Tell Me Lies' Jackson White Opens Up About Alcohol Struggles

The actor discusses how his complicated relationship with his late father, musician Jack White, contributed to his issues with drinking.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a candid interview, Tell Me Lies star Jackson White revealed his struggles with alcohol, tracing them back to the ups and downs he witnessed in his parents' marriage and his complex relationship with his late father, musician Jack White. White spoke about how he started drinking at a young age, often with his father, and how it became an unhealthy coping mechanism. He also discussed the positive influence of his mother, Katey Sagal, in helping him get his life on track.

Why it matters

Jackson White's openness about his alcohol struggles and the impact of his family dynamics provides insight into the challenges many young people face in navigating complicated relationships and finding healthy ways to cope. His story highlights the importance of seeking support and addressing underlying issues, rather than turning to substance abuse.

The details

In the interview, White, 29, acknowledged the effect his parents' divorce had on him, saying, "It's all f***ed up. It's all f***ed. It's all weird and now it's on us to say, 'OK, cool. I unpacked [those issues]. I figured it out. Goodbye.'" He recalled starting to drink alcohol at the age of 12, often with his father, who struggled with his own demons. White said his father's "complicated, amazing" nature and work ethic influenced him, but the "flip side" was his father's tendency to withdraw and turn to drinking after tours. This skewed White's perspective on alcohol use. After years of relying on drinking as a coping mechanism, White said he eventually realized he needed to make a change in order to pursue his goals and relationships.

  • Jackson White announced his father Jack White's death in 2024.
  • The interview with White took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Jackson White

A 29-year-old actor known for his role in the series Tell Me Lies, who has been open about his struggles with alcohol and the impact of his complicated relationship with his late father, musician Jack White.

Katey Sagal

Jackson White's mother, an acclaimed actress who helped provide a positive example for her son in overcoming her own challenges.

Jack White

Jackson White's late father, a renowned musician and drummer who struggled with his own demons, including alcohol abuse, which influenced his son's relationship with drinking.

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What they’re saying

“It's all f***ed up. It's all f***ed. It's all weird and now it's on us to say, 'OK, cool. I unpacked [those issues]. I figured it out. Goodbye.'”

— Jackson White, Actor (Call Her Daddy Podcast)

“I drank a lot with him and [there was] just a lot of drinking and smoking with dad. So I totally grew up with an interesting — or with a skewed perspective on all that. If I wasn't careful, I would let that run my life — especially when you start doing that when you're young.”

— Jackson White, Actor (Call Her Daddy Podcast)

What’s next

Jackson White's openness about his struggles with alcohol and his family dynamics could inspire others dealing with similar challenges to seek support and find healthy coping mechanisms.

The takeaway

Jackson White's story highlights the lasting impact that family dynamics and unresolved issues can have on a person's relationship with substance abuse. His willingness to be vulnerable and share his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing underlying problems, rather than turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, in order to achieve personal growth and fulfillment.