Advised on Thrusting Technique in ‘Tell Me Lies’ Sex Scenes

In a recent episode of the “PIE” podcast, Jackson White, star of Hulu’s “Tell Me Lies,” revealed intriguing insights into the show’s production, especially during what he termed “sex week.” This engaging conversation unfolded between White, who is 28, and his parents, actress Katey Sagal and producer Kurt Sutter, as they delved into behind-the-scenes aspects of the show.

White described how filming multiple steamy scenes necessitated an intimate coordinator, leading to intense scheduling where these specialized individuals would bounce between sets to ensure everything ran smoothly. “It’s like a week dedicated to those scenes,” he explained, adding that he would often find himself secluded in his trailer while the action unfolded on set.

The discussion took a humorous turn when Sutter inquired whether the intimacy coordinator played a role in guiding White’s performance, particularly his “thrusting” technique. Reflecting on feedback he received during his first season, White recalled being told that his movements didn’t appear realistic enough to the audience. “Someone said, ‘He’s not thrusting right,’ and I just wanted to know how,” he shared, noting that the critique was aimed at making his on-screen portrayal more authentic.

Later, White mentioned receiving detailed notes from showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer regarding his performance, leading to a laughter-filled moment where Sutter joked about the awkwardness of having “four pages of your thrusting notes.” In good spirits, White added that they worked through the guidance and felt he managed to improve his performance considerably.

“Tell Me Lies,” which premiered in September 2022, has captured viewers’ attention with its compelling narrative of the tumultuous relationship between college students Lucy, played by Grace Van Patten, and Stephen, portrayed by White. As the seasons unfolded, both the cast and the audience have embraced the drama and the diligence that goes into producing those memorable, steamy sequences that have become a hallmark of the series.

As White pointed out, “When filming those scenes, you don’t want to find yourself too close to your co-star.” Currently, as viewers reflect on the show, it is worth noting that the chemistry between White and Van Patten not only captivates audiences but also blossoms off-screen, leading to a genuine romance.

White and Van Patten, both 27, have navigated their relationship publicly, sharing their love story as they continued their roles as Lucy and Stephen. In a prior interview, she noted, “We didn’t think too much about trying to keep it hidden because it felt right, and people were nice about it.” Ultimately, their approach to maintaining professionalism while also celebrating their relationship seems to resonate well both on and off the screen.