Is Wentworth Miller OK? 'Prison Break' actor reveals he has autism
'Prison Break' actor Wentworth Miller informed his fans about his autism diagnosis in an Instagram post on July 25. The 49-year-old actor called the diagnosis a 'shock', but 'not a surprise'. Miller played Michael Scofield in the Fox series 'Prison Break' and even received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 2005. The actor revealed that he was diagnosed last year.
In his long post revealing his autism diagnosis, Miller wrote, "Like everyone, life in quarantine took things from me. But in the quiet/isolation, I found unexpected gifts. This fall marks 1 year since I received my informal autism diagnosis. Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis." He added, "It was a long, flawed process in need of updating. IMO. I'm a middle-aged man. Not a 5-year-old. And (it's a "both/and") I recognize access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy. Let's just say it was a shock. But not a surprise."
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Miller added in his post, "There is a now-familiar cultural narrative (in which I've participated) that goes, "Public figure shares A, B and C publicly, dedicates platform to D, E and F." Good for them. /srs. And (it's a "both/and") that's not necessarily what's going to happen here." He added, "I don't know enough about autism. (There's a lot to know.) Right now my work looks like evolving my understanding. Re-examining 5 decades of lived experience thru a new lens. That will take time. Meanwhile, I don't want to run the risk of suddenly being a loud, ill-informed voice in the room. The #autistic community (this I do know) has historically been talked over. Spoken for. I don't wish to do additional harm. Only to raise my hand, say, "I am here. Have been (w/o realizing it).""
Pointing people towards "numerous individuals sharing thoughtful + inspiring content on Instagram, TikTok... Unpacking terminology. Adding nuance. Fighting stigma", Miller wrote, "These creators (some quite young) speak to the relevant issues more knowledgeably/fluently than I can. (They've been schooling me as well.) That's the extent of what I'm inclined to share atm. Oh - this isn't something I'd change. No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I've achieved/articulated."
The actor concluded his statement by saying, "Oh - I also want to say to the many (many) people who consciously or unconsciously gave me that extra bit of grace + space over the years, allowed me to move thru the world in a way that made sense to me whether or not it made sense to them... thank you. And to those who made a different choice... well. People will reveal themselves. Another gift. W.M."
Back in 2013, Wentworth Miller came out as gay and noted that he would not be playing straight characters on TV anymore, which included his role as Michael Scofield on 'Prison Break'. He said, "I just don't want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told)," and added, "I'm sorry. If you're hot and bothered because you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one…That's your work."