Exclusive: Tramell Tillman Stars in the Apple TV+ Thriller Series Severance [Interview]

Tramell Tillman is starring in the Apple TV+ thriller series Severance, directed and executive produced by Ben Stiller. 

The show focuses on a team of employees who work at a company called Lumon Industries, led by Adam Scott. The members undergo a severance procedure, which surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. Tillman’s character Milchick works for the company and is tasked with maintaining the work order of the severed floor. This show will offer viewers a sense of suspense and mystery as the team members navigate throughout the experiment. 

Over the years, Tillman’s acting resume has accumulated numerous roles both on the screen and on stage. On March 21, Tillman will play the character Alvin Finney in the production of Good Night, Oscar by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright, which will run until April 24. Some of his other credits include Steven in the AMC series Dietland. Chris, in the Pulitzer Prize-winning international play Sweat by Lynn Nottage and in 2019, Tillman made his Broadway debut at Lincoln Center in the play, The Great Society starring Brian Cox. 

Tillman spoke with our correspondent Rebecca Eugene about his role in the show Severance and the work he does in his spare time advocating for issues important to him. He supports and contributes to causes of arts advocacy, mental health awareness, LGBTQ rights, and concerns focusing on persons of color. 

Tillman’s work can be followed on his Instagram @Tramell.Tillman

The Knockturnal: How did you get into acting?  

Tramell Tillman: Through the tender, yet mighty hand of my mother. As a kid growing up, I was incredibly shy, but immensely talented. My parents recognized this,and knowing for a young black boy to obtain success he must be able to step up and take space. So, I did: on stage, in church, at the lively age of 10. I haven’t stopped acting publicly since. 

The Knockturnal: Which types of roles do you like performing most when presented with the opportunity?

Tramell Tillman: I’m enthralled with complex, unpredictable characters. Roles rich with history, depth, and mystery entice me greatly. For me, they are the most challenging to play and engrossing to watch.  

The Knockturnal: Who do you consider to be your acting role model?

Tramell Tillman: Jeffrey Wright for his transformational acting; Mahershala Ali for his grace and commitment to his faith; Coleman Domingo for his elegance and style; Denzel Washington for his strength; and Sidney Poitier for his example of true artistry.

The Knockturnal: Tell me a little bit about your character Milchick in the series ‘Severance’?

Tramell Tillman: Milchick is a Lumon company man tasked with the responsibility of managing the Severed Floor. He is responsible for maintaining office productivity and promoting a positive, healthy work environment. (Said with a wink and a smile). 

The Knockturnal: Without giving too much away, what was your favorite scene that was shot from the show? 

Tramell Tillman: The incentive scenes (Melon Party and more) are the scenes I most enjoy. The excitement from Milchick mixed with the pure fear and confusion from Mark, Helly, Dylan, and Irving are not only a joy to play but intriguing to craft.

The Knockturnal: What was it like working with Ben Stiller and alongside Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Lower, and John Turturro?

Tramell Tillman: Initially I was nervous. My first day on set filming was a one-on-one scene with John Turturro. My heart lurched through my chest, so it felt, as I stood next to him. However, he was very encouraging, kind. Ben too, expressed similar kindness with a brisk tenacity. I was on set with artistic titans and every single one was and is kind, generous, supportive, and caring. We crafted this show together as an ensemble in many ways. 

The Knockturnal: You’ve appeared in numerous films and television shows such as “Steven” in the AMC series Dietland, “Sgt. Brown” in the award-winning opera revival of Carmen Jones. In the Fall of 2019 you made a Broadway debut at Lincoln Center in the play “The Great Society,” the Amazon series “Hunters” starring Al Pacino, etc. How was this role different from others you’ve played? How did you prepare for this role?

Tramell Tillman: Severance is a specific show. Its apparent uniqueness requires a specificity from set pieces, to costumes, hair, dialogue, even acting. In order to craft Milchick I truly had to discover what motivates him under these circumstances. In doing so I explored his voice, body language, and energy. It involved a complete creative physical exploration from top to bottom, which I haven’t done to this degree. I relied on my personal experiences working in Corporate America and my classical training to build Milchick. I was given the smallest amount of information about him, yet I was determined to fill in the blanks as much as possible to create a full embodied character.

The Knockturnal: In your spare time you work with local communities supporting causes of arts advocacy, mental health awareness, LGBTQ rights, and causes focusing on persons of color. Why are these issues important to you? What changes do you hope to see? 

Tramell Tillman: The causes reflect who I am and my journey in many ways. I was taught at a young age, to whom much is given, much is required. I make it my mission to give back to underserved communities as well as causes overlooked. I hope to see deeper awareness towards these issues. Arts programs are often the first cut in public schools, suicide rates continue to rise especially among teenagers, and we are continuing to see discrimination and persecution within our LGBTQIA+ as well as the BIPOC community. My hope is to continue to elevate these stories in order to bring about effective solutions to build a better humanity for us all.

The Knockturnal: If you were presented with the opportunity to be a part of an experiment like the one in the show ‘Severance,’ would you take part in it? Why? 

Tramell Tillman: No, absolutely not. Haha. So much of my history informs the man I am today. Bifurcating my memories would present a hollow version of me. I have spent too much time in therapy to become a shell of a human being. 

The Knockturnal: What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

Tramell Tillman: After all these years as a performer, I am still shy. 

The Knockturnal: Where do you hope to be in your career in the next 5 years?

Tramell Tillman: It’s my hope in the next 5 years I would have expanded my career to the magic behind the camera. While I enjoy telling stories on stage and screen, I am interested in producing and directing. I have a book of ideas I would love to see come to life on stage, camera, and film.