Move over, Timothee Chalamet and Tom Holland – Jeremy Allen White is your competition.
In hindsight, the internet of 2017 seems like an angsty sandbox compared to what it is today. As a teen who was frequently moving houses and did not have the most concrete grasp on social interaction, I needed a static form of media to enjoy. I needed to rely on something after days of social exhaustion, stereotypical high school friend drama and other personal struggles.
Cue Shameless. The 11-season television series taught me about getting through tough times, and also provided some amazing trans representation from actor Elliot Fletcher as Trevor.
As a fan looking back now, growing up along with actors – in a parasocial sense – was a gift. Not only did we find White before everyone knew him, but we got to grow as people as the Gallaghers went through drastic life changes, relationships, losses and personal gains.
White’s has ascended to the status of Hollywood dreamboat through the popularity of The Bear, a rebrand that has put him on par with younger stars. Also, his participation in a viral spring 2024 Calvin Klein underwear campaign completely shifted public opinion on the star’s dreaminess.
White had over ten years where his popularity was arguable at best, due to the gritty and raw nature of Shameless. He’s not a nepo baby and has had authenticity on his side from day one. His costars Cameron Manoghan and William H. Macy have remained humble through notable, yet separate, career moves, such as appearing in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Manoghan would even go on to win an Emmy.
White was dedicated to his emotionally moving and at times unusual performances. Whether his performances were emotional or just funny, White has shined in his roles on Shameless and movies outside of the mainstream realm.
White, although embracing increased fame through more expensive outfit options or more red carpet appearances, still seems to remain humble to casual and obsessive fanbases.
In The Bear, White excels in the protagonist role of Carmen Berzatto. The character gives plenty of room to meme-ify and thirst over White, which the internet has obviously successfully done.
As a long-term White fan, I am exhausted of Chalamet and Holland. The new age, nepo baby, pretentious spoon-in-mouth Hollywood Golden Boys need to accept their fate elsewhere. They have already beaten to death Hollywood’s obsession of conventionally attractive, profitable, young white men.
White at 34 offers more to the general public than other 20-something famous actors and artists. White’s acting abilities, modeling and public interviews allow an insight to a deeper, more resonant version of the surface level of what fans see on the screen.
He is the people’s Hollywood Golden Boy and should keep taking the industry by storm, even if it is with six-pack abs.
