Detroit Michigan native and actor Tye White is living proof of the power of passion. Throughout his early years, his fondness for acting was very apparent. He participated in school productions, but was unable to fully devote himself to the performing arts because his family didn’t support it as career path. Initially, White succumbed to their doubts and decided to settle into the business field.

 

After graduating from Brother Rice High School, he followed a path similar to his father’s, and pursued a degree in economics from the University of Michigan.

During his studies, he couldn’t bear to dismiss his gut feeling that spoke so clear to him. Upon building up the courage to go against his father’s wishes, he began to give in to his true calling in theater. It wasn’t something that happened overnight, as he still did end up entering the investment world as a business banker for Chase Bank. But in due time, he caved in and left the job for Los Angeles. In LA, he perfected his craft and made amends with his father. White has never looked back, appearing in short films and television series.

White can be seen across a multitude of famous productions including NCIS: Los Angeles, American Auto, NBA 2K (Voice Actor), Pretty Little Liars, and many more! Chilled chats with Tye about his mean Old Fashioned making and getting fired from his first bartending gig!!

 

Styled by Veronica Graye. Photos by Storm Santos.

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

Right now I’m finishing up the second season on American Auto. We are 12 episodes into filming our 13 episode second season. As soon as that’s over I’m taking about two weeks off, then jumping right into production on a project I’m developing with my writing partner.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

My therapy is the gym and especially boxing. So my daily routine has to incorporate that somehow. I’m a homebody, I like to spend as much time as possible with my family.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I guess it depends on who I’m dining with. For instance, with my wife we tend to eat Italian. With my best friend and brother it is ALWAYS a steakhouse.

What types of dishes do you typically order?

My go to is either sushi or steak.

Any favorite bars?

Anything with a rooftop in LA. An LA summer bar is tough to beat. Watching that sunset with a drink is the best!

 

 

What drinks do you order when out?

I used to be a whiskey guy. But as of recent, I’ve transitioned to anejo tequila on the rocks. It’s very smooth and is a nice drink at the end of a long day.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I make a mean Old Fashioned. I was the worst bartender in Los Angeles. A title I confidently held. I was slow and the only drink I was good at making was the one that I enjoyed.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

I have a lot of wine. More reds than whites. At some point when I can have a house big enough I would love one of those classic wine cellars where I have vintage wines.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I was a bartender but as I mentioned I wasn’t very good. I got fired from every bartender job I ever had. I somehow made good tips still.

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

Easy. Kobe Bryant. I was his biggest fan. I am his biggest fan. My saved tab on Instagram is full of his quotes and interviews. A lot of his evolution as a player, person, father, husband, and man still inspires to this day.