The 2025 Out100: Tramell Tillman

“I put on clothes I don’t own, say words that aren’t mine” is how Tramell Tillman describes his work. “While in often fictional circumstances, hoping those watching believe every bit of it.”

Tillman, the breakout star of Apple TV+’s Severance, clearly has his believers. The Black gay actor won an Emmy this year for his portrayal of Mr. Milchick, an overseer of the severed floor at the evil Lumon company. Fittingly, he notes that “people pleasing” was his year’s largest obstacle. “Once I realized my need to please others was connected to my disapproval of self, the work began.”

The remedy? “Learning myself, spending time alone, letting go of what no longer serves, and trusting my instincts.” In turn, Tillman is proud that he “kept going. I kept showing up, no matter what.”

Besides preparing for Severance season 3, Tillman has his eyes “on accomplishing work behind the camera.” The actor says to the LGBTQ+ community, “We are worthy of being loved, desired, praised, celebrated, protected. We are worthy of not just tolerance but full acceptance; that first comes with being seen and heard in entirety.” @tramell.tillman