The Prison Break series features a remarkable ensemble cast that has effectively portrayed its intricate antiheroes and notorious villains, each bringing a wealth of experience to their roles. The narrative centers on the profound relationship between two brothers and their audacious escape from prison, supported by a diverse group including a prison doctor, a loyal childhood friend, and various inmates, all aspiring for freedom. The creative team behind Prison Break meticulously selected each actor to embody their character’s complexities.
In contrast to traditional television dramas, which typically revolve around a consistent set of primary characters, Prison Break deviates from this norm. Specifically, the only two characters who grace every episode are brothers Lincoln Burrows and Michael Scofield. With frequent character fatalities and dynamic plot twists, the cast continuously evolves. Dominated by performances from Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller, the show has also featured actors from the CW’s Arrowverse, the AMC’s The Walking Dead franchise, and the Fast & Furious films.
Dominic Purcell
As Lincoln Burrows
Character: Dominic Purcell stars as Lincoln Burrows, a high school dropout wrongfully accused of murdering the brother of the U.S. Vice President. As his brother Michael plans the escape, Lincoln’s primary concern revolves around protecting his loved ones, particularly his son, L.J. Though he exhibits caring familial traits, Lincoln’s fierce demeanor can surface when he feels threatened.
Title | Role |
---|---|
Blade: Trinity (2004) | Drake |
Straw Dogs (2011) | Jeremy Niles |
Three Way (2004) | Lew Brookbank |
The Flash (2014-2016) | Heat Wave |
Actor: Beyond Prison Break, Purcell is widely recognized for his role as Mick Rory, also known as Heat Wave, in the CW series The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow. He also portrayed Dracula in Blade: Trinity and appeared in the movie Straw Dogs as Jeremy Niles.
Wentworth Miller
As Michael Scofield
Character: Wentworth Miller plays Michael Scofield, a gifted structural engineer who devises the elaborate escape plan for his incarcerated brother, Lincoln. His intelligence and adaptability shine through during moments of crisis, and he was even nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal.
Michael’s unwavering belief in Lincoln’s innocence drives him to orchestrate his own imprisonment, incorporating codes tattooed on his body as part of his elaborate scheme.
Title | Role |
---|---|
Underworld (2003) | Dr. Adam Lockwood |
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010) | Chris Redfield |
The Loft (2014) | Luke Seacord |
The Flash (2014-2019) | Captain Cold |
Actor: Miller also gained fame for roles such as Dr. Adam Lockwood in Underworld, Chris Redfield in Resident Evil: Afterlife, and Luke Seacord in The Loft. Furthermore, he reprised his collaboration with Dominic Purcell by joining The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow as Leonard Snart, aka Captain Cold.
Amaury Nolasco
As Fernando Sucre
Character: Amaury Nolasco embodies Fernando Sucre, Michael’s steadfast friend and cellmate at Fox River State Penitentiary. Initially indifferent to the escape plot, Sucre joins the effort when fears arise about losing his fiancée. Throughout the series, he proves to be a hero in his own right.
Title | Role |
---|---|
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) | Orange Julius |
Street Kings (2008) | Holy Cosmos |
Transformers (2007) | Jorge “Fig” Figueroa |
Rizzoli & Isles (2013-2016) | Lt. The. Rafael Martinez |
Actor: Nolasco is also recognized for portraying Orange Julius in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Detective Cosmo Santos in Street Kings, and his appearances in other series like Rizzoli & Isles.
Robert Knepper
As Theodore “T-Bag”Bagwell
Character: Theodore “T-Bag”Bagwell, portrayed by Robert Knepper, is a sinister character who evolves throughout the series. Initially depicted as one of the main antagonists, T-Bag’s journey takes unexpected turns, grappling with redemption against the backdrop of his dubious actions.
Title | Role |
---|---|
Transporter 3 (2008) | Johnson |
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) | General Harkness |
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014) | Antonius |
iZombie (2015-2018) | Angus McDonough |
Actor: Knepper has a prolific background, with notable roles in various TV series such as Angus McDonough in iZombie and Samuel Sullivan in Heroes. His filmography also includes appearances in The Hunger Games and Transporter 3.
Sarah Wayne Callies
As Sara Tancredi
Character: Sarah Wayne Callies portrays Sara Tancredi, the compassionate prison doctor who assists Michael and Lincoln’s escape efforts. Her bond with Michael serves as a focal point throughout the series, culminating in a marriage following her dramatic return after her presumed demise.
Title | Role |
---|---|
The Walking Dead (2010-2013) | Lori Grimes |
Letterkenny (2018-2022) | Anita Dyck |
Unspeakable (2019) | Margaret Sanders |
The Company You Keep (2023) | Birdie |
Actor: Aside from her pivotal role in Prison Break, Callies is notable for her portrayal of Lori Grimes in The Walking Dead and has also appeared in various other TV roles including Letterkenny and The Company You Keep.
Marshall Allman
As Lincoln “L.J.”Burrows, Jr.
Character: Lincoln Burrows Jr., affectionately known as “L.J.” , is portrayed by Marshall Allman. The character’s life dramatically changes due to his father’s incarceration, leading him to believe in Lincoln’s innocence while becoming embroiled in his father’s criminal escapades.
Title | Role |
---|---|
True Blood (2010-2011) | Tommy Mickens |
Humans (2016-2018) | Milo Khoury |
Bates Motel (2016) | Julian Howe |
Hostage (2005) | Kevin Kelly |
Actor: Allman is widely recognized for his role as Tommy Mickens in HBO’s True Blood and has taken on diverse roles across television and film.
William Fichtner
As Alexander Mahone
Character: Joining the cast in season 2, William Fichtner portrays Alexander Mahone, a corrupt FBI agent assigned to apprehend the Fox River Eight. Over time, he undergoes a transformation, ultimately aligning with Michael and the others to aid in their escape.
Title | Role |
---|---|
Heat (1995) | Roger Van Zant |
Armageddon (1998) | Colonel Willie Sharp |
Black Hawk Down (2002) | SFC Jeff Sanderson |
Mom (2015-2021) | Adam Janikowski |
Actor: Fichtner’s extensive portfolio includes notable performances in films like Heat, Armageddon, and various television series, showcasing his range as an actor.
Prison Break Supporting Cast & Characters
Robin Tunney as Veronica Donovan: Michael and Lincoln’s childhood friend, Veronica becomes Lincoln’s lawyer, playing a significant role in the plot to clear his name. Tunney is celebrated for her performances in films like The Craft and her leading role in The Mentalist.
Peter Stormare as John Abruzzi: Playing the leader of the Chicago mafia, Stormare is known for his work in acclaimed films such as Fargo and John Wick: Chapter 2.
Wade Williams as Brad Bellick: As the captain of the Fox River correctional officers, Williams has also portrayed memorable characters in shows like Rizzoli & Isles.
Paul Adelstein as Paul Kellerman: The secret service agent involved in Lincoln’s case, Adelstein is best recognized for his role in Private Practice.
Chris Vance as James Whistler: Inmates at Sona, Whistler’s character adds complexity to the dynamic. Vance is also known for his role in Transporter: The Series.
Robert Wisdom as Norman “Lechero”St. John: Wisdom plays a powerful drug kingpin in Sona and has appeared in various television dramas.
Danay García as Sofía Lugo: Whistler’s love interest, García is notable for her role in Fear the Walking Dead.
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe as Gretchen Morgan: O’Keefe plays an operative for The Company, and is known for her roles in Nash Bridges and She’s All That.
Michael Rapaport as Donald Self: Rapaport takes on the role of a Homeland Security agent with a complex moral compass.
Mark Feuerstein as Jacob Anton Ness: Nathan is a rogue CIA operative whose actions greatly impact the storyline.
Inbar Lavi as Sheba: Lavi’s character, introduced in season 5, captures attention as a freedom fighter involved with Lincoln.
Augustus Prew as David “Whip”Martin: Prew portrays T-Bag’s son in the series, adding another layer to the storyline.
The rating for Prison Break stands at 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, attesting to its dramatic storytelling and character development.
Leave a Reply