TV Tattler: Celebrity Interviews

Related Links 'Prison Break' Listings More About Wentworth Miller

<< Return to Previous Page

Who's a better co-star: Anthony Hopkins ('The Human Stain') or Mariah Carey ('It's Like That' and 'We Belong Together')?
That may be a split-decision. Obviously, as an actor, it doesn’t get any better than working with someone like Anthony Hopkins. But Mariah’s an international icon, and the two days I spent working on her videos did more for my career, gave me more exposure, than anything I’d done before 'Prison Break.' I’m grateful for both opportunities.

When you were studying at Princeton, did you ever expect you'd be a TV star?
If someone had told me one day I’d be earning my living playing an inmate on TV, I’m sure I would have laughed in their face. College was a difficult time in terms of figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. I’d given up my acting ambitions by then because they seemed too unrealistic, but I had no idea what I might want to do instead. Most of my friends had their whole lives planned out, and I remember feeling envious of how certain they were, how focused. I eventually chose to work behind the scenes for a small production company that made TV movies. That seemed like a decent compromise -- I’d still be connected with the world of acting but I’d also have a steady paycheck. When I did eventually decide to quit my day job and become an actor, it felt like jumping out of a plane with a parachute that may or may not open. Risky, but thrilling.

Does it just break your mother's heart to see you behind bars (fictionally)?
My mom just likes the fact I’m working, that I’m able to support myself and she can stop paying for my car insurance. But watching the show can be difficult for her. She doesn’t like watching someone cutting off the toes that she used to play “this little piggy” with.

Your father's a lawyer. Would he have been able (or willing) to prove Lincoln innocent?
Yes, but he could just as easily have been the prosecutor. My father helps law students prep for their exams, and he always advises them to remember that law is a game and you have to be willing to play either side, regardless of how you might feel about the facts of the case. And that’s a piece of advice I was able to apply to acting too, because sometimes you’re hired to play a character that you don’t necessarily like, but if you want to do that character justice, you have to leave your judgments at the door.

You traveled the world performing with The Princeton Tigertones. Do you still sing?
My singing days are behind me, sadly. After a decade of neglect I can barely carry a tune. But I wouldn’t mind doing a movie musical or something, just as long as there’s enough money in the budget to fix my songs in editing.

If you weren't starring on 'Prison Break,' which other shows would you like to be on?
I’d love to be on 'Law & Order’ or maybe do voice work for 'The Simpsons.' I’d be happy anywhere, just as long as I was surrounded by really talented people and working on material that inspired me.

Do you watch 'American Idol'?
Actually, I've never seen 'A.I.' but I am grateful to them. That show is one of Fox’s biggest moneymakers, and some of that money goes to pay for shows like ‘Prison Break.’ Simon Cowell’s been signing my paychecks and for that I say thanks.

What's your favorite show of all time?
I have too many to pick just one. Different shows have meant different things to me at various times in my life. For pure nostalgic value, I’d have to go with 'The Muppet Show.' When I was a kid you could bet that come Monday night at 7:30, I’d be sitting an inch away from the TV screen, ready for Kermit and company to lay it on me.