Wentworth Miller starred as Michael Scofield in the popular drama Prison Break for five seasons but will not be reprising his character for the show's announced sixth season.
The 48-year-old actor and screenwriter—who came out as gay in 2013—said he no longer wishes to play straight characters, citing their stories have been "told (and told)."
Miller announced his decision in a post following a blank picture on Instagram.
He began with a positive quote from a fan.
"'This is my favorite IG account,' someone wrote in response to a recent post."
"Thank you. I want you to know I saw that. I see the positive comments and DMs (a lot of them anyway). Affectionate. Supportive. Appreciated (by me)."
But he also mentioned receiving comments and DMs that were less kind.
"Obviously there are comments and DMs I appreciate less. Who are these people? On my page? What backwards-a**, Stone Age values country did they crawl out of? The U.S.?"
"I won't be disappearing (too many cool things to repost). The ability to comment likely will."
"I'm not concerned for myself. I can't be 'bullied' in this space. I have too much power. 'Delete. Block. Deactivate.' Etc."
"But I take seriously the possibility of queer kids visiting here, recently out of the closet or exploring the idea... I don't want them exposed to bullsh*t."
Miller then pivoted the discussion towards the subject of his career moving forward.
"On a related note... I'm out. Of PB. Officially."
"Not bec of static on social media (although that has centered the issue). I just don't want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told)."
"So. No more Michael. If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons... I understand this is disappointing. I'm sorry."
"If you're hot and bothered bec you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one..."
"That's your work. - W.M."
One of the first people who commented to demonstrate he had Miller's back was his co-star, Dominic Purcell, who wrote:
"It was fun mate. What a ride it was. Fully support and understand your reasoning. Glad you have made this decision for you health and your truth. Keep the posts coming. …. love ya brother."
@wentworthmiller/instagram
Purcell also expressed his solidarity for his on-screen brother in a deleted Instagram video.
"Prison Break 6 is not going to happen. I had a long, long talk with Wentworth, and his reasonings as to why he doesn't want to partake in Prison Break 6 are so honorable and fully legit, and I cannot persuade, nor would I even attempt to persuade him to betray his truth."
"So, that's it. 6 is not going to happen. And if it does happen, it's not going to happen with myself or Wentworth because I'm loyal to Wentworth."
Another of Miller's co-stars, Sarah Wayne Callies, also responded to his post, saying:
"yesterday @wentworthmiller announced he's done playing michael scofield because as a gay man he wants to focus on playing gay characters."
"with gratitude for all the work we did together, & with deep love, i'm voicing my support for that choice."
"to all the fans, know this: the cast of prison break is a queer friendly space. we stand with - and among - our friends & family in the LGBTQ+ community with full throated support for their rights and artistic work. all the time. always."
"and if that's a problem for anyone, to quote a good man, 'that's your work.'"
Although devoted fans of the show were saddened by the news of Miller bowing out, most gave the actor their full support.
@wentworthmiller/instagram
@wentworthmiller/instagram
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@wentworthmiller/instagram
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@wentworthmiller/instagram
@wentworthmiller/instagram
@wentworthmiller/instagram
Prison Break initially aired on Fox for four season from 2005 to 2008.
Due to popular demand, the show was rebooted for a fifth season in 2017 as a limited event series called Prison Break: Resurrection.
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