went and dom Dish Interview

exNeo · 11-11-2006, 08:56 PM

its from July but i dont recall seeing it here before...

DOM
Interview by Raeanne Rubenstein

It was a very hot July evening when I met Dominic Purcell, at a press party organized by Fox, to promote their very successful (and Dish favorite) show “Prison Break.” All the actors were there, Wentworth, Amaury, Peter Stormare, Wade Williams, even Stacy Keach was there, as was creator Paul Scheuring. Fortunately, interviews were allowed, so when I noticed Dominic Purcell (miraculously) standing alone, I grabbed him, dragged him off, (just kidding!) for a little one-on-one of the verbal kind. Here’s what he had to say….

What’s changed the most since “Prison Break”?

I can buy a lobster now. (laughs) It’s a beautiful thing to be noticed in a few places and being able to get these perks that we are getting and a few toys—I just bought myself a car. It’s a nice … Mercedes Benz 500 CLS, it’s beautiful! I said ‘I’ve worked hard, why not? Let me just treat myself with one of these.’ I bought my mom a car too, I bought her this beautiful SUV. It’s in Puerto Rico. Brand new, she’s loving it. It was for Mother’s Day. What’s the whole point of me having all this money and not spending it on people I love?

After 22 episodes, did you start to get tired of being in the prison?

Towards the end I got frustrated. Creatively, my imagination started to dry up. But I always knew that we were breaking out, and we’ve broken out, and now it’s good times ahead.

So what’s next for Lincoln?

There’s a lot of changes [that are] going to happen to my character right now. He loosens up a bit. Sure, he’s the guy with the plan, he’s the strong guy, the action kind of guy. We get to see different flavors for him. We get to see a lot more charisma. People are going to be fascinated with Lincoln, in that ‘Wow! this is a different guy,’ which is great because in Season One I was playing him in a semi one-dimensional manner—I’m depressed, I’m going to die. This year, I don’t have that. It’s very exciting.

What’s going to happen with all of D.B. Cooper’s money?

Lincoln doesn’t care two ways about the money. It’s more about, first of all—saving himself, getting away from the chair. And then dealing with…the damage that he created before incarceration, the relationship with L.J. (his son Lincoln Burrows, Jr.), and with trying to work out who took out his ex-wife. There’s a lot of stuff going on in Lincoln’s mind, before he can escape with Michael across the border.

Do you ever get a say in the direction your character goes?

The majority of it is on the page. But as actors, we get on the set and we flesh out stuff. The great thing about this show is that the writers aren’t married to the words. They trust us in that…we live within the character, we know these guys more now than the writers. The writers are obviously all about objectives and the structure of the story. If I read a scene or a line, and I’m like ‘No, no, no. The wording’s wrong, Lincoln wouldn’t say it like this.’ I have the liberty to go to the writers or on the day [of filming] change it without them knowing, as long as I don’t change the intent of what the writer wants me to say.

How is working with Wentworth?

He’s right there with you, even off camera, he gives it all. He prepares, he just slices his character. He knows this character more than anybody else does, we all do. But, as an actor, he doesn’t want to compromise any results by getting greedy, and taking any other movie roles that he’s been offered. My buddy Wentworth, he’s just amazing—as a cast member, as a friend. We have a great time on set. I’ve learned so much from him, how he’s been able to handle all this notoriety and all these things that just jump at him. For me, it’s been easier little by little. I wouldn’t be able to do it the way he’s done it.

Is there any competition between you two?

Everybody knows their place, and where they’re at. Of course, it is a hit show, an ensemble cast. Of course the driving force is Wentworth. And, I applaud him, I support him. In my case, I know where I stand and things are happening for me and that’s good. There’s no competition at all. We’re all one and we actually support each other.

Why do you think “Prison Break” is an international success?

I think primarily the rest of the world, for some reason, is quite interested in American drama. There’s something there that they love. We’re talking about a show that is unique, it’s refreshing, it’s different. Obviously, you’ve got your hunky guys, great stories, and we’re dealing with prison, convicts. You’ve got a great guy in Wentworth in the first season, a fresh new face. You had all the elements of doing very well.

How do you feel about the show moving to Dallas?

I love Dallas…everything’s clean and well put together and I’m really enjoying my time there.

Is it hard being so far away from your family?

Some actors get lucky—they do shows and it’s always at home. For me, I haven’t done one yet. I’m just everywhere. It’s hard. We’ve got four kids, and I have to do that commute thing. The kids are in school and what have you, we’ll just see. Obviously next year, if and when the show moves to a different location, they’re going to have to come with me. We’ll just see what happens.

Didn’t you used to cut grass for a living?

Yeah, I was a landscape gardener. I left school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I got into landscape gardening. Thankfully I’m not digging holes anymore.

I read that you were having a wild time then.

I was pretty wild, silly and stupid. I haven’t had a drink now in 15 months. I’ve been sober for a while. I’ve managed to clean up my ways. It’s the best thing I ever did.

What motivated you to do that?

It was time. It was time to grow up.

What do you do in between takes?

I’m a big reader. On my days off, I like to read in the mornings. I hang by the pool because it’s so hot. I swim a lot. On a working day, usually I’m really tired, because it’s pretty exhausting.

What’s next on the plate?

I just did a movie with Spielberg and Michael Bay, it’s called “Transformers”. The movie comes out on July 4, (2007) we’re just shooting it right now. We’ve been shooting all summer and now I’m going back from “Prison Break” to L.A., Dallas to L.A. “Transformers”, It’s going to be a huge blockbuster. I play one of the special operation officers with Josh Duhamel, Tyrese (Gibson), and Zack Ward. Of course, in the movie as well, Jon Voight.

Now that you have had some success, do you work with any charities?

I got a group of kids in Puerto Rico who are orphans or being either molested or beaten, so I take care of them. Every year, I go and do this huge party for them—a benefit, but no press, just me. It is my birthday on December 24, so what we do, it is used to celebrate my birthday. I do a party for them, and buy them whatever they need. Just try to support them. God has given me so much, I just have to give it all back.

Season Two of “Prison Break” premieres on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 7 Et/Pt on FOX! Don’t miss it!

WENT
With Season One such a success, the mastermind behind the “Prison Break” is back! Hottie Wentworth Miller sat down with Dish in an exclusive interview to tell us about his hiatus, international popularity, and of course, Season Two! Read on, and be sure to check out the season premiere of “Prison Break” on Monday August 21 at 8/7c only on FOX!

After last season's filming ended, I heard you took a cross-country trip back home. How’d it go?

Just me, and a box of Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts riding shotgun. I stopped off in Santa Fe, which is a beautiful little city, and apparently where hippies go to die.

What did you do during your hiatus? Film any movies?

Prison Break is an international hit now, so for what it’s worth, my name is on the list or at the very bottom, of the list of actor’s whose name’s “matter”. The show has opened a lot of doors for me, but as far as my hiatus, I chose to walk through none of them, because the show is my priority, and I wanted to make sure I’d give just as much energy and enthusiasm second season, as I did first season.

Are you surprised at the show’s popularity?

What did surprise me is how powerful a medium television is. Everyone’s got TV sets. We’ve got fans all over the country. It’s a real pleasure talking to them because what they’re telling you when they say, ‘I don’t miss an episode’ is ‘I make time for you and your story and your work in my life every week’, and it’s the highest compliment.

What about your popularity?

It’s a double-edged sword. Obviously, I have a calling card that works quite well in certain situations. I was at the mall the other week and a woman came up to me, very polite, very respectful, a fan of the show. She wanted to take my picture, and she had her camera cell phone as they all do. She wanted to take the picture herself, so she kind of sidled up to me, and I put my arm around her. But [she] couldn’t take the picture because it was shaking like a maraca—she was that nervous. I could feel her vibrating next to me, and it was making me nervous. She had to ask a complete stranger to take the picture for her, and as soon as the picture was taken, as soon as she had the image in her camera, she stopped looking at me. She continued interacting with me, but she looked at the image on her camera. She said goodbye to the image on her camera. I could probably write an essay on the disconnect between perception and image and reality. It was a very strange moment to stand there and realize that someone who, five seconds ago, wanted nothing more than to come up and acknowledge you and your work, now very much wanted the experience to be over with because it was almost as though she couldn’t handle the real me standing there.

Does being popular bother you?

We were talking about this on set the other day, me and Dominic, and what we determined is that they don’t pay us to act. They pay us to act as Diplomats, and Ambassadors, and Politicians, and Publicists and all of those other things that go along with being an actor on a successful TV show.

But don’t you miss your privacy?

You don’t want to embarrass yourself, you think twice about picking your nose in public. There is a small sacrifice in terms of anonymity and privacy, but you never know what you’re going to be asked to sacrifice until it’s already been sacrificed. There’s so many pros to the job, so many perks, so many doors that have opened for me, that I really can’t complain.

Have any actual prisoners contacted you?

I have gotten a few letters from inmates, apparently a “Prison Break” headshot will get you a pack of smokes behind bars. But the truth is, in a number of state pens they aren’t allowed to watch the show, because those in charge fear that they will be encouraged, excited to get up to tricks.

What’s going on with Season 2?

While Michael is now literally free, physically free, I think his mind and heart are still very much back at the prison. You get to see other things that I couldn’t or wouldn’t show you first season. I think that Michael walks that very fine line between brilliance and someone with very serious issues and what excites me, whereas, initially, when I first read the script, I thought this is the story of a man sacrificing his entire life to save his brother, but now, on the other end of 22 episodes, I’m wondering if that life was worth holding on to. Because every scene we’ve seen in the flashbacks, Michael’s seemed driven and lonely and isolated and unhappy. I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t Michael’s quest, if this isn’t his calling. It’s not a question of him sacrificing his entire life, it’s more of a question of - he’s never been more alive than right now.

Any love interests this year?

My wife. We may be seeing Nika again. She’s too valuable of a character and the potential love triangle between Michael, Nika, and Doctor Sara is too juicy and has too much potential to leave it by the wayside. I think if Michael and Sara do have a future together, the next time they see each other, it will not be ‘they fall into each other’s arms…tasteful fade to black…’ I think, if anything, they have more obstacles between them now than they did before. Michael did persuade her to help him, but she didn’t know that she was also helping four or five other hardened cons and serial killers get in on the escape. And for that betrayal, I’m not sure if she can ever forgive him.

What about Michael’s relationship with Lincoln?

There may be some interesting conflict between the brothers as far as who’s going to be alpha dog when, but the truth is: Michael has the book smarts, Lincoln has the street smarts. Each of them has something unique and vital to offer depending on the circumstances, and if they’re smart enough they’ll get out of the other’s way and let that happen.

How is working with Dominic Purcell?

Dominic actually is a real cut up and has a great, dry sense of humor, which is a surprise given the brooding, intense, very serious character he plays on the show. Dom is a role model in every sense. He’s a devoted family man. He’s so serious about the work, has a real respect for the craft, is classically trained. Comes up with the most intuitive, on the spot ideas. It’s a real pleasure to work with him and model myself after him as an actor and a man.

What about the other actors?

The great thing about "Prison Break" is that you have all these character actors who have been working for years, but didn’t find just the right job to showcase their amazing abilities, and are now really coming into their own in a fantastic way. I’m so pleased when Wade Williams and Robert Knepper, among others, get their due, their much deserved due.

“Prison Break” moved from Chicago to Dallas this year. How are you liking it?

Dallas has a lot to offer. It’s very much Los Angeles in many respects minus the water and the mountains, plus chiggers. We miss Chicago, because Chicago was very good to us and we worked very hard to root the show in Chicago. But the reality was for the second season in terms of the cons being on escape in the Midwest, we’d have to travel a good two hours outside of Chicago to find the locations that we needed. Whereas, Dallas has a very schizophrenic feel to its neighborhoods—some look East Coast, some look a bit Midwest. One of the virtues of the show is that we are willing to go anywhere for the sake of authenticity and integrity.

Do you have any free time down there?

My workout routine right now involves eating less. Chicago was a dangerous place to be, because the food was so good, the portions were so large, and it was difficult to establish an exercise routine, working five days, 14 hour days, every week. Now that we are in Dallas, I’m happy to say I have a little more free time, because there’s so many stories. Michael’s not in every scene, driving the plot forward. I can actually hit the pool every once in a while.

Do you have a beauty regimen?

In Dallas, it’s basically sweating. It’s like a daylong spa treatment that you don’t pay for.

What advice would you offer Dishmag readers?

My father would always say to me “Run through the tape.” It’s not enough in the race to simply run to the finish line. You have to aim for 5-10-20 yards behind it. What I tell people is it’s not enough to be talented and creative. You have to have discipline and follow through and all those pedestrian boring qualities that at the end of the day guarantee that you’re making those small, incremental steps that are necessary in this business.

Any plans for the future? Will you ever go after a movie role?

If "Prison Break" runs for seven years and I never do another movie and that’s the end of my career—great, I’ll have enjoyed a tremendous ride, one that many people have not enjoyed. But if I can balance TV and film, that would be great as well.

11-12-2006, 01:52 AM

Wow thanx soo much Robyn, that was such a good interview. They both seem like such awsome guys

lala78 · 11-12-2006, 05:40 AM

thanks for that , it was great interview.

11-12-2006, 06:20 AM

Thanks Robyn, I've learned so much more about them and the show

By the way there is sth that interests me, I'm not a native English speaker but what I infer from the interviews of Wentworth is that he has some kind of talent to put different words together, to speak in a different way than an average English sepaker does. That makes him so sophisticated and I think the reason for his talent for complicated words come from his department at college.

And also he is deep really deep in his thinking as in the case of woman who "could not handle the real him standing there."

abby123 · 11-12-2006, 08:55 AM

NOT. A. LOVE. TRIANGLE.

period. They suck. They make people frustrated, and Prison Break is too good for a f*cking I like her, and her.. which should I choose? Maybe.. no.. maybe... not really... someday... maybe not! NO!

But Wentworth and Dominic sound so nice! Thank you for posting the article!

11-12-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

What’s changed the most since “Prison Break”?

I can buy a lobster now. (laughs) It’s a beautiful thing to be noticed in a few places and being able to get these perks that we are getting and a few toys—I just bought myself a car. It’s a nice … Mercedes Benz 500 CLS, it’s beautiful! I said ‘I’ve worked hard, why not? Let me just treat myself with one of these.’ I bought my mom a car too, I bought her this beautiful SUV. It’s in Puerto Rico. Brand new, she’s loving it. It was for Mother’s Day. What’s the whole point of me having all this money and not spending it on people I love?

Now that you have had some success, do you work with any charities?

I got a group of kids in Puerto Rico who are orphans or being either molested or beaten, so I take care of them. Every year, I go and do this huge party for them—a benefit, but no press, just me. It is my birthday on December 24, so what we do, it is used to celebrate my birthday. I do a party for them, and buy them whatever they need. Just try to support them. God has given me so much, I just have to give it all back.

I absolutely LOVE this! He's such a generous, loving, considerate guy!

Aridje · 11-12-2006, 10:52 AM

I notice the interview is a little bit mixed up. This Raeanne Rubenstein should have done some more research before publishing her interview like that!

Quote:

I can buy a lobster now. (laughs) It’s a beautiful thing to be noticed in a few places and being able to get these perks that we are getting and a few toys—I just bought myself a car. It’s a nice … Mercedes Benz 500 CLS, it’s beautiful! I said ‘I’ve worked hard, why not? Let me just treat myself with one of these.’ I bought my mom a car too, I bought her this beautiful SUV. It’s in Puerto Rico. Brand new, she’s loving it. It was for Mother’s Day. What’s the whole point of me having all this money and not spending it on people I love?

I think this is Amaury speaking, and not Dom. Should make sense since he's from Puerto Rico...

Quote:

What’s next on the plate?

I just did a movie with Spielberg and Michael Bay, it’s called “Transformers”. The movie comes out on July 4, (2007) we’re just shooting it right now. We’ve been shooting all summer and now I’m going back from “Prison Break” to L.A., Dallas to L.A. “Transformers”, It’s going to be a huge blockbuster. I play one of the special operation officers with Josh Duhamel, Tyrese (Gibson), and Zack Ward. Of course, in the movie as well, Jon Voight.

Is definitely not Dominic!! Amaury did "Transformers".

Quote:

Now that you have had some success, do you work with any charities?

I got a group of kids in Puerto Rico who are orphans or being either molested or beaten, so I take care of them. Every year, I go and do this huge party for them—a benefit, but no press, just me. It is my birthday on December 24, so what we do, it is used to celebrate my birthday. I do a party for them, and buy them whatever they need. Just try to support them. God has given me so much, I just have to give it all back.

Is also Amaury speaking. Again about Puerto Rico and his birthday is the 24th of December.

11-12-2006, 10:58 AM

Ok, yeah. I was a bit confused by all that. But I still love his generosity.

11-12-2006, 11:00 AM

But I'm pretty sure the parts below are Dominic:

After 22 episodes, did you start to get tired of being in the prison?

Towards the end I got frustrated. Creatively, my imagination started to dry up. But I always knew that we were breaking out, and we’ve broken out, and now it’s good times ahead.

So what’s next for Lincoln?

There’s a lot of changes [that are] going to happen to my character right now. He loosens up a bit. Sure, he’s the guy with the plan, he’s the strong guy, the action kind of guy. We get to see different flavors for him. We get to see a lot more charisma. People are going to be fascinated with Lincoln, in that ‘Wow! this is a different guy,’ which is great because in Season One I was playing him in a semi one-dimensional manner—I’m depressed, I’m going to die. This year, I don’t have that. It’s very exciting.

What’s going to happen with all of D.B. Cooper’s money?

Lincoln doesn’t care two ways about the money. It’s more about, first of all—saving himself, getting away from the chair. And then dealing with…the damage that he created before incarceration, the relationship with L.J. (his son Lincoln Burrows, Jr.), and with trying to work out who took out his ex-wife. There’s a lot of stuff going on in Lincoln’s mind, before he can escape with Michael across the border.

Do you ever get a say in the direction your character goes?

The majority of it is on the page. But as actors, we get on the set and we flesh out stuff. The great thing about this show is that the writers aren’t married to the words. They trust us in that…we live within the character, we know these guys more now than the writers. The writers are obviously all about objectives and the structure of the story. If I read a scene or a line, and I’m like ‘No, no, no. The wording’s wrong, Lincoln wouldn’t say it like this.’ I have the liberty to go to the writers or on the day [of filming] change it without them knowing, as long as I don’t change the intent of what the writer wants me to say.

How is working with Wentworth?

He’s right there with you, even off camera, he gives it all. He prepares, he just slices his character. He knows this character more than anybody else does, we all do. But, as an actor, he doesn’t want to compromise any results by getting greedy, and taking any other movie roles that he’s been offered. My buddy Wentworth, he’s just amazing—as a cast member, as a friend. We have a great time on set. I’ve learned so much from him, how he’s been able to handle all this notoriety and all these things that just jump at him. For me, it’s been easier little by little. I wouldn’t be able to do it the way he’s done it.

Is there any competition between you two?

Everybody knows their place, and where they’re at. Of course, it is a hit show, an ensemble cast. Of course the driving force is Wentworth. And, I applaud him, I support him. In my case, I know where I stand and things are happening for me and that’s good. There’s no competition at all. We’re all one and we actually support each other.

Why do you think “Prison Break” is an international success?

I think primarily the rest of the world, for some reason, is quite interested in American drama. There’s something there that they love. We’re talking about a show that is unique, it’s refreshing, it’s different. Obviously, you’ve got your hunky guys, great stories, and we’re dealing with prison, convicts. You’ve got a great guy in Wentworth in the first season, a fresh new face. You had all the elements of doing very well.

How do you feel about the show moving to Dallas?

I love Dallas…everything’s clean and well put together and I’m really enjoying my time there.

Is it hard being so far away from your family?

Some actors get lucky—they do shows and it’s always at home. For me, I haven’t done one yet. I’m just everywhere. It’s hard. We’ve got four kids, and I have to do that commute thing. The kids are in school and what have you, we’ll just see. Obviously next year, if and when the show moves to a different location, they’re going to have to come with me. We’ll just see what happens.

Didn’t you used to cut grass for a living?

Yeah, I was a landscape gardener. I left school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I got into landscape gardening. Thankfully I’m not digging holes anymore.

I read that you were having a wild time then.

I was pretty wild, silly and stupid. I haven’t had a drink now in 15 months. I’ve been sober for a while. I’ve managed to clean up my ways. It’s the best thing I ever did.

What motivated you to do that?

It was time. It was time to grow up.

11-12-2006, 05:34 PM

i saw that transformers bit and was like what? but figured it was me imaging things coz of my work overload!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aridje

I notice the interview is a little bit mixed up. This Raeanne Rubenstein should have done some more research before publishing her interview like that!

I think this is Amaury speaking, and not Dom. Should make sense since he's from Puerto Rico...

Is definitely not Dominic!! Amaury did "Transformers".

Is also Amaury speaking. Again about Puerto Rico and his birthday is the 24th of December.

11-11-2006, 08:56 PM	#1
exNeo Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 0	went and dom Dish Interview its from July but i dont recall seeing it here before... DOM Interview by Raeanne Rubenstein It was a very hot July evening when I met Dominic Purcell, at a press party organized by Fox, to promote their very successful (and Dish favorite) show “Prison Break.” All the actors were there, Wentworth, Amaury, Peter Stormare, Wade Williams, even Stacy Keach was there, as was creator Paul Scheuring. Fortunately, interviews were allowed, so when I noticed Dominic Purcell (miraculously) standing alone, I grabbed him, dragged him off, (just kidding!) for a little one-on-one of the verbal kind. Here’s what he had to say…. What’s changed the most since “Prison Break”? I can buy a lobster now. (laughs) It’s a beautiful thing to be noticed in a few places and being able to get these perks that we are getting and a few toys—I just bought myself a car. It’s a nice … Mercedes Benz 500 CLS, it’s beautiful! I said ‘I’ve worked hard, why not? Let me just treat myself with one of these.’ I bought my mom a car too, I bought her this beautiful SUV. It’s in Puerto Rico. Brand new, she’s loving it. It was for Mother’s Day. What’s the whole point of me having all this money and not spending it on people I love? After 22 episodes, did you start to get tired of being in the prison? Towards the end I got frustrated. Creatively, my imagination started to dry up. But I always knew that we were breaking out, and we’ve broken out, and now it’s good times ahead. So what’s next for Lincoln? There’s a lot of changes [that are] going to happen to my character right now. He loosens up a bit. Sure, he’s the guy with the plan, he’s the strong guy, the action kind of guy. We get to see different flavors for him. We get to see a lot more charisma. People are going to be fascinated with Lincoln, in that ‘Wow! this is a different guy,’ which is great because in Season One I was playing him in a semi one-dimensional manner—I’m depressed, I’m going to die. This year, I don’t have that. It’s very exciting. What’s going to happen with all of D.B. Cooper’s money? Lincoln doesn’t care two ways about the money. It’s more about, first of all—saving himself, getting away from the chair. And then dealing with…the damage that he created before incarceration, the relationship with L.J. (his son Lincoln Burrows, Jr.), and with trying to work out who took out his ex-wife. There’s a lot of stuff going on in Lincoln’s mind, before he can escape with Michael across the border. Do you ever get a say in the direction your character goes? The majority of it is on the page. But as actors, we get on the set and we flesh out stuff. The great thing about this show is that the writers aren’t married to the words. They trust us in that…we live within the character, we know these guys more now than the writers. The writers are obviously all about objectives and the structure of the story. If I read a scene or a line, and I’m like ‘No, no, no. The wording’s wrong, Lincoln wouldn’t say it like this.’ I have the liberty to go to the writers or on the day [of filming] change it without them knowing, as long as I don’t change the intent of what the writer wants me to say. How is working with Wentworth? He’s right there with you, even off camera, he gives it all. He prepares, he just slices his character. He knows this character more than anybody else does, we all do. But, as an actor, he doesn’t want to compromise any results by getting greedy, and taking any other movie roles that he’s been offered. My buddy Wentworth, he’s just amazing—as a cast member, as a friend. We have a great time on set. I’ve learned so much from him, how he’s been able to handle all this notoriety and all these things that just jump at him. For me, it’s been easier little by little. I wouldn’t be able to do it the way he’s done it. Is there any competition between you two? Everybody knows their place, and where they’re at. Of course, it is a hit show, an ensemble cast. Of course the driving force is Wentworth. And, I applaud him, I support him. In my case, I know where I stand and things are happening for me and that’s good. There’s no competition at all. We’re all one and we actually support each other. Why do you think “Prison Break” is an international success? I think primarily the rest of the world, for some reason, is quite interested in American drama. There’s something there that they love. We’re talking about a show that is unique, it’s refreshing, it’s different. Obviously, you’ve got your hunky guys, great stories, and we’re dealing with prison, convicts. You’ve got a great guy in Wentworth in the first season, a fresh new face. You had all the elements of doing very well. How do you feel about the show moving to Dallas? I love Dallas…everything’s clean and well put together and I’m really enjoying my time there. Is it hard being so far away from your family? Some actors get lucky—they do shows and it’s always at home. For me, I haven’t done one yet. I’m just everywhere. It’s hard. We’ve got four kids, and I have to do that commute thing. The kids are in school and what have you, we’ll just see. Obviously next year, if and when the show moves to a different location, they’re going to have to come with me. We’ll just see what happens. Didn’t you used to cut grass for a living? Yeah, I was a landscape gardener. I left school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I got into landscape gardening. Thankfully I’m not digging holes anymore. I read that you were having a wild time then. I was pretty wild, silly and stupid. I haven’t had a drink now in 15 months. I’ve been sober for a while. I’ve managed to clean up my ways. It’s the best thing I ever did. What motivated you to do that? It was time. It was time to grow up. What do you do in between takes? I’m a big reader. On my days off, I like to read in the mornings. I hang by the pool because it’s so hot. I swim a lot. On a working day, usually I’m really tired, because it’s pretty exhausting. What’s next on the plate? I just did a movie with Spielberg and Michael Bay, it’s called “Transformers”. The movie comes out on July 4, (2007) we’re just shooting it right now. We’ve been shooting all summer and now I’m going back from “Prison Break” to L.A., Dallas to L.A. “Transformers”, It’s going to be a huge blockbuster. I play one of the special operation officers with Josh Duhamel, Tyrese (Gibson), and Zack Ward. Of course, in the movie as well, Jon Voight. Now that you have had some success, do you work with any charities? I got a group of kids in Puerto Rico who are orphans or being either molested or beaten, so I take care of them. Every year, I go and do this huge party for them—a benefit, but no press, just me. It is my birthday on December 24, so what we do, it is used to celebrate my birthday. I do a party for them, and buy them whatever they need. Just try to support them. God has given me so much, I just have to give it all back. Season Two of “Prison Break” premieres on Monday, August 21, 2006 at 7 Et/Pt on FOX! Don’t miss it! WENT With Season One such a success, the mastermind behind the “Prison Break” is back! Hottie Wentworth Miller sat down with Dish in an exclusive interview to tell us about his hiatus, international popularity, and of course, Season Two! Read on, and be sure to check out the season premiere of “Prison Break” on Monday August 21 at 8/7c only on FOX! After last season's filming ended, I heard you took a cross-country trip back home. How’d it go? Just me, and a box of Munchkins from Dunkin’ Donuts riding shotgun. I stopped off in Santa Fe, which is a beautiful little city, and apparently where hippies go to die. What did you do during your hiatus? Film any movies? Prison Break is an international hit now, so for what it’s worth, my name is on the list or at the very bottom, of the list of actor’s whose name’s “matter”. The show has opened a lot of doors for me, but as far as my hiatus, I chose to walk through none of them, because the show is my priority, and I wanted to make sure I’d give just as much energy and enthusiasm second season, as I did first season. Are you surprised at the show’s popularity? What did surprise me is how powerful a medium television is. Everyone’s got TV sets. We’ve got fans all over the country. It’s a real pleasure talking to them because what they’re telling you when they say, ‘I don’t miss an episode’ is ‘I make time for you and your story and your work in my life every week’, and it’s the highest compliment. What about your popularity? It’s a double-edged sword. Obviously, I have a calling card that works quite well in certain situations. I was at the mall the other week and a woman came up to me, very polite, very respectful, a fan of the show. She wanted to take my picture, and she had her camera cell phone as they all do. She wanted to take the picture herself, so she kind of sidled up to me, and I put my arm around her. But [she] couldn’t take the picture because it was shaking like a maraca—she was that nervous. I could feel her vibrating next to me, and it was making me nervous. She had to ask a complete stranger to take the picture for her, and as soon as the picture was taken, as soon as she had the image in her camera, she stopped looking at me. She continued interacting with me, but she looked at the image on her camera. She said goodbye to the image on her camera. I could probably write an essay on the disconnect between perception and image and reality. It was a very strange moment to stand there and realize that someone who, five seconds ago, wanted nothing more than to come up and acknowledge you and your work, now very much wanted the experience to be over with because it was almost as though she couldn’t handle the real me standing there. Does being popular bother you? We were talking about this on set the other day, me and Dominic, and what we determined is that they don’t pay us to act. They pay us to act as Diplomats, and Ambassadors, and Politicians, and Publicists and all of those other things that go along with being an actor on a successful TV show. But don’t you miss your privacy? You don’t want to embarrass yourself, you think twice about picking your nose in public. There is a small sacrifice in terms of anonymity and privacy, but you never know what you’re going to be asked to sacrifice until it’s already been sacrificed. There’s so many pros to the job, so many perks, so many doors that have opened for me, that I really can’t complain. Have any actual prisoners contacted you? I have gotten a few letters from inmates, apparently a “Prison Break” headshot will get you a pack of smokes behind bars. But the truth is, in a number of state pens they aren’t allowed to watch the show, because those in charge fear that they will be encouraged, excited to get up to tricks. What’s going on with Season 2? While Michael is now literally free, physically free, I think his mind and heart are still very much back at the prison. You get to see other things that I couldn’t or wouldn’t show you first season. I think that Michael walks that very fine line between brilliance and someone with very serious issues and what excites me, whereas, initially, when I first read the script, I thought this is the story of a man sacrificing his entire life to save his brother, but now, on the other end of 22 episodes, I’m wondering if that life was worth holding on to. Because every scene we’ve seen in the flashbacks, Michael’s seemed driven and lonely and isolated and unhappy. I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t Michael’s quest, if this isn’t his calling. It’s not a question of him sacrificing his entire life, it’s more of a question of - he’s never been more alive than right now. Any love interests this year? My wife. We may be seeing Nika again. She’s too valuable of a character and the potential love triangle between Michael, Nika, and Doctor Sara is too juicy and has too much potential to leave it by the wayside. I think if Michael and Sara do have a future together, the next time they see each other, it will not be ‘they fall into each other’s arms…tasteful fade to black…’ I think, if anything, they have more obstacles between them now than they did before. Michael did persuade her to help him, but she didn’t know that she was also helping four or five other hardened cons and serial killers get in on the escape. And for that betrayal, I’m not sure if she can ever forgive him. What about Michael’s relationship with Lincoln? There may be some interesting conflict between the brothers as far as who’s going to be alpha dog when, but the truth is: Michael has the book smarts, Lincoln has the street smarts. Each of them has something unique and vital to offer depending on the circumstances, and if they’re smart enough they’ll get out of the other’s way and let that happen. How is working with Dominic Purcell? Dominic actually is a real cut up and has a great, dry sense of humor, which is a surprise given the brooding, intense, very serious character he plays on the show. Dom is a role model in every sense. He’s a devoted family man. He’s so serious about the work, has a real respect for the craft, is classically trained. Comes up with the most intuitive, on the spot ideas. It’s a real pleasure to work with him and model myself after him as an actor and a man. What about the other actors? The great thing about "Prison Break" is that you have all these character actors who have been working for years, but didn’t find just the right job to showcase their amazing abilities, and are now really coming into their own in a fantastic way. I’m so pleased when Wade Williams and Robert Knepper, among others, get their due, their much deserved due. “Prison Break” moved from Chicago to Dallas this year. How are you liking it? Dallas has a lot to offer. It’s very much Los Angeles in many respects minus the water and the mountains, plus chiggers. We miss Chicago, because Chicago was very good to us and we worked very hard to root the show in Chicago. But the reality was for the second season in terms of the cons being on escape in the Midwest, we’d have to travel a good two hours outside of Chicago to find the locations that we needed. Whereas, Dallas has a very schizophrenic feel to its neighborhoods—some look East Coast, some look a bit Midwest. One of the virtues of the show is that we are willing to go anywhere for the sake of authenticity and integrity. Do you have any free time down there? My workout routine right now involves eating less. Chicago was a dangerous place to be, because the food was so good, the portions were so large, and it was difficult to establish an exercise routine, working five days, 14 hour days, every week. Now that we are in Dallas, I’m happy to say I have a little more free time, because there’s so many stories. Michael’s not in every scene, driving the plot forward. I can actually hit the pool every once in a while. Do you have a beauty regimen? In Dallas, it’s basically sweating. It’s like a daylong spa treatment that you don’t pay for. What advice would you offer Dishmag readers? My father would always say to me “Run through the tape.” It’s not enough in the race to simply run to the finish line. You have to aim for 5-10-20 yards behind it. What I tell people is it’s not enough to be talented and creative. You have to have discipline and follow through and all those pedestrian boring qualities that at the end of the day guarantee that you’re making those small, incremental steps that are necessary in this business. Any plans for the future? Will you ever go after a movie role? If "Prison Break" runs for seven years and I never do another movie and that’s the end of my career—great, I’ll have enjoyed a tremendous ride, one that many people have not enjoyed. But if I can balance TV and film, that would be great as well.

11-12-2006, 08:55 AM	#5
abby123 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 829	NOT. A. LOVE. TRIANGLE. period. They suck. They make people frustrated, and Prison Break is too good for a f*cking I like her, and her.. which should I choose? Maybe.. no.. maybe... not really... someday... maybe not! NO! But Wentworth and Dominic sound so nice! Thank you for posting the article! __________________ MMMS! :love:

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11-12-2006, 01:52 AM	#2
lovin_pb Posts: n/a	Wow thanx soo much Robyn, that was such a good interview. They both seem like such awsome guys

11-12-2006, 05:40 AM	#3
lala78 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Israel Posts: 1,544	thanks for that , it was great interview.

11-12-2006, 06:20 AM	#4
Denizzz Posts: n/a	Thanks Robyn, I've learned so much more about them and the show By the way there is sth that interests me, I'm not a native English speaker but what I infer from the interviews of Wentworth is that he has some kind of talent to put different words together, to speak in a different way than an average English sepaker does. That makes him so sophisticated and I think the reason for his talent for complicated words come from his department at college. And also he is deep really deep in his thinking as in the case of woman who "could not handle the real him standing there."

11-12-2006, 10:58 AM	#8
DomFan Posts: n/a	Ok, yeah. I was a bit confused by all that. But I still love his generosity.

11-12-2006, 11:00 AM	#9
DomFan Posts: n/a	But I'm pretty sure the parts below are Dominic: After 22 episodes, did you start to get tired of being in the prison? Towards the end I got frustrated. Creatively, my imagination started to dry up. But I always knew that we were breaking out, and we’ve broken out, and now it’s good times ahead. So what’s next for Lincoln? There’s a lot of changes [that are] going to happen to my character right now. He loosens up a bit. Sure, he’s the guy with the plan, he’s the strong guy, the action kind of guy. We get to see different flavors for him. We get to see a lot more charisma. People are going to be fascinated with Lincoln, in that ‘Wow! this is a different guy,’ which is great because in Season One I was playing him in a semi one-dimensional manner—I’m depressed, I’m going to die. This year, I don’t have that. It’s very exciting. What’s going to happen with all of D.B. Cooper’s money? Lincoln doesn’t care two ways about the money. It’s more about, first of all—saving himself, getting away from the chair. And then dealing with…the damage that he created before incarceration, the relationship with L.J. (his son Lincoln Burrows, Jr.), and with trying to work out who took out his ex-wife. There’s a lot of stuff going on in Lincoln’s mind, before he can escape with Michael across the border. Do you ever get a say in the direction your character goes? The majority of it is on the page. But as actors, we get on the set and we flesh out stuff. The great thing about this show is that the writers aren’t married to the words. They trust us in that…we live within the character, we know these guys more now than the writers. The writers are obviously all about objectives and the structure of the story. If I read a scene or a line, and I’m like ‘No, no, no. The wording’s wrong, Lincoln wouldn’t say it like this.’ I have the liberty to go to the writers or on the day [of filming] change it without them knowing, as long as I don’t change the intent of what the writer wants me to say. How is working with Wentworth? He’s right there with you, even off camera, he gives it all. He prepares, he just slices his character. He knows this character more than anybody else does, we all do. But, as an actor, he doesn’t want to compromise any results by getting greedy, and taking any other movie roles that he’s been offered. My buddy Wentworth, he’s just amazing—as a cast member, as a friend. We have a great time on set. I’ve learned so much from him, how he’s been able to handle all this notoriety and all these things that just jump at him. For me, it’s been easier little by little. I wouldn’t be able to do it the way he’s done it. Is there any competition between you two? Everybody knows their place, and where they’re at. Of course, it is a hit show, an ensemble cast. Of course the driving force is Wentworth. And, I applaud him, I support him. In my case, I know where I stand and things are happening for me and that’s good. There’s no competition at all. We’re all one and we actually support each other. Why do you think “Prison Break” is an international success? I think primarily the rest of the world, for some reason, is quite interested in American drama. There’s something there that they love. We’re talking about a show that is unique, it’s refreshing, it’s different. Obviously, you’ve got your hunky guys, great stories, and we’re dealing with prison, convicts. You’ve got a great guy in Wentworth in the first season, a fresh new face. You had all the elements of doing very well. How do you feel about the show moving to Dallas? I love Dallas…everything’s clean and well put together and I’m really enjoying my time there. Is it hard being so far away from your family? Some actors get lucky—they do shows and it’s always at home. For me, I haven’t done one yet. I’m just everywhere. It’s hard. We’ve got four kids, and I have to do that commute thing. The kids are in school and what have you, we’ll just see. Obviously next year, if and when the show moves to a different location, they’re going to have to come with me. We’ll just see what happens. Didn’t you used to cut grass for a living? Yeah, I was a landscape gardener. I left school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do and I got into landscape gardening. Thankfully I’m not digging holes anymore. I read that you were having a wild time then. I was pretty wild, silly and stupid. I haven’t had a drink now in 15 months. I’ve been sober for a while. I’ve managed to clean up my ways. It’s the best thing I ever did. What motivated you to do that? It was time. It was time to grow up.