Jefferson White Trades Yellowstone Drama for Holiday Cheer in “Drink and Be Merry”
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jefferson White, known for his intense roles in hit television series, embraces a lighter side in his new film, “Drink and Be Merry,” now available on demand, DVD, and Blu-Ray.
Jefferson White is embarking on a new chapter in his career, swapping the rugged landscapes of “Yellowstone” and the gritty streets of “Chicago P.D.” for the heartwarming world of self-reliant film. In “Drink and Be Merry,” White stars as Chet,a bartender determined to rekindle the holiday spirit amongst his regulars. The actor recently spoke with TVBrittanyF.com about the joys of comedy, the collaborative process of building on-screen chemistry, and the unique experience of wearing both acting and producing hats on this intimate project.
A Shift in Tone: From Drama to Comedy
“Audiences are so used to seeing you in very dramatic TV shows like Yellowstone. How fun was it to do something that’s a true comedy?” asked Brittany Frederick. White responded enthusiastically, stating, “It was a blast. It’s really fun to get to explore the whole spectrum…We like getting to mix it up.” He explained the appeal of moving from large-scale television productions to a more focused,intimate film. “I’ve worked on a lot of these kind of big, elaborate, extensive, massive TV shows-so it’s really fun to also do something really small and focused.”
The transition wasn’t without its artistic considerations.White noted the importance of surprising audiences, a tactic he also employs within his dramatic roles.”I think that one of the strengths of something like ‘Yellowstone’ is it’s a very, very serious show, and then I’m ofen kind of the comic relief.” He further elaborated on his approach to performance, seeking “the tragedy in a comedy,” and aiming for “the biggest swings in both directions.”
Building Chemistry in a Bar
Beyond the acting, White also served as a producer on “Drink and Be Merry,” gaining valuable insight into the filmmaking process. He described the experience as a “big sort of step forward” for himself and his collaborators. He drew a parallel to Taylor Sheridan, creator of “Yellowstone,” who similarly transitioned from acting to writing and directing. “That’s a journey that I’ve been on for the last few years.” White emphasized the film’s indie roots, proudly stating, “It’s a true indie; it’s a tiny movie. We had no money, and I’m very proud of what we did with the resources we had.”
White particularly enjoyed the film’s ensemble cast, highlighting the arrival of actor Griffin Newman at the 75% mark as a standout moment. He also spoke enthusiastically about working with Sophie Zucker and Casey Wortmann, whose characters brought an “intergenerational divide” and a fresh dynamic to the bar.
Ultimately, White views “Drink and Be Merry” as a culmination of years of effort and a testament to the power of collaboration. “This was a really exciting one, as I was sort of the constant variable, and it feels like my job was to stay open to all these elements kind of swirling around me.” He concluded, “I’m very proud of it in that regard.”
“Drink and Be Merry” is available now on demand, digital, DVD and Blu-Ray from X4 Pictures.
[Image of Jefferson White as Chet with bar regulars in “Drink and Be Merry”](Photo Credit: Courtesy of X4 pictures.)
Article content is (c)2020-2025 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at [email protected].
