I’ve known Jeremy for over a decade and consider him to be one of my closest friends.
This perfectly encapsulates the humility, warmth, and self-deprecating humor that is his coat of arms.
There’s something quite literally magnetic about him that makes you unable to take your eyes off him.
Jeremy Allen White; (inset) Emmy Rossum.Getty Images
He’s powerful, but there’s always a tenderness about his fury.
He isn’t afraid to show a side of himself that’s ugly or unlikeable, ever.
He’s not afraid to be sensitive.
He makes it really easy to care about him and love him.
I sat down to watchThe Bearthe weekend it premiered.
I knew that Jeremy would shine because Jeremy can’t help it.
But even more, his portrayal of Carmy is profound.
You never completely figure him out and he always leaves you wanting more.
I watched it all in a night or two I couldn’t stop and I’ve re-watched it since.
I will admit, I would never have imagined Jeremy as a chef.
I could think of Jeremy playing many, many things, but a James Beard Award-winning chef?
Not at the top of my mind.
I had never known Jeremy to even put anything in a microwave when we worked together.
That kind of transformation is no accident.
Jeremy does the work outside of what’s on the page.
He designed all of the tattoos for his character with tattoo artist Ben Shield.
His performance in the Al-Anon scene at the end of season 1 is emotional yet effortless.
It’s evident how much care and preparation went into crafting that performance.
The entire season builds to that monologue.
He can’t stop moving.
This scene is that moment of stillness.
Watching, I remember beaming.
Jeremy is so deserving of characters and moments and monologues like this.
He is a rare breed.
Tenacious, kind, a really good dad, partner, and friend.
I’m so happy for Jeremy.
It couldn’t happen to a better person.
As told to Gerrad Hall
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