Now, the Golden Globe winner is ready to trade his chef whites for a meet-cute, revealing he is eager to step into the world of romantic comedy—but only if the script meets a very specific, high bar.
In a recent interview between him and Kate Hudson for Variety, White discussed the possibility of starring in a genre far removed from his current dramatic pedigree:
“I’d love to [do a rom-com]. I’ve never done one before but they seem so fun.”
However, the actor quickly cautioned that he’s not looking for just any lighthearted story. He made it clear that he’s interested in a project that aims for lasting quality, not just a quick hit:
“I worry about finding the right character, because I’d want it to be a classic rom-com. Not a flash in the pan, but ‘When Harry Met Sally.’”
Searching for the Perfect Meet-Cute
White’s reference to the 1989 Nora Ephron masterpiece, When Harry Met Sally, is telling. That film, starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, is renowned for its witty dialogue, character honesty, and exploration of complex friendship dynamics over years—a far cry from simple, formulaic love stories.
This suggests that for White to commit to the genre, he is seeking a role with the kind of emotional realism and strong writing that has defined his career-making performances as Carmy Berzatto in The Bear and Kerry Von Erich in The Iron Claw. It seems the actor is interested in the drama within the romance, prioritizing a script that earns its happy ending through genuine character development.
As White continues to juggle critically acclaimed roles—including his recent Golden Globe-nominated turn as Bruce Springsteen in the biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere—fans are now left to wonder which leading lady and director might partner with him to deliver the next great, timeless romantic comedy.