2000’s Heartthrob Gained Weight, Went Gray & Was Diagnosed with Serious Condition after ‘Prison Break’ – Before & after Pics

After captivating audiences with his startling appearance more than two decades ago, Wentworth Miller has embraced a larger physique and silver hair. Miller’s journey has been characterized by substantial transformation, ranging from publicly accepting his identify as a gay man to facing a serious medical diagnosis.

Wentworth Miller during The 4th Annual Family Television Awards on July 31, 2002, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

For 12 years beginning in 2002, Wentworth Miller portrayed Michael Scofield in the Fox series “Prison Break,” a character for which he is most known. Miller has also had memorable appearances on “The Flash” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

Miller has had a great Hollywood career in addition to going through significant mental and physical transformations. Growth and personal challenges have molded his journey. Take a look at how his hardships in life have impacted his development over time.

Wentworth Miller trains for his upcoming role in Miramax’s “The Human Stain” on March 3, 2002 in Hollywood, Utah. | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2003

Miller poses for a picture at the 60th Venice Film Festival in August of 2003. His hair was short and precisely trimmed, and his face was clean shaven. He looked slim and had a smooth complexion. His look was sophisticated but laid back, appropriate for the summertime gathering.

Wentworth Miller poses during a photocall at the 60th Venice Film Festival August 29, 2003, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Miller was present at a press conference held during the Toronto International Film Festival the following month. Like last month, his hair was still cropped short and tidy. His clean-shaven appearance accentuated his strong jawline. His body still looked lean, keeping him looking young and innocent.

Wentworth Miller attends the press conference at the 2003 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2003, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images

The next month, he went to another event at Hollywood’s ArcLight Cinemas, where his appearance had slightly changed. He stayed rather thin, with no discernible weight fluctuations, and he had the same appearance.

Wentworth Miller attends the Hollywood Film Festival Screening of “The Human Stain” on October 21, 2003 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller in May 2005

When Miller attended the Fox Primetime Upfront in May 2005, he looked put together and professional. His features were clearly emphasized because of his short, well-groomed hair and clean shaven appearance. His body seemed slender, nonetheless having a trim figure.

Wentworth Miller during 2005/2006 FOX Primetime UpFront on May 19, 2005, in Central Park, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Miller’s appearance on the “Prison Break” set that year was similar to his other appearances. He maintained a neat and short hairstyle and a clean shaven face.

Wentworth Miller on the set of “Prison Break,” 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Miller was pictured in another set photo from “Prison Break,” still sporting his trademark look. His face structure was on full display, his hair cropped.

Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller on the set of “Prison Break,” 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Miller’s appearance changed slightly for the Santa Monica Hangar 8 concert in August 2005. Although it was still short, his hair had a little more structure.

Wentworth Miller attends “Prison Break” launch party on August 22, 2005, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller’s skin seemed a little bit more tanned at the Fox Fall Casino Party in October of that year. His choice of a dark blazer over a light-colored shirt gave his casual ensemble a decidedly more put together appearance. His body remained slender and well-defined.

Wentworth Miller during FOX Fall Casino party on October 24, 2005, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

When the  celebrity came on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” the next month, he wore an easy-to-wear outfit. He stayed clean-shaven, his hair cropped short and well-groomed. He had on a light blue shirt that was undone at the collar to go with his black suit.

Wentworth Miller during an interview with host Jay Leno on November 21, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

When the celebrity came on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” the next month, he wore an easy-to-wear outfit. He stayed clean-shaven, his hair cropped short and well-groomed. He had on a light blue shirt that was undone at the collar to go with his black suit.

Wentworth Miller at the 32nd Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 10, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Miller looked just like the week before at the Fox 2006 Golden Globes after party with Sarah Wayne Callies. Wearing a black suit gave him a more relaxed yet elegant appearance, although his athletic and slender figure remained constant.

Sarah Wayne Callies and Wentworth Miller attend the Fox 2006 Golden Globes after party on January 16, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Miller looked sleek and put together at the Fox Winter TCA celebration. He had short, well-groomed hair with a little spike in the front. He looked put together but at ease because he wore a darker sweater under a brown coat.

Wentworth Miller attends the Fox Winter TCA party on January 17, 2006, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller’s appearance on this May 2006 excursion in Los Angeles was more laid back. He had a carefree, easygoing look that was appropriate for a day out.

Wentworth Miller seen on May 21, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

A few days later, Miller made an informal and carefree look while speaking on the phone in Los Angeles. He kept his outfit basic and relaxed by wearing a blue t-shirt with beige jeans. He had a trim build and didn’t seem to have changed much from earlier in the month.

Wentworth Miller pictured on May 23, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

When Miller attended the 2006 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheatre the following month, he dressed in a little more put-together casual outfit. His black button-down shirt, worn untucked, combined a slightly formal and informal look.

Wentworth attends the 2006 Teen Choice Awards on August 20, 2006, in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller wore a traditional and sophisticated ensemble to the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. He looked put together and smart in a traditional black tuxedo, white dress shirt, and black bow tie.

Wentworth Miller during 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on August 27, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The following day, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Miller appeared more composed but still professional. He seemed friendly because he was wearing an open-collared shirt with a checkered pattern and a baseball cap.

Wentworth Miller talks at the Four Season’s Hotel on August 28, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller looked neat and put together on October 9, 2006 at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, France. His hair was cropped short and well-groomed, with a hint of wave for interest.

Wentworth Miller photographed at the Majestic Hotel on October 9, 2006, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images

At this FOX Fall 2006 Eco-Casino Party appearance, Miller wore a slightly more relaxed but still chic outfit. He seemed more modern and tough since he wore a dark, fitting jacket over a gray t-shirt.

Wentworth Miller attends the FOX Fall 2006 Eco-Casino party on October 23, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2007

Miller went to a fan gathering and press conference in Seoul, South Korea, in March 2007. He was seen with a drawing of himself and two plush animals.

Wentworth Miller appears at a press conference and a fan meeting on March 23, 2007, in Seoul, South Korea. | Source: Getty Images

He wore a dark pair of pants and a white open-collared shirt to the Fox TCA Party in Los Angeles two months later in July of that year.

Wentworth Miller at the FOX TCA party on July 23, 2007, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller maintained the same appearance at the “Prison Break” press conference in Beverly Hills, California, in September of that year. He was seen with trousers and a light blue shirt with checkered patterns on it.

Wentworth Miller during an interview on March 17, 2009, in Shanghai, China. | Source: Getty Images

China Miller kept his jawline defined and his face clean-shaven in March 2009 at a press conference in Shanghai. He grinned at the camera while sporting a dress shirt in navy blue.

Wentworth Miller during an interview on March 17, 2009, in Shanghai, China. | Source: Getty Images

The next month, he wore spectacles, a gray jacket over a white shirt that was unbuttoned, and black slacks to a business function.

Wentworth Miller arrives for a commercial event on April 18, 2009, in Shanghai, China. | Source: Getty Images

Miller made an appearance on the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” set in New York three months later. He appeared to have a slightly broader face and had a more laid-back, professional appearance that was appropriate for his work.

Wentworth Miller on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 2009 | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2013

Miller came out as gay in the most memorable way when he returned to the public spotlight, having been absent for a number of reasons since semi-retiring. He was extended an invitation to the 2013 St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia, but he declined.

Miller announced his decision in an open letter, the first time he had ever disclosed his sexual orientation in public, citing Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws.

Miller said, “I would be happy to say yes as someone who has enjoyed traveling to Russia in the past and who also has some Russian ancestry.” Still, I have to say no since I’m a gay man.”

In the letter, the advocate called the situation untenable and voiced his serious concern about how the Russian government was treating LGBTQ individuals.

He made it clear that he could not, in good faith, participate in a festive occasion organized by a nation that routinely denies people like him their basic freedoms to live freely and fall in love.

The severe anti-gay laws enacted by Russian President Vladimir Putin have encountered strong condemnation from both the international community and Russia itself.

Wentworth Miller’s romantic life has garnered interest since his public coming out. He was said to be dating Luke McFarlane, a Canadian actor best known for his roles in the family drama series “Brothers & Sisters.”

That following year, the two were spotted together in Los Angeles. Observers said that at first they avoided being photographed together, but in the end they smiled and strolled side by side along the street.

In an exclusive interview, MacFarlane came out as gay in front of the public in April 2008. He expressed his fear and acknowledged the uncertainty about how this may affect his job, but he also made it clear that he couldn’t allow it to control his thinking because it was his reality.

Miller in 2015

McFarlane’s purported boyfriend proceeded to make solo public appearances in the meanwhile. Miller’s appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Loft” in January 2015 was notably different from his previous appearances. His hair was more noticeably graying, especially around the temples, which gave him an air of distinction.

Wentworth Miller attends the screening of “The Loft” on January 27, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2016

In 2016, Miller opened up about his personal issues in response to criticism regarding his weight increase. The LAD Bible addressed the issue by disclosing his past struggles with suicide ideation in a since-deleted Facebook post, following the publication of a now-deleted meme that fat-shamed him.

“Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods,” he said. And I was being encouraged to destroy myself by the voices in my head.”

Wentworth Miller visits “Extra” at their New York studios on January 21, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Miller disclosed that the 2010 weight gain pictures were shot during the “lowest point in my adult life,” when he was having mental health problems and turned to food for solace.

Wentworth Miller visits “Extra” at their New York studios on January 21, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

“I searched everywhere for solace, solace, or distraction. And I resorted to food,” the Hollywood actor—born in Britain and raised in Brooklyn—wrote.

Wentworth Miller on the set of “Prison Break,” 2016 | Source: Getty Images

He said that looking at those pictures now makes him appreciate his fortitude and tenacity. The  celebrity, who endured hardship in silence, underlined that he made it through.

Wentworth Miller on the set of “Prison Break,” 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2017

Furthermore, Miller’s presentation at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour on January 11, 2017, showcased his experienced and sophisticated appearance. His hair was almost completely gray and buzzed when he was shown with Dominic Purcell, giving him a sophisticated and experienced look.

Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller speak onstage during the Fox portion of the 2017 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour on January 11, 2017, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller highlighted his sharp features with a clean-shaven face in this solo appearance at the same event. He maintained the same physical appearance, which showed a healthier, fuller build than in his previous, thinner years.

Wentworth Miller during the Fox portion of the 2017 Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour on January 11, 2017, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller went to the “Prison Break” screening and discussion in Beverly Hills, California, two months later. His hair was completely gray and trimmed close, just like he had looked earlier in the year. His facial hair was also gray.

Wentworth Miller attends the “Prison Break” screening and conversation on March 29, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Miller in 2020

In 2020, Miller released another bombshell, this time pertaining to his acting profession. A since-deleted Instagram post from the Golden Globe candidate stated that he was not interested in playing Michael Scofield again in “Prison Break.”

In 2020, Miller released another bombshell, this time pertaining to his acting profession. A since-deleted Instagram post from the Golden Globe candidate stated that he was not interested in playing Michael Scofield again in “Prison Break.”

Miller said he understood that his choice would disappoint fans who were hoping for more seasons and quipped to those who were offended by the notion of a gay actor portraying a straight role, “That’s your work.” This came before the sixth season that was supposed to air but never did.

Miller in 2021

Miller revealed another noteworthy detail of his personal history in July 2021, saying that he received an adult autism diagnosis. The actor talked of finding “unexpected gifts” during the lockdowns caused by the coronavirus outbreak in a lengthy Instagram post that was later removed.

“It has been a year since my informal autism diagnosis this fall. preceded by an internal assessment. subsequently to an official diagnosis,” Miller revealed.

The actor admitted that the procedure was drawn out and had problems, saying that it should be updated, particularly for grownups. He also understood that not everyone has the benefit of being able to obtain a diagnosis.

According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a developmental condition marked by specific characteristics that can impact social interaction and communication.

Miller understood that his diagnosis of autism is a natural part of who he is and that he cannot change it. He conveyed his appreciation to those who showed him more tolerance and understanding.

Miller in 2024

Miller, who is no longer on social media, pursues his love of acting in spite of personal obstacles. He and Purcell, 54, will reunite in the upcoming series “Snatchback,” which is scheduled to air 19 years after the premiere of “Prison Break.”

In an Instagram post, Purcell revealed the news and thanked his wife Tish Cyrus Purcell and her production business Hopetown Entertainment for making the film a reality.

According to reports, the show revolves around a highly competent group of agents hired under private contract who rescue hostages from some of the world’s most remote and hazardous locales.

In addition to this next project, Dominic Purcell and Miller, who portrayed brothers on “Prison Break,” have appeared on film together in “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow.”

Wentworth Miller’s path, replete with growth and personal struggles, has only made him more determined to live a genuine life. His narrative continues to be an encouraging example of resiliency and self-discovery as he takes on new jobs and endeavors.