If you’re familiar with actor Wentworth Miller, you probably know him as the hunk from the hit TV show Prison Break that aired from 2005-2009. Miller’s character was the strong-minded brother who knew that he had what it took to break his sibling out of prison.
Miller’s character was also covered head to toe in tattoos, and in a lot of episodes, he filmed shirtless. He admits that the confidence he emanated all came from his character, not him.
It’s the norm to see side-by-side photos of celebrities. The “good” and the “bad” ones, the “before” and “afters,” etc. It’s what sells magazines. But when you see these photos that show celebrities in a less-than-flattering light, have you ever stopped to think, “How was the celebrity feeling that day?” or “What was going on in their personal life that day?” Truth is, probably not.
A couple of years ago, paparazzi took and sold a photo of Wentworth in the middle of a hiatus from acting. He was taking a walk in the park and he looked a few pounds heavier than he did on Prison Break, but still completely healthy. The media had a field day with the photos.
Body-shamers came from all sides, bashing the young actor, and the photos were fodder for countless headlines poking fun at his new appearance. Fans and critics alike wondered why he had let himself go; apparently, his new look was a far cry from his Prison Break physique. Unlike other celebrities who have responded to unflattering photos by brushing them off, saying the images don’t affect them or lying about the picture being Photoshopped, Miller decided to surprise everyone and get completely candid.
He told the truth. I couldn’t be more proud of Miller for his bravery. He put a public face on a very private struggle, which is body image issues in men. Miller said that his weight gain was caused by depression and anxiety that left him suicidal. He has always suffered with these mental health issues, but they were amplified by being in the public eye.
He’s shed light on the dark side of mental health issues. Miller wrote that when he first saw the photos and internet memes, “it hurt to breathe.” I can only imagine how I would’ve reacted to something like that at the height of my eating disorder. To have the world poke fun and laugh at someone who was already so vulnerable and fighting so many demons is heartbreaking. Since Miller’s story broke, it’s been such a big thing in the media for various reasons. The main one? No one fails to respond to trials, tribulations and LOVE. Someone, in some way, can identify with Wentworth…
To continue reading this story from our partner, Proud2BMe, click here.
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