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This actor, who now sports a mature, fuller figure and silver hair, has openly embraced his identity as a gay man while also navigating a serious health diagnosis.
This American star, best known for his role as Michael Scofield in “Prison Break,” has had a long and successful Hollywood career. But he's also undergone significant personal and professional transformations. Here's a look at his journey, from the present to when he first became famous.
A Mature Actor
Despite mostly disappearing from the public eye and not using social media anymore, this 2000s heartthrob, now 52, continues to pursue his passion in front of the camera. Nineteen years after the premiere of “Prison Break,” he and Dominic Purcell, 54, are set to reunite in the upcoming series “Snatchback.”
Purcell announced the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude to his wife, Tish Cyrus Purcell, and her production company, Hopetown Entertainment, for bringing the project to life.
The series reportedly centers on a highly skilled team of privately contracted operatives. Their job is to recover hostages from some of the most exotic and dangerous locations around the world.
His Condition
For example, in July 2021, the actor disclosed a significant aspect of his personal life, revealing that he was diagnosed with autism as an adult. In a detailed, now-deleted Instagram post, he reflected on finding “unexpected gifts” during the lockdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
“This fall marks 1 year since I received my informal autism diagnosis. Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis,” he shared.
The movie star acknowledged that the process of finding these results was lengthy and flawed and also called for it to be updated regarding adults. At the same time, he recognized that having access to a diagnosis at all is a privilege not everyone enjoys.
Furthermore, he expressed that his autism is an inherent part of who he is and something he cannot change. The actor also thanked all those who offered him extra understanding and patience at the time.
No More “Prison Break”
Before this revelation, the 2000s heartthrob had dropped a bombshell in 2020 about his acting career. The Golden Globe nominee announced in a since-deleted Instagram post that he was not interested in reprising his role as Michael Scofield in “Prison Break,” after it was revived in 2017.
He stated, “I'm out. Of PB. Officially,” clarifying that his decision wasn't due to social media backlash but because he no longer wants to portray straight characters, as their stories have been extensively told.
This star also acknowledged that his decision might disappoint fans who wanted him in the project. However, he wanted to consider those upset by the idea of a gay actor playing a straight character, stating, “That's your work.” This news came ahead of a planned sixth season, which never materialized.
However, his exit from “Prison Break” and any possible spin-offs came as a huge surprise, as just a few years earlier, in March 2017, the actor attended a screening and conversation in Beverly Hills, California. He had a more mature look, with closely cropped gray hair and a gray beard.
His appearance was similar to a few months earlier, on January 11, 2017, when he was seen at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. Pictured alongside Purcell, he sported a nearly buzzed, fully gray hairstyle that added a distinguished aura to his demeanor.
For this solo shot, the 2000s heartthrob had a clean-shaven face that emphasized his sharp features. His physique remained steady, reflecting a healthy, fuller build compared to his earlier, leaner years.
His Changing Looks
However, Wentworth Miller had actually started to change in appearance years earlier and was heavily criticized for it. He eventually responded to the comments. In 2016, LADBible posted a now-deleted meme that fat-shamed him, and he responded by revealing his past battles with suicidal thoughts in a since-deleted Facebook post.
He admitted, “Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction.” Miller also revealed that photos of his weight gain in 2010 were taken during the “lowest point in my adult life,” when he relied on food for comfort while struggling with his mental health.
“I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food,” the British-born, Brooklyn-raised Hollywood actor wrote. He even admitted that seeing those images again reminded him of his endurance and perseverance. The actor saw himself as a survivor, having overcome these challenges in silence.
It was clear to see that he had faced his troubles after 2010 and he looked much healthier in later appearance. For example, at the January 2015 screening of “The Loft” in Los Angeles, he looked in shape but his age began to show particularly due to the gray hair on his temples.
Acting Again and Coming Out
After the original run of “Prison Break” ended in 2009, the actor had semi-retired for a while due to several reasons. But he made a surprising return in 2013 with a huge revelation. He officially came out as a gay man in the most memorable way: declining an invitation to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia.
In an open letter, Miller declared he would not attend, citing Russia's anti-LGBTQ legislation and simultaneously revealing his sexual orientation for the first time. “As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes,” the actor expressed. “However, as a gay man, I must decline.”
He also shared his deep concern over the Russian government's stance and treatment of LGBTQ individuals, stating that the situation was unacceptable. Additionally, the actor emphasized his inability to participate in a celebratory event hosted by a country that systematically denies LGBTQ people the fundamental right to live and love openly.
After coming out, Miller's love life attracted public attention, with rumors circulating about a relationship with Canadian actor Luke MacFarlane of “Brothers & Sisters” fame, who came out in April 2008. The two were spotted together in Los Angeles that year, initially trying to avoid being photographed, but eventually seen walking side-by-side and smiling.
The Height of His Fame
Although Miller is still acting and has made many public declarations, it seems that he's no longer interested in active Hollywood stardom. The 2000s were the height of his career, and he was seen everywhere. For example, in March 2007, he attended a press conference and a fan meeting in Seoul, South Korea. He was pictured holding two stuffed animals and a drawing of himself.
Shortly afterward, during a press event in Shanghai, China, he was seen with a clean-shaven face that showed off his defined jawline. The actor wore a navy blue dress shirt as he smiled at the camera.
The next month, he attended a commercial event and arrived for the occasion wearing glasses and a gray jacket over a white unbuttoned shirt paired with black pants.
Three months later, this 2000s heartthrob appeared on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in New York. His look was more casual and practical, fitting for his role, and he seemed to have a slightly fuller face.
In July, the television star attended the Fox TCA Party in Los Angeles and opted for a white open-collared shirt with dark trousers for the event.
During the “Prison Break” press conference in Beverly Hills, California, in September, Miller was seen again, but his looks had remained. He was pictured wearing a light blue checkered shirt paired with jeans.
Attending Events a Year Earlier
On January 10, 2006, Miller attended the 32nd Annual People's Choice Awards, where he accepted the award for Favorite New TV Drama for “Prison Break.” He maintained a polished and formal appearance, and his physique appeared consistent.
During the Fox 2006 Golden Globes after party with Sarah Wayne Callies, Miller's appearance was similar to the previous week. He wore a black suit, which added a touch of casual elegance to his look, and his body shape remained consistent, still lean and athletic.
At the Fox Winter TCA party, his looks remained sharp and stylish. His hair was short, neatly cut, and slightly spiked at the front. He wore a brown coat over a darker sweater.
During this outing in May 2006 in Los Angeles, the actor looked more casual. His overall demeanor was laid-back and comfortable, suitable for a normal day at the airport.
A few days later, he was seen talking over the phone in Los Angeles. He wore a blue t-shirt paired with beige pants. His physique was lean, with no significant changes from earlier in the month.
The following month, the actor attended the 2006 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre, where he opted for a more polished casual look. He wore a black button-down shirt, left untucked.
At the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Miller showcased a formal and elegant look with a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white dress shirt. He was also in a black bow tie.
During his interview at the Four Seasons Hotel the next day, the actor's appearance was slightly more relaxed but still sharp. He wore a checkered, open-collared shirt with a baseball cap.
On October 9, 2006, at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, France, Miller was seen in a polished outfit with short, but elegantly styled hair.
During this appearance at the FOX Fall 2006 Eco-Casino Party, Miller's look was slightly more casual but still stylish. He wore a dark, fitted jacket over a gray t-shirt, which gave him a more rugged and contemporary look.
His Breakout Role in 2005
All the appearances above wouldn't have been possible without the show that made him famous: “Prison Break.” It premiered this year, and the actor immediately captured attention for his good looks. At the May 2005 Fox Primetime Upfront event, Miller displayed his signature polished look that wouldn't change for several years: short, neat hair, clean-shaven face, and lean physique.
While on the set of “Prison Break,” that same year, he stayed true to his role and his previous looks. He kept his hair short and neat and displayed no facial hair.
This other photo from the “Prison Break” set showed Miller maintaining his signature style. His facial structure was prominently displayed as he looked at his co-star, Purcell.
At the Hangar 8 event in August 2005 in Santa Monica, the actor showed only a few changes. His hair remained short, but there was a slightly more textured look.
At the October 2005 Fox Fall Casino Party, Miller sported a tan and a polished casual look with a dark jacket and light-colored shirt.
The next month, he appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and kept his outfit simple with a black suit paired with a light blue shirt unbuttoned at the collar. His hair was short and neatly groomed, and he remained clean-shaven.
A Young Heartthrob from the Early 2000s
The actor had gotten notoriety just a few years early at other events. In August 2003, Miller was seen during a photocall at the 60th Venice Film Festival. He had a clean-shaven face and short, closely cropped hair. His complexion was smooth, and his body was fit.
The next month, the actor attended a press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival. His hairstyle remained short and neat, similar to the previous month. He had a fresh face but stood out among the other heartthrobs of the time.
Miller was seen at another event the following month at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood, where he had slightly longer hair and could easily be compared to actors like Henry Cavill.
Miller's career and personal life have been marked by significant transformations. He has openly embraced his identity and faced health challenges, all while continuing to evolve as an actor. His willingness to prioritize his values over traditional Hollywood expectations makes him a unique figure and inspiration in the industry.
