5 Shocking Real-Life Truths About Lucy And Stephen's Romance: Are The Tell Me Lies Co-Stars Still Dating In 2025?

The question of whether the on-screen toxicity of Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco could ever translate into a healthy, real-life romance has captivated fans of the Hulu series Tell Me Lies since its debut. As of today, December 11, 2025, the answer is a resounding 'Yes,' though perhaps with less drama than their fictional counterparts. Actors Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, who portray the infamously manipulative couple, are one of Hollywood's most intriguing real-life pairings, having turned their intense on-screen chemistry into a confirmed, long-term relationship that continues to thrive.

The dark, addictive dynamic between the characters Lucy and Stephen—a relationship defined by gaslighting, obsession, and emotional manipulation at Baird University—stands in stark contrast to the genuine connection formed by Grace Van Patten and Jackson White. Their off-screen relationship, which began even before filming the Hulu series, has been a source of fascination for viewers, proving that sometimes, even the most toxic fictional pairings can lead to a beautiful real-life love story. This deep dive uncovers the latest details, their full biographies, and the unique timeline of their romance.

The Real-Life Stars: Grace Van Patten and Jackson White Biography

The intense portrayals of Lucy and Stephen are brought to life by two rising stars in Hollywood, both of whom come from families with strong industry ties. Understanding their backgrounds provides context for their rapidly ascending careers.

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Grace Van Patten (Lucy Albright)

• Full Name: Grace Van Patten
• Date of Birth: November 21, 1996
• Age: 29 (as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Family Connection: She is the daughter of director and producer Tim Van Patten (known for *The Sopranos* and *Game of Thrones*) and the niece of actor Dick Van Patten.
• Education: Graduated from the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City.
• Notable Works: Before landing the lead role in the Hulu series *Tell Me Lies*, Grace Van Patten was recognized for her work in the films *Tramps* (2016) and *The Meyerowitz Stories* (2017), as well as the miniseries *Nine Perfect Strangers*.

Jackson White (Stephen DeMarco)

• Full Name: Jackson White
• Date of Birth: March 1, 1996
• Age: 29 (as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Family Connection: He is the son of actress and singer Katey Sagal (known for *Sons of Anarchy* and *Married... with Children*) and musician Jack White (not the Jack White of The White Stripes). His mother, Katey Sagal, actually played his character Stephen DeMarco's mother in *Tell Me Lies*.
• Education: Attended the University of Southern California (USC).
• Notable Works: Jackson White gained early recognition for his role as Brendan Fletcher in the HBO series *Mrs. Fletcher*. His breakout role is undoubtedly Stephen DeMarco in the addictive *Tell Me Lies*.

The Shocking Truth: Yes, They Are Still Dating (As of 2025)

The most pressing question for fans—"Are Lucy and Stephen dating in real life?"—is definitively answered by the ongoing relationship between Grace Van Patten and Jackson White. The couple has successfully transitioned from co-stars playing a deeply flawed pair to a genuine real-life couple, a fact that has been confirmed through various public appearances and interviews well into 2024 and 2025.

Their continued romance is a refreshing contrast to the drama of the Hulu show, which is based on the novel by Carola Lovering. While their fictional counterparts, Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, are trapped in a cycle of toxicity and deceit, Grace and Jackson’s relationship is characterized by mutual support and genuine affection. Their ability to separate the intense, dark nature of their roles from their personal lives is a testament to their professionalism and the strength of their bond.

One of the most recent confirmations came in August 2024, when Van Patten publicly spoke about their relationship, confirming they were still together and thriving. Their continued presence together at industry events and on social media confirms that their love story is far from over, much to the delight of the *Tell Me Lies* fandom.

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A Timeline of Co-Stars to Couple: The Real-Life Love Story

Unlike many celebrity relationships that blossom on set, the love story of Grace Van Patten and Jackson White has a unique beginning, rooted in the very early stages of the *Tell Me Lies* production.

1. The Audition That Started It All

The initial spark occurred during the chemistry read for the show. According to reports, the two actors hit it off immediately, forming a connection that transcended the complicated characters they were auditioning for. In fact, their real-life dating began shortly after the audition process was completed, meaning they were a couple before the intense filming of the Hulu series even started.

2. The "I Didn't Like Him" Phase

Interestingly, Grace Van Patten has admitted that her initial impression of Jackson White was not one of instant romance. She revealed that she "didn't like" him when they first met. This initial friction, however, quickly dissipated as they spent more time together, leading to the undeniable off-screen chemistry that would later fuel their performances as Lucy and Stephen.

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3. Keeping the Romance Under Wraps

For a period, the couple chose to keep their relationship private, letting the focus remain on the show's intense plot and the toxic on-screen dynamic. Rumors, however, swirled among fans and the cast, who noticed their undeniable bond. The show’s executive producer, Emma Roberts, was also a key figure in the production, which was adapted from Carola Lovering’s novel.

4. The Public Confirmation in 2022

Grace and Jackson all but confirmed their relationship in November 2022 when they made a public appearance together, signaling to the world that their co-star dynamic was, in fact, a real-life romance. This public confirmation solidified the rumors and instantly made them a fan-favorite celebrity couple.

5. The "Waffle House" Marriage Joke

In a lighthearted moment that went viral, the couple joked about marriage while wearing matching Waffle House hoodies. This playful, genuine side of their relationship is a stark contrast to the heavy, serious nature of their fictional roles, demonstrating the true, easygoing nature of their connection.

How Their Real-Life Romance Impacts the Toxic On-Screen Dynamic

The fact that Grace Van Patten and Jackson White are a real-life couple adds an incredibly complex layer to their portrayal of Lucy and Stephen. Their relationship is a perfect example of co-stars to couple success, but it requires a high degree of separation to make the toxic scenes believable.

The Challenge of Toxic Chemistry

Playing characters who are constantly manipulating and hurting each other, like Lucy Albright and Stephen DeMarco, requires intense focus. Fans often wonder how they can transition from a screaming match or a deceitful moment on set to a loving, supportive partnership off-camera. Both actors have spoken about the need to leave the toxic on-screen romance at work, a necessary boundary for their own well-being and the health of their relationship.

Enhanced Authenticity

Paradoxically, their real-life connection may actually enhance the authenticity of their performances. The deep level of trust and familiarity between Grace and Jackson allows them to fully commit to the vulnerability and emotional intensity required for their roles. This trust enables them to explore the dark depths of the characters' relationship without fear, making the addictive, messy dynamic of *Tell Me Lies* even more compelling for viewers.

The ongoing saga of Lucy and Stephen's relationship is a central pillar of the Hulu series, keeping audiences addicted to the chaos. However, the real-life love story of Grace Van Patten and Jackson White offers a much more satisfying and heartwarming narrative. As of late 2025, they continue to be a thriving couple, successfully navigating the tricky waters of Hollywood fame and a high-profile, on-screen toxic romance, proving that their off-screen bond is the real deal.