Sarah Wayne Callies recently opened up about her time on the hit Fox drama Prison Break during an episode of Rachel Bilson’s “Broad Ideas” podcast. She discussed the challenges she faced as the only woman on the predominantly male show, including experiencing misogyny and even having an actor spit in her face. Despite these difficult moments, she highlighted that some of her male costars were supportive and that she made lifelong friends from the experience.
Callies and her former costar, Paul Adelstein, launched a rewatch podcast called “Prison Breaking” earlier this year, where they revisit the show. Initially, Callies was hesitant to look back on her Prison Break past on the podcast, fearing it would bring up negative memories and regrets. However, she found the experience therapeutic and ultimately rewarding, allowing her to reflect on her early projects and share her experiences with fans.
Prison Break originally aired for four seasons from 2005 to 2009, with a TV movie and a fifth season in 2017. The show focused on Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller, who orchestrates his imprisonment to help his brother, Lincoln Burrows, portrayed by Dominic Purcell. Callies played Dr. Sara Tancredi, Michael’s wife and a doctor at the fictional Fox River State Penitentiary. Following her time on Prison Break, Callies went on to star in various TV shows and films.
While there has been talk of a potential reboot of Prison Break, Miller announced in 2020 that he would no longer play Michael Scofield, citing his disinterest in playing straight characters after coming out as gay in 2013. Callies showed her support for Miller’s decision on social media, emphasizing that the cast of Prison Break is a queer-friendly space and stands with the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, Callies remains grateful for her time on the series and the friendships she made.
In addition to her time on Prison Break, Callies has appeared in popular shows like The Walking Dead, Colony, Council of Dads, and The Company You Keep, as well as several films. She has continued to build an impressive acting career and remains an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the entertainment industry. Callies’ candid reflections on her past experiences on set shed light on the challenges and rewards of working in television and the lasting impact of her time on Prison Break.
Ultimately, Callies’ openness about her time on Prison Break serves as a reminder of the complexities of working in the television industry and the importance of supporting and uplifting marginalized voices. Her rewatch podcast with Adelstein provides fans with a unique opportunity to revisit the show and gain insight into the behind-the-scenes experiences of the cast. As she continues to navigate her career in Hollywood, Callies’ dedication to authenticity and inclusivity sets a positive example for future generations of actors and creators.
