It is difficult to Think of an actor who has experienced a bigger rise in recent years than Jeremy Allen White. The 33-year-old had certainly achieved a certain level of success thanks to his long-running role as “Lip” Gallagher on the Showtime series “The Last Man.” Shameless (and he had a number of underrated roles, such as in the first season of Prime Video’s Homecoming), but without question he reached a new level of fame with the debut of The bear. He’s at the center of FX’s intense and chaotic culinary arts, keeping things on track as Carmy Berzatto, the talented chef with countless problems everywhere he looks. The show was a huge hit, attracting a huge fan base and winning all kinds of awards.

Case in point: White just won his second consecutive Emmy for his role on the show, beating legends like Steve Martin, Martin Short and Larry David. While The bear released its third season in June, this award was actually given for his work in Season 2; thanks to the Emmy eligibility deadline, Season 2 was eligible for this year’s show, while Season 3 comes out next year.

And while White gave a humble and wonderful speech (which you can read in full below), it’s actually more worth talking about the star persona he’s adopted. With his laid-back demeanor, luscious curly/wavy hair, and classic tuxedo, he was without question one of the night’s shining stars at the Emmys; part of the wonder of “becoming a star” and “being cool” is that it makes someone feel like what they’re pulling off is completely natural. Even when White is surprised, shocked, and humble — and expressing love and gratitude to his family, friends, and family — he’s still a great human being. The bear Co-Stars – it comes across with real seriousness and calm coolness.

In some ways, White feels like some kind of star from another era. Before the Emmys began, he was spotted wearing sunglasses, again emphasizing the effortless cool. He’s a rising star in 2024, but the relaxed, easy-going, casual energy he exudes feels like a star from the New Hollywood era of the late ’60s and early ’70s. If you saw the guy in the photo above hanging out with a young Jack Nicholson, wouldn’t that just feel natural?

While The bear returns for a fourth season next summer, White has also seen his rise on the big screen, playing a key role in last year’s acclaimed wrestling drama The Iron Claw, and is currently preparing for the role of Bruce Springsteen in director Scott Cooper’s film Free me from nothingness, about the legendary rocker’s experiences in producing his groundbreaking album Nebraska.

You can watch the video of White’s Emmy win and read his full acceptance speech below:

“Thank you so much. My heart is in my throat. Thank you, thank you to the Academy and my fellow nominees; I am so honored to be in your company. Chris (Storer, The bear Creator and co-showrunner) and Jo (Calo, The bear Co-Showrunner), thank you for choosing me. I am so lucky. I am so grateful, thank you.

My wonderful cast: I love you forever, I love working with you. I want us to be part of each other’s lives forever – I love you so much. Jesus Christ, OK. This show changed my life, it instilled in me the belief that change is possible, if you are able to reach out, you are never truly alone. I thank this show… my parents, I love you. Annabel, my sister, you are here, I love you so much. Thank you for coming with me tonight, Ezer and Louie (Delores, his kids), I love you so, so much. You are my heart – thank you all.”