HBO’s “The White Lotus” has become known for its ability to reinvent itself with each new season, and actor Jon Gries is no exception. In a recent interview with CNN, Gries discussed his experience playing the complex character of Greg Hunt, also known as Gary, in Season 3.
Initially, Gries had developed a backstory for Greg, portraying him as a man struggling with illness. However, when creator Mike White approached him about returning to the series, Gries realized he would have to reimagine the character’s history. White revealed that Greg is “very sinister” and eventually became a key suspect in Tanya’s death.
For Season 3, Gries drew inspiration from true crime documentaries, including HBO’s “The Jinx,” which profiles late convicted killer Robert Durst. He found Durst’s calm demeanor to be a model for where Greg was headed, despite being “dangerous” and hiding beneath a surface-level of irritation.
Gries struggled with finding an empathetic side for his character but had an important “wake-up moment” when White revealed that Greg is a psychopath. This realization allowed Gries to rework his portrayal and explore the complexity of Greg’s personality.
The penultimate episode of Season 3 will air on Sunday, and Gries appreciates the shift towards live viewing, which allows for a more immersive experience. He believes that binge-watching “undermines” the value of television, as it skips over crucial moments in the narrative.
With its reputation for reinvention, “The White Lotus” continues to captivate audiences with complex characters like Greg Hunt.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/28/entertainment/white-lotus-jon-gries-robert-durst/index.html