60 Seconds: Wentworth Miller
That's an unusual name. My great grandmother picked it out of a Jane Austen novel - Captain Wentworth in Persuasion.Eat up some of the hottest outtakes ever from TV Guide of Wentworth Miller and his on-screen Prison Break brother Dominic Purcell. Read the full Metro interview after the jump, more pictures in the gallery!
What were you in when you were little? I was part of a dinosaur play in kindergarten. Everyone had to make their own costume with the help of their parents and most kids showed up with a paper bag over their heads. My father spent two weeks crafting this huge papier mâché Tyrannosaurus rex headpiece which was about half my body weight. When I tottered out on stage in front of all the parents and they burst into applause, I thought, 'There's something here'.
What underpants do you wear, asks Tat, from London. Boxers, by and large.
Virginia from Wimbledon, London, asks: 'Do you have a girlfriend or are you married?' No, I'm quite single right now. I'm married to the show.
Do you get any stick for being so good-looking?
Ha ha ha. No, there hasn't been a downside yet.
60 Seconds: Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller started his career with bit parts in TV shows such as Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Popular. He has become a heart-throb thanks to Prison Break, in which he stars as a convict who is trying to bust his brother out of jail, armed with nothing but the prison blueprint tattooed on his torso.That's an unusual name. My great grandmother picked it out of a Jane Austen novel - Captain Wentworth in Persuasion.
You were born in Britain. Have you been back? Yes, I was in an all-male a capella group when I was studying at Princeton and we'd tour Europe. We'd take the QE2 over from New York and spend some time in England. I spent nine months filming Dinotopia in Britain. It rained the most since records began when I was here but London's a lovely city besides that.
Is Prison Break fun to make? Yes. It's an ambitious show - it has got stunts and special effects, like the tattoo, in every show and hundreds of extras. We shoot it at a defunct prison outside Chicago - and in courtyards where civil war prisoners were executed and in cell blocks where John Wayne Gacy, one of America's first serial killers, was held.
It's quite atmospheric then? Ha ha. Yes, it's rich in that dark kind of history. We spent five days a week there for ten months making the first series.
Does spending so long in a location like that drive you a bit crazy? No, because I know I get to leave at the end of the day, which makes all the difference.
The series is celebrated for being ludicrously far-fetched. How does it sustain itself? There are a couple of near escapes but, over all, my character Michael has one continuous plan you follow throughout the season. We have a number of cliffhangers in each episode which keeps the audience coming back but, even though the action is fantastic and we demand suspension of disbelief, we also have characters you can invest in and care about over the long term.
What are they going to do for series two? Send him back to jail? If the brothers get out, the series will become more like The Fugitive, with us trying to elude the authorities and solve the conspiracy that put my brother behind bars in the first place.
Do you like prison shows in general? I just finished watching the fifth and final series of Oz, which was really well done. Prison has a universal fascination. It's a real-life horror story because, given the right set of circumstances, anyone could find themselves behind bars.
Have you ever seen Prisoner Cell Block H? No, but I've heard of it. It's a 1970s thing, right?
They were in a prison called Wentworth Detention Centre. That's a spooky coincidence. Ha ha ha. It is. I've never seen it but I'm curious. Women behind bars seems tasty enough.
If you faced similar circumstances, would you bust a sibling out of jail? Not a chance. I'd get a few petitions lined up, make a few phone calls, get the best legal defence possible but I'd draw the line at actually going to jail on their behalf myself.
Your family have a legal background. Did they expect you to take that career path? No, but there was an expectation I'd get into the best college possible. After that, I could have done as I wanted.
So why did you go into acting? It is something I've enjoyed since I was a little boy. I abandoned those dreams at college because it didn't seem to be a realistic way of earning a living. I spent a couple of years working behind the scenes at a production company and realised I still had this nagging question I needed to answer - one that would always haunt me unless I gave it a try.
You went to 500 auditions and only got 15 jobs out if it. What kept you motivated? You have to believe in your heart of hearts that there's a script out there with your name on it and, if you keep pounding the pavement, something will turn up. You have to try not to take it personally, even though they're not rejecting your work, they're rejecting you - at least that's what it feels like. I considered giving up but I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. Acting was something I needed like air. It wasn't something I could walk away from.
What were you in when you were little? I was part of a dinosaur play in kindergarten. Everyone had to make their own costume with the help of their parents and most kids showed up with a paper bag over their heads. My father spent two weeks crafting this huge papier mâché Tyrannosaurus rex headpiece which was about half my body weight. When I tottered out on stage in front of all the parents and they burst into applause, I thought, 'There's something here'.
What was your first professional job? It was a guest star role on Buffy The Vampire Slayer back in 1997. It was one of my favourite shows, so to find myself on a back lot doing stunt work with Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz was a treat.
How easy was it to get the Prison Break job? I hadn't worked for a year when I had my Prison Break audition and it was the easiest audition I've ever had. I got the script on Friday, went to the audition on Monday and got the part on Tuesday. I was shooting the pilot a week later. I didn't have time to be nervous - it happened so quickly.
The programme has raised your profile. Are you enjoying that? I am. A lot of people come up to me on the street and express their appreciation for the show. Prison Break has opened doors for me with feature film projects, although I won't be undertaking any in the season hiatus because, after ten months behind bars, I need to take a break.
What's the weirdest thing a fan has done to meet you? I'm not sure if it's a function of the character I play or the quality of fans the show has but they seem to be a respectful, well-behaved group. I was going to a chat show in New York when the car was surrounded by fans who wouldn't let us out until we gave autographs. I'm enjoying it, though.
You were in Mariah Carey's We Belong Together video. How was that? It was a blast and advantageous for me. I got more attention from that video than anything else I'd done. Brett Ratner, who directed the pilot episode of Prison Break, also directed that video so I went from one project to the next.
Is Mariah as mad as everyone says? Mariah's lovely. She took care of me on set and made sure that I felt at home and was enjoying myself.
You've got a mixed race background. Has that caused you problems being cast? I couldn't say for sure because I'm never in the room when they're discussing my audition tape. I imagine it has complicated things but I'll never know to what extent.
Vin Diesel wouldn't discuss his ethnicity in interviews. What do you make of that? That's entirely his own business. I certainly understand why because this is a business about definitions and labels and often those can be incredibly limiting role-wise. I've been pretty fortunate, though.
What underpants do you wear, asks Tat, from London. Boxers, by and large.
Virginia from Wimbledon, London, asks: 'Do you have a girlfriend or are you married?' No, I'm quite single right now. I'm married to the show.
Do you get any stick for being so good-looking, wonders Paula McLeod from London. Ha ha ha. No, there hasn't been a downside yet.
Have you got any tattoos yourself, asks Adam from Manchester. No, and I've got no plans to get any.
Categories: Prison Break | Wentworth Miller
(68)
One word...yummy!
wow...he's so cute!
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you :)
*big smooches to Jared*
Awesome. That is all.
Oh my Sweet Jesus - I mean Sweet Jared!
Oh.For.Goodness.Sake. Just stick a fork in me...'cos I'm DONE. Mwah! Thanks JJ!
Oh my word Wentworth is the most beautiful man i have ever seen in my whole entire life. Jared you are one in a million, i always know where to get my Wentworth Miller Fix......
gasp and swoon, I've got the vapors! Thanks a bunch Jared. Once again--a little dose of PB/WM before I leave for the day never hurts. (I still read you at home too but you know, it keeps me going during the day at this boring job) :) you da best!
What did I say? Like a moth to a flame!!
HOTTIE FOR SURE JUST MADE THE MANGINA DRIP, TEEHEE
Seriously, he couldn't get any hotter...his beauty is transcendental.
He is the epitome of HOT. Well spoken, intelligent and hellishly easy on the eyes.
In my heart of hearts I heart Wentworth.
Your prison break and wentworth scoop is amazing! Thank you
Wentworth a day keeps the doctor away
I can't wait till monday, thats for sure
So, has this site been re-named Just Wentworth. Used to have some decent gossip, now it just shills for the networks. Boring.
OMG Jared. Thanks. These are awesome.
Wow...i love these pictures
It should be illegal to look like that! My mouth just went dry...when will I find someone who looks like that AND is intelligent? He is definitely the very last one left.................
Annea...I feel your pain...he is definitely the last one out there who is that beautiful and equally intelligent. I don't think I could ever get sick of looking at that face.
Aaaaaaawsome pictures! Can't get enough of them! Thank you so much for posting them! Went is such a 'sweet' guy and so charming!
Aaaaaaawsome pictures! Can't get enough of them! Thank you so much for posting them! Went is such a 'sweet' guy and so charming!
OMFG, hot hot hot!!!!!!! *guh*
I just wish a high-res version of these pics were available :(
he really is asking for it in that orange jumpsuit isn't he?!?!?!?
I bet he has a problem getting dates for sure. Haha.
My Blog - Gossip
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! these photos were absolutely amazing and made my day!!
He's so intelligent. Normally I find myself rolling my eyes at celeb interviews, but I actually enjoy what he has to say. What a hottie.
A friend of mine went to Princeton with him. He doesn't have a girlfriend because he's GAY. Sorry to burst your bubble ladies. Gentlemen...he's available!
Jared...thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
LUVS IT!!! Thanks Jared! He's so Intelligent, well spoken and sexy...DAMN! That is all.
Thanks so much for all this Prison Break/Wentworth stuff that you're constantly posting... it seriously makes my day :D
i seriously am lost 4 words...all i can say is GOD BLESS U JARED!
i seriously am lost 4 words...all i can say is GOD BLESS U JARED!
tigertone, how does your friend know hes gay, beside the fact that they went to the same school?
thanks jared. thanks to you, i wont be studying for my midterms! =)
Wentworth Miller makes my dreams come true
He is the most SEXYIEST person on this whole entire earth and if it wasn't for him i don't know what i would be doing right now
I think most of his fans know that he's biracial. I'm sure that, like me, they don't give a damn, either. I don't see a color, I see an intelligent, humble, snarky kind of guy, and he's everything I want in a man. His stunning beauty is a plus, and his race isn't an issue at all. And this is coming from a girl from the deep South, so toss those stereotypes aside.
Jared, you totally rock, as usual! *smooches* to you for giving Wentworth Miller fans the best unseen pictures and screencaps!
I'm one of JSFs forever! *wink*
I can't believe he's 34 years old this year. Dominic Purcell is a mere two years older than him, but looks his age. Wentworth looks merely in his mid twenties.
"Funny, I never saw you as black or white...[but]gold...you were my golden child."
Unbelievable, BB Girl! Does anyone actually still think that way? I am pretty sure practically all Went's fans know he is multi-racial - it is hardly a secret! And as it's exactly what I thought when I saw your comment, I'll refer to that quote from 'The Human Stain' again: 'I never thought of you as black or white...but gold.'
Three comments: (1) WM is beautiful in my eyes and that is all that
matters (2) I can't beleive there are still racist comments made like
that, that is just rude (3) If you dont like a person, why are you on
his page?
after obssessing over wentworth, i dont think i'll ever be satisfied with any other man. this is sad.
WORD Nicole!
What a beautiful man! Thanks so much Jared, you're the best.
and BB girl, comment #35, you're disgusting. if you dont find him attractive, dont waste your time on the page. and if you can't see his outer and inner beauty, his intelligence and integrity, i pity you your ignorance.
i'm mixed race, why should it matter?...
(sorry i have alot to say)
Wentworth Miller is gorgeous!
wentworth is so gorgeous. i wish i'd see him on the big screen soon.
Wow!!! pics are WENTERFUL !!! Thanks Jared. Keep up the good work. Went you are just toooooo Hot!!! and it's not the character you play. You really are that HOT WENT.
i did not say i thought anything - for the record i am biracial myself. actually mixed with many things and i know for a fact if he was not famous with money all these white women would not be all over him like that.
he is sort of non-color right now because he is famous.
but you all did not answer the question, if he was not famous and rich, would you take him home to mommy? probably not. so stop lying.
To BB girl...get your head out of your ass...you do not know what any of us would do so before you start making racist accusations...you better watch your mouth. And for your information...I would take him home to my parents if he weren't famous because outside of his fame, he is extremely intelligent and humble. Considering you are biracial...to read things that you write is just absolutely absurd...people wonder why we still live in a race conscious world...it's because of people exactly like you. Get over yourself.
ilwm: let me get this straight - are you disagreeing with me that we have a race problem in this country? are you disagreeing with me that the same women who praise him would be chastised by their parents if they took him home?
all i am saying is it is very nice to LOVE him because he is rich and famous but if he was not, guess what? he would be subject to the same crap that other biracial people and black people face.
i look white but once people find out what my background is and once they see pictures of my mom who is clearly ethnic - their whole attitude changes.
i know from experience what i am talking about.
like eddie murphy said once years ago - once you are a famous black person - you are seen as some other race but if it is a poor black guy walking down the street - he is treated as just that - poor black guy.
i have people who look like wentworth in my family in terms of coloring etc and they get it too. please! i know this for a fact.
Lol. Of Course I would take him home to mommy. I wish I had a
non celebrity version of WM to, in fact, take home and KEEP!
LMAO If he weren't a celebrity, we wouldn't know of him and we
wouldn't having this discussion. There are good and bad in all
races and BB girl, being bi-racial yourself, why would you ask such
questions? It's like asking yourself if anyone would want to
introduce you to daddy?
Lol. Of Course I would take him home to mommy. I wish I had a
non celebrity version of WM to, in fact, take home and KEEP!
LMAO If he weren't a celebrity, we wouldn't know of him and we
wouldn't having this discussion. There are good and bad in all
races and BB girl, being bi-racial yourself, why would you ask such
questions? It's like asking yourself if anyone would want to
introduce you to daddy? Furthermore, I am a brown woman, we all know, or should know, what a lot of different races have to go through with respect to discrimination and preferential treatment.
BB Girl...I am not denying that we have a race problem in this country but for you to assume that none of us would feel the same way about him if he weren't famous or if we knew he was biracial (which I did know about) merely perpetuates racism and is extremely presumptuous. You cannot make generalizations as you have made and I am not trying to disvalue your experiences as a biracial individual but you also have to understand that many of us like Wentworth regardless of his race. We think he is hot period and it has nothing to do with the fact that he may be white, black, or whatever. Who are you to assume that if we were to take him home to our parents hypothetically speaking...they would chastise him...you might as well just deem everyone a racist then because in essence you have and that is completely and utterly ignorant of you to do such a thing.
okay, you are all entitled to your opinion. i just think it is interesting how celebrities are held on a pedestal and taken out of al lot of social and political contexts.
yet my brother who is darker than me was told my his mexican family that he was not allowed to date his girlfriend because our mother is part black.
i get treated differently because people mistake me for italian and i get to hear all the negative stuff against black people without people knowing what i am.
i just think it is interesting, that's all. whatever. wrong place to have this debate i guess.
nothing against wentworth, i just don't find him that hot. i think denzel washington and brad pitt are better looking.
Can this guy get any hotter??? LOVE HIM! Great actor, intelligent, HOT as HELL... Can he get any better?
I had to come back to this post and get another look at these stunning photos. Seriously...if he is gay I would be so dissapointed...but that seems to be the thing for men who are near perfection...Rock Hudson?
God Bless you Jared
God Bless you Jared
God Bless you Jared
God Bless you Jared
thanks jared for making my day. keep them coming :)
I don't understand why there is such a big deal made about his race?! Does it really matter what colour or ethnic group he belongs to? Does anyone comment on Brad Pitt's race all the time? It's almost taken for granted that white is taken as standard beauty and anything that varies from that 'norm' incurs great speculation, almost as if other races need to justify their beauty! So his beautiful, full stop.
He is sooo sexy i'nt he ppl!!!!!!! jst cant get enough of him:P
And again ppl he is NOT GAY full stop!!!!!!!
Wow...some people here are just pathetic and ignorant to the extreme! Wentworth Miller is an amzing actor and an all around great person...PERIOD! Regardless of his race, sexual orientation, or whatever else.
To start off, being gay is not a bad thing, so using it as an insult is ridiculous. For the record, Went is not gay because he says he's not...that's enough for me.
As for those of you screeching about race, no one is saying that there is not a race problem, we're just saying that we ourselves could care less what combination of this planet's wonderful diversity constitutes Wentworth Miller. It's a non-issue for us and the vast majority of everyone else.
Sure there are some sad, pathetic, hatefilled, jackholes in the world, but they are worthless slime who don't matter, anyway.
We love Went regardless of "who" he is. We love Went...PERIOD!
Would I "take Went home" if he wasn't famous? Hell yeah! He seems like a totally chill dude to hang out with. When I watch (and read, thanks Jared) his interviews, he reminds me a lot of my friends.
I think being one of Went's buddies would kickass, even if he wasn't famous. There's more to Went than the characters he plays...he's a dynamic human being with feeling and motivations like everyone else.
Please remember the human behind the fiction before you blithly slander Went because you're envious of his success and popularity, or malign him with claims that his fame is all that makes him worthy of our affections.
Went's fame is why we noticed him in the first place, but Went's humanity is why we continue to care for him.
- Matt
Wow, well said Matt. =)
seconded
went miller it too cool. and im a guy! lol im soo gay.. not rele. but i wanna sponge of his fame. because we have similr eyes.
Wentworth is so totally hot as hell!!!!!!!!!!