Since bursting onto screens as Carmy in Hulu’s hit series The Bear in June 2022, Jeremy Allen White’s ink has become almost as famous as his acting. Though his character sports elaborate tattoos—each application taking nearly half an hour—White himself maintains a relatively modest collection of six known designs across his arms and chest. From youthful dares and lifelong friendships to love tributes for his ex-wife Addison Timlin and their children, each tattoo carries its own story. Below, discover the meanings behind White’s most talked-about tattoos and how they reflect key moments in his life and career.
Raised Triangle Ink Symbol
One of White’s earliest pieces, a simple triangle on his chest, first appeared briefly during Shameless. While viewers assumed it was Lip Gallagher’s own marking, the raised, poorly executed ink is actually White’s real tattoo—etched when he was just 17 to honor a close group of friends. Makeup artists initially tried to cover the prominence of the design in later seasons, but its texture made concealment impossible, so producers chose to integrate it into Lip’s wardrobe instead.
Buddy And Billie Tribute
On his upper forearm, White wears a heart pierced by an arrow, enclosing the names “Buddy & Billie.” These nicknames belonged to White and his then-wife, Addison Timlin, who sported the same design on the back of matching jean jackets at their 2019 wedding. This mirrored ink highlighted their bond at the time and served as a permanent reminder of their shared affection.
Hummingbird Celebrates New Life
In 2019, following the birth of their first daughter, Ezer, White visited LA’s Bodies Need Rest studio and commemorated the occasion with a delicate hummingbird tattoo, complete with a banner bearing his daughter’s name. The hummingbird held special significance: as Timlin told him of her pregnancy, White watched one flit around a nest in their new backyard, sealing the moment in ink. Nearby, the mysterious “R.W.” on his shoulder remains unexplained, adding an air of intrigue to his collection.
Hidden Scripted Ink Meanings
Beneath his shirt sleeves, White conceals two more tattoos: the letters “EZ” on his inner bicep—likely another nod to Ezer—and a tiny two-word script on his opposite shoulder, the first word appearing to say “sweet.” Neither has been publicly decoded, underscoring that, for White, some ink is meant for his eyes alone.
Conclusion
Jeremy Allen White’s tattoos chart a personal journey from teenage friendships to parenthood and past relationships. Each piece of ink marks a chapter in his story—some obvious, others private—but together they offer fans a deeper glimpse into the actor behind Carmy. As White continues to evolve on and off screen, it’s clear his ink will likewise hold fresh significance, making every new role and life milestone all the more compelling.