In today’s episode of the True Fiction Project Podcast, I’m speaking with actor and activist, Tramell Tillman. Tramell and I laugh about his least favorite job as an abstinence educator of middle and high school students and how he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. We chat about the success of his latest project on the Apple TV+ psychological thriller series, Severance. He shares his process for building the complex character of Seth Milchick and his experience working with director Ben Stiller. Listen in as we chat about activism, arts, and abstinence! Also, hear a short story titled The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:34] Tramell’s least favorite job as abstinence educator in Mississippi

[13:30] Tramell’s role in the TV show, Severance 

[16:08] The challenge of becoming character, Seth Milchick and what Ben Stiller is like as a director

[20:00] The evolution of Milchick and how he differs from the original intent

[23:55] Future projects and philanthropic work for Tramell Tillman

[31:14] Short Story: The Garden of Earthly Delights, written by Parker James

 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

One of Tramell’s first and least favorite jobs was as an abstinence educator for middle and high school students in Mississippi. At the time, Mississippi had a high rate of STDs and pregnancy. Tramell shares how it was one of the worst jobs he ever had and one that he was terrible at doing.

For the role of Seth Milchick, Tramell has developed a very specific process using meditation and exercise to get into character.

Philanthropic work is very important to Tramell and he has been involved in nonprofit work for over 20 years now. It was something that was ingrained in him through his grandparents and parents from an early age. 

 
Fiction Credits: 
Short story written by: Parker James
Short story read by:
—David: Arya Hora
—Michael: Parker James
—Zipporah: Reenita Hora
 
BIO:
February 18th, 2022, Tramell Tillman starred in the Apple TV+ brand new psychological thriller series Severance, starring Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Britt Lower; with director and executive producer Ben Stiller at the helm. Serving as a series regular on a top-billed show such as this comes with an incredible artistic history.
Tillman has graced the screen and stage for over 20 years.
The classically trained actor is no stranger to the classics. This spring you can hear Tillman voice the role of Edmund, in Shakespeare’s King Lear, as part of the Play on Podcast Series. In the summer he will return to the series voicing the role of Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night.
In his spare time Tillman works in local communities supporting causes of arts advocacy, mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and causes focusing on persons of color. He has served as guest lecturer for theater programs at both Jackson State, in Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee. He is a singer, dancer, activist, and confidant; but most of all he is an artist committed to giving voice to the voiceless. He believes in the transformative power of the arts. In his opinion it’s one of the purest channels into preserving and enhancing all of humanity.
Tramell Tillman on Facebook
Tramell Tillman on Twitter
Tramell Tillman on Instagram
Tramell Tillman Website
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The Creative Coalition - The Creative Coalition Creative Coalition 
Home - Children's Defense Fund 
Housing is Healthcare 
New Alternatives | LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth | New York City 
University of Tennessee Theatre Department
JSU Development – Jackson State University 
Teach for America