Jeremy Allen White has been a rising star for many years, but his recent performance has put him in the spotlight. He is widely recognized for his intense and emotionally tormented role of chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in The Bear. However, White’s journey to stardom didn’t start in the chaotic kitchen.
His first big role was in the series Shameless as Lip Gallagher, where he played the role of a street-smart yet troubled young guy. He showcased his talent for more than a decade in the 11-season series. Beyond Shameless, he displayed his acting in After Everything, where he played a young man battling cancer and navigating his love life.
White’s ability to bring realism to his roles and convey depth has made him one of Hollywood’s favorites long before his role as Carmy.
Let’s dive into a few performances that helped mold Jeremy Allen White’s career.
7. The Rental – Josh
A horror thriller movie directed by Dave Franco follows the story of two couples who rent a house for their trip. The movie starts with the couples having fun and everything is going normally, but as soon as they discover that they are being watched, things start to turn for the worse as they keep finding themselves in life-threatening situations.
White usually takes on roles in drama; however, he did an amazing job in this horror film. His role as a calm and collected person who starts to lose his sanity as the film progresses is displayed brilliantly. While Dan Stevens and the rest of the cast don’t fail to amaze, The Bear actor’s performance is something to be acknowledged. His ability to portray paranoia along with the rising tension really sets the tone among the viewers.
Dave Franco also did a brilliant job of bringing out this side of White, especially since it was his first time directing a movie. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see the range of the actor.
6. Homecoming – Joseph Shrier
A psychological thriller created by Sam Esmail, based on the podcast of the same name. The story follows Heidi Bergman, a caseworker at a facility called Homecoming, a transitional support center that helps soldiers get back into civilian life. The story unfolds through a dual timeline, with Heidi trying to piece back her memory from working at the facility, only to uncover deep, dark secrets about the program.
White’s character, Joseph Shrier, is an intense and complex personality who is struggling with the aftermath of a messed-up military program. White does a brilliant job of playing his character, able to portray vulnerability and unease. Despite sharing the screen with Julia Roberts, White holds his ground by giving an impactful performance. While White’s character appears in only four episodes, he leaves a lasting impression on the viewers.
5. After Everything – Elliot
A heartfelt romantic drama that tells the story of Elliot and Mia, who connect at a subway station as strangers. As the story unfolds, they grow fond of each other, but things start to go downhill for Elliot once he is diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
White’s performance shines in the movie, ranging from a sarcastic and bubbly person to showing love and even displays of rage when things start to get ugly. He elevates the character of Elliot beyond the typical romantic leads. The Speed of Life actor solidifies his performance as a versatile actor with his role in the movie—a must-watch for his fans.
4. Cornflower – Ladle
A short film directed by Sam Evoy, featuring Jeremy Allen White as Ladle. The movie revolves around Ladle and his sister. After a life-altering event, Ladle is burdened with the task of protecting his little sister from the devastating truth about their mother dying. Throughout the film, Ladle struggles with how to break the news to her, trying to protect her from the pain as long as possible.
White plays a character who is sensitive and caring, something much different from his usual roles. He does justice to the character of Ladle, who is dealing with grief himself while bringing up his protective instinct. This short film is one of the top projects that make use of his range to give depth and make the movie immersive.
3. The Iron Claw – Kerry Von Erich
A sports drama based on the tragic true story of the Von Erich brothers. The film stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Harris Dickinson as David Von Erich, and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, one of the most talented but troubled members of the family.
White’s performance as Kerry is both physically and emotionally intense. He fully transforms into the character he plays, bringing in the charm, athleticism, and struggles of the real-life wrestler’s degrading mental health.
He also shows the vulnerable side of Kerry due to family expectations and personal demons. His emotional depth, combined with his physical commitment, puts the spotlight on him despite being paired with other notable actors, including Efron, Maura Tierney, and Holt McCallany.
If you enjoy watching White, then this movie is an easy recommendation.
2. Shameless – Philip Gallagher
A comedy-drama series that follows the chaotic lives of the Gallagher family, a dysfunctional but loyal group struggling to survive in Chicago’s South Side. The family is led by an alcoholic father, Frank Gallagher, and the six siblings are left to fend for themselves. Jeremy Allen White plays Phillip “Lip” Gallagher, the second-oldest sibling, who is both a genius and a self-destructive troublemaker.
The show is a blend of dark humor, an unfiltered view of poverty, addiction, and the importance of family bonds. White does a fabulous job portraying Lip. He brings life to his quick humor and deep insecurities. His ability to balance humor with heartfelt emotional scenes makes him a favorite among viewers. Many consider this White’s most iconic performance.
1. The Bear – Carmen Berzatto
A critically acclaimed comedy-drama revolving around the life of Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, a Michelin-star chef who takes over his brother’s sandwich shop in Chicago after he dies. Carmy, who is used to the high-pressure world of fine dining, tries to turn things around for a failing business while struggling with grief and his other personal issues.
White does an amazing job of putting a face to Christopher Storer’s idea of a chef who is not in the right headspace. He brings real and raw emotions to all the scenes, whether it’s an anxiety attack in the kitchen or a heartfelt moment with his staff.
White, paired with Christopher and a brilliant cast, helped the show win numerous awards, including 11 Emmy Awards from 23 nominations—the most in a single year for a comedy series (still wonder how this is a comedy). He also won Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Television Series three consecutive years from 2023, and in 2024, White won the Screen Actors Guild Award for a male actor in a comedy series.
If someone questions White’s acting capabilities, just show them the first episode of The Bear, and the show will speak for itself from there.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
