Lukas Gage, the 31-year-old actor known for his work in “The White Lotus,” recently shared his views on romance, suggesting that genuine love develops gradually rather than being ignited by an immediate connection. His comments came during the Hollywood premiere of his new Netflix romantic comedy, “Voicemails for Isabelle,” held on 16 June.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lukas-Gage-Voicemails-for-Isabelle-Premiere-061826-94324e77e45346cbb2e7a6b815eb153b.jpg)
In an interview with PEOPLE, Gage expressed that he believes the strongest relationships are grounded in friendship. “Many people think love is an instant feeling, but I disagree,” he explained. “Real rom-com love is something that evolves over time, built upon a solid foundation like friendship. It shouldn’t necessarily revolve around that rush of emotion experienced at first sight.”
The actor’s perspective on relationships has been shaped by his recent experiences. Gage was married to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton in April 2023, only to part ways just seven months later. He reflected on his whirlwind romance with Appleton, revealing that he lost himself during their time together. “I didn’t recognise who I was anymore, and neither did the people around me,” he recalled, discussing the marriage during a September 2025 appearance on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast.
Looking back, Gage has indicated that his decision to marry Appleton was influenced by external speculation regarding his sexuality. He felt a need to respond to public scrutiny, which he described as feeling like he was either hiding a significant secret or unfairly taking opportunities from other queer performers. “I think in some ways, I was rebelling,” he shared. “I wanted to be so open and public about my relationship that it would silence all the chatter.”
In his current film, “Voicemails for Isabelle,” Gage portrays a character named Arthur, a chef who is described as a “lovable nightmare.” His role involves interactions with Jill, played by Zoey Deutch, who leaves voicemails for her late sister on a phone number she believes has been deactivated. Gage revealed that Arthur initially sees a one-night encounter with Jill as the beginning of something deeper. “He’s definitely a nightmare, but in an endearing kind of way. Audiences will find themselves hating to love him,” he said.
While stepping into the role of a chef might seem fitting, Gage humorously remarked that he struggles in the kitchen. “I don’t know how to cook; I’m really terrible at it,” he admitted, adding that his lack of culinary skills made it difficult for him to draw inspiration from his own life for the character.
The premiere event was a significant moment for Gage, who is keen to redefine his romantic life following his earlier marriage. He has publicly stated a desire for a more stable, friendship-based partnership moving forward. “I’m definitely looking for that connection,” Gage said in a previous interview. “It’s important to me that any future romance is built on a solid foundation before anything else.”
“Voicemails for Isabelle” is now available for streaming on Netflix, showcasing Gage’s comedic talents while providing insights into themes of love, loss, and personal growth. As the actor continues to evolve both personally and professionally, his experiences highlight a journey of self-discovery and the complexities involved in the pursuit of mature relationships.
Despite the ups and downs, Gage remains optimistic about finding love that resonates with his newfound perspective, focusing on the importance of a meaningful connection rather than fleeting infatuations. His candid discussions about romance and relationships shed light on the actor’s ongoing evolution as he navigates the public eye and personal authenticity.