Tramell Tillman, known for his role as Mr. Milchick in 'Severance' and his early days on 'The Wire,' delves into the complexities of his character's dual nature in a corporate world. He shares insights into collaborating with Ben Stiller and reflects on his upbringing in the Baptist church, grappling with faith and identity. Tramell opens up about the challenges of being a Black artist in predominantly white spaces and his journey from theater to television fame, revealing the cultural impact of 'The Wire'.
Tramell Tillman discusses the duality of his character Mr. Milchick, who embodies both a mentor and enforcer within a psychologically fragmented workplace.
He emphasizes the significance of trust and collaboration in the arts, especially navigating challenges during the pandemic while developing complex characters.
Deep dives
Exploring Dual Identities in Severance
In the show Severance, characters experience a unique and unsettling division between their work and personal lives, as their memories are severed. This creates a duality in which employees, referred to as 'innies' during work hours, have no recollection of their 'outies' or life outside the office. Mr. Milchick, played by Tramiel Tillman, embodies this dichotomy as he operates in both worlds, interacting with the severed employees while also navigating his inner persona. His character's ability to exist across these boundaries highlights the psychological challenges posed by such a fragmented existence.
The Complexity of Mr. Milchick's Character
Tramiel Tillman describes Mr. Milchick as a multifaceted character who is both a friendly mentor and a stern enforcer for the rules of Lumen. He engages in team-building activities and creates a positive atmosphere, but he also imposes strict discipline when necessary. The character is developed through interactions that blend warmth with menace, showcasing a profound internal conflict. This dual nature keeps viewers intrigued about his motives and the pressures he faces within the organization.
Finding Trust in Artistic Collaboration
Working on Severance during the pandemic presented significant challenges for Tramiel Tillman as he navigated a new and innovative production culture. He shares that establishing trust with the creators and fellow cast members was crucial in accurately portraying his character. By trusting the creative process and the team behind the show, Tillman was able to fully immerse himself in the complexities of Mr. Milchick. This emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the performing arts, especially in navigating unknown artistic territories.
The Emotional Impact of Theater and Community
Tramiel Tillman reflects on the profound emotional experiences he faced as an actor, particularly during a performance coinciding with the Sandy Hook tragedy. He describes how the collective grief infused the theater space, transforming a routine performance into a deeply resonant moment of shared mourning. This reflects the power of art and community in providing solace and understanding during times of crisis. Tillman highlights the electric nature of gathering together, whether in a church or theater, illustrating the importance of communal healing through performance.
Tramell Tillman plays Mr. Milchick on Severance, the bizarre, fascinating sci-fi workplace show on Apple TV +. Tramell Tillman is great as Mr Milchick. He shares how he collaborated with Ben Stiller to create the character. He also talks with us about his upbringing in Baltimore, his experience being raised in the Baptist church, and his early appearance on The Wire.