From Disney Star To Anti-Hero: 7 Shocking Facts About The Actor Who Plays Leo In Hulu's Tell Me Lies

As of December 11, 2025, the conversation surrounding Hulu’s hit drama series, Tell Me Lies, is dominated by the explosive entry of the character Leo in Season 2. This new figure has thrown a massive wrench into the toxic, co-dependent relationship between protagonists Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, instantly becoming a fan-favorite—and a source of intense debate.

The actor behind the charismatic yet troubled Leo is the Scottish sensation Thomas Doherty, whose performance has been hailed as a "perfect foil" to the manipulative Stephen. Doherty’s portrayal brings a compelling mix of charm, vulnerability, and underlying "rage issues" that define the emotional chaos of the second season.

Who is Thomas Doherty? The Actor Behind Leo's Charismatic Chaos

Thomas Anthony Doherty is a multi-talented Scottish actor and singer who has successfully transitioned from the Disney Channel to mature, complex roles in prestige dramas. His role as Leo in Tell Me Lies Season 2 is his latest major project, showcasing a depth that has captivated audiences and critics alike.

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Here is a complete look at his profile and career highlights:

• Full Name: Thomas Anthony Doherty
• Date of Birth: April 21, 1995
• Age (as of 2025): 30
• Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland
• Nationality: Scottish
• Education: The Royal High School in Edinburgh, followed by The MGA Academy of Performing Arts.
• Notable Early Roles: Sean Matthews in the Disney Channel musical series The Lodge (2016–2017).
• Breakout Role: Harry Hook, the son of Captain Hook, in the Disney Descendants franchise (Descendants 2 and Descendants 3).
• Major TV Roles: Max Wolfe in the HBO Max Gossip Girl reboot (2021–2023), Leo in Tell Me Lies (Season 2, 2024–present), and a brief but memorable appearance in *Girls5Eva*.
• Filmography Highlights: *The Invitation* (2022), *High Fidelity* (2020), *Dandelion* (2024).
• Recent Projects: Starring in the indie film *Dandelion* (2024) alongside KiKi Layne and preparing for his upcoming New York stage debut.

Leo's Impact: The Anti-Stephen Dynamic in Tell Me Lies Season 2

The character of Leo is introduced in the second season of Tell Me Lies as Evan’s friend, returning from studying abroad in Paris. His arrival immediately disrupts the established, destructive pattern between Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco.

Leo is positioned as a stabilizing, albeit still flawed, love interest for Lucy. He represents a stark contrast to Stephen’s constant manipulation and scheming, earning him the moniker "the Anti-Stephen" among the cast and critics.

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While Stephen is a complete sociopath by many accounts, Leo is initially presented as the "hunky boyfriend of TV's dreams." However, the show's narrative is built on the premise that no character is truly innocent.

Thomas Doherty himself noted that he "identified a lot" with Leo’s storyline, particularly the character's journey to understanding his own issues. Leo is described as "a lot more self-aware" than Stephen, yet he harbors his own complexities, including a hidden past and visible "rage issues" that surface as the season progresses.

This nuanced portrayal is key to the show's topical authority, exploring the shades of gray in young adult relationships. The show is not simply about good vs. evil, but about how trauma and hidden secrets manifest in toxic dynamics.

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The Turbulence of Lucy and Leo: Season 2's Major Plot Points

Leo's relationship with Lucy Albright (played by Grace Van Patten) is a central, tumultuous storyline of Tell Me Lies Season 2. It’s a relationship built on the fragile hope that Lucy can move on from the chaos of Stephen (Jackson White).

The initial honeymoon phase quickly gives way to drama, as Leo struggles to grasp the depth of Lucy’s complicated past with Stephen. Key moments from the season highlight Leo’s role as the emotional anchor who is ultimately dragged down by the prevailing toxicity.

The Breaking Point and the Brawl

A significant turning point occurs around Episode 6, which details the painful breakdown of Lucy and Leo's relationship. The conflict intensifies when Lucy confronts Leo about his secretive nature and hidden issues, leading to their breakup. This episode also features a dramatic confrontation where Lucy slaps Diana, underscoring the high-stakes emotional environment.

The tension culminates in the Season 2 finale, which features a "brutal fight" between Leo and Stephen. Stephen, in his signature manipulative style, provokes Leo, knowing exactly how to push his buttons and exploit his weaknesses.

The finale’s most shocking moment sees Lucy, after a disastrous encounter with Stephen, running to Leo’s door, begging him to take her back. His decision to reconcile, despite the clear betrayal, underscores the cyclical nature of the show's "toxic relationship" theme.

From Disney to Drama: Thomas Doherty's Evolving Career Landscape

Thomas Doherty's career trajectory is a testament to his versatility, successfully shedding the family-friendly image of his Disney days. His transition into darker, more complex roles like Max Wolfe in the *Gossip Girl* reboot and Leo in Tell Me Lies demonstrates a deliberate choice to challenge himself as an actor.

His work on the *Gossip Girl* reboot, where he played the pansexual socialite Max Wolfe, was a pivotal moment. It showcased his ability to handle mature storylines and complex character arcs, paving the way for the layered performance required for Leo.

Doherty’s recent projects further solidify his status as a sought-after leading man. The 2024 indie film *Dandelion*, a drama and romance movie where he stars alongside KiKi Layne, is a clear step towards diversifying his portfolio beyond streaming series.

A Shift to the Stage

In a major career move, Doherty is also preparing for his New York stage debut. This shift to theater demonstrates his commitment to different acting mediums and is often seen as a mark of serious, dedicated actors. Fans are eager to see how his natural charisma and powerful on-screen presence will translate to the live stage.

The success of Tell Me Lies Season 2, which has been crucial to the show's continued popularity on the Hulu platform, has firmly established Thomas Doherty as one of the most compelling young actors in the industry today. His nuanced portrayal of Leo—the charming outsider with a dark side—has added a rich new layer to the already chaotic world created by author Carola Lovering and showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer.

As discussions for *Tell Me Lies* Season 3 continue, the fate of Leo and his complex relationship with Lucy remains one of the most burning questions for fans. Whether he is the answer to Lucy's problems or just another chapter in her cycle of destructive love, Thomas Doherty’s performance ensures that the character of Leo will be central to the series' ongoing drama.