Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Jeremy Allen White

Gross-out sketch film “Movie 43” is, to put it mildly, not a good movie. But if there’s any part of it worth preserving, it’s this segment, featuring a young White. In it, White plays a homeschooled teen whose parents, played by Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, want to give him the true high school experience. This means unfair grading policies, detention, and targeted harassment. It’s hilarious enough to see dramatic stars like Watts and Schreiber go all-out in playing such comically cruel characters. But it’s White's deadpan and bewildered reactions to this absurdity that brings it all together. Watching this we can't help but sympathize with Kevin for all he has to endure. But it’s clear that White has a bright future ahead of him.

Buzzfeed’s “Puppy Interview” videos are the perfect pick-me-up. And White’s is no exception. He and his “Iron Claw” co-stars Zac Efron and Harris Dickinson bond with a gaggle of adorable young canines while looking pretty adorable themselves. The image of White, sitting on the floor wearing a sweater vest, is already enough to make us melt. But add some puppies to the equation, and it reaches a new level of “aww.” White’s affection for his floppy-eared friends is immediately palpable. While the film the actors are promoting is intense and harrowing, this interview is light and delightful. And if it was nothing but White playing with puppies, we wouldn’t complain.

These GQ interviews are great for helping us to get inside the heads of famous folk, based on the items they deem most essential. And White’s selections scream “cool.” However, it’s not that he has the hottest, most expensive toys to show off. Rather, it’s stuff with clear sentimental value, such as a well-worn New York Mets baseball cap. There are some bittersweet connotations, as he brings up multiple items associated with his now-ex-wife. For the most part, though, it’s a fun, moving, and informative glimpse into White and what brings him joy, especially when he talks about his young daughters. Oh, and he promotes reading too!

White’s portrayal of a harried career chef on “The Bear” is amazing in its authenticity. It really feels like we’re seeing an actual chef at work. And that’s no accident. To better understand the role of Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, White underwent training in actual high-end kitchens, as well as in culinary classes. This gave him a newfound respect for chefs and their work. He also shows humility in talking about his initial blunders. We imagine White would give a compelling performance no matter what. But it’s this extra-level of commitment that helps bring it to an even-higher level.

When an actor breaks out the way White has, you start to see them everywhere. Like, for instance, in Calvin Klein ads. In one commercial for the fashion brand, White shows off his swagger in a sharp ensemble. In another, he’s down to his boxer briefs without a trace of self-consciousness. However, he never comes across as arrogant or conceited. His is a natural, quiet confidence. Whether dressing up or decidedly down, White oozes charisma. The New Yorker rightfully called the latter campaign “a shareable feast.” Honestly, he could probably make cargo shorts look cool.

In 2023, White won his first Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. While some might take issue with classifying a show like “The Bear” as a comedy, we can hopefully all agree that White deserved to be recognized for his work. And he marked the occasion with a lovely and heartfelt speech. Winning against tough competition White pays tribute to his peers as well as the team behind his series, and other important individuals. You can tell he’s still processing how surreal the moment is as he goes through the many people who helped bring him to this moment. He won again the following year. And he’ll likely have plenty more trophies where that came from.

What’s better than getting to know one great actor? Getting to know two! In this interview for Variety, White sits down with another Golden Globe-winning thespian, White Lotus star Jennifer Coolidge. For 35 minutes, the actors talk about their craft and express their admiration for each other. Asking Coolidge questions, White shows genuine curiosity in learning from her and how she got her career on the right path. And his contributions keep the conversation flowing. It’s readily apparent that the two have the kind of palpable chemistry that can’t be faked. Any chance we see them together on screen again soon?

“The Iron Claw” tells the story of the Von Erich family, a wrestling dynasty that experienced unimaginable tragedy. White plays Kerry Von Erich, also known as “the Texas Tornado,” who along with his brothers, became a star of the squared circle. Without revealing too much about this gripping, sobering film, White’s performance is one of many reasons to see it. To learn the ways of the ring, he trained with professional wrestler Chavo Guerrero Jr. He also developed a physique fitting the real-life figure. Most importantly, though, he tapped into the man behind the muscles. “The Iron Claw” is not an easy watch. But White’s talents help to make it one of the best films of its year.

“The Bear” might have made White into a Capital-S “star.” But he didn’t come out of nowhere. At least, not for anyone who watched “Shameless.” As Phillip "Lip" Ronan Gallagher, White undergoes an amazing arc during the show’s 11 seasons. We meet Lip as a sharp high schooler who doesn't always apply his intelligence in the best way. Over the years, he learns some harsh, but vital lessons as he struggles with things like substance use disorder. Lip is a complicated character, who, in the wrong hands, might be hard to root for. But White’s utter empathy shines through.

There are so many incredible moments from White on “The Bear” that it’s almost agonizing to choose just one. But if there was ever a scene to single out, it’s this one. At an Al-Anon meeting, Carmy speaks for more than six minutes, about his late brother, as well as himself. He talks about the bond between the two and their shared culinary aspirations. He speaks of his brother with such love and affection but also sheer pain and heartbreak. With every pause, intonation, and expression, White takes us on an incredibly cathartic emotional journey. But it never feels like he’s trying to provoke any tears. Instead, he’s embodying a man trying to be his best and most honest self, one word at a time.

Where would you love to see Jeremy Allen White pop up next? Let us know in the comments!