Seth Gilliam, born on November 5, 1968, is a multifaceted American actor known for his memorable portrayals across film, television, and stage. While a "Seth Gilliam weight loss story" might be a trending search, his journey encompasses much more than physical transformation. He is best known for his roles as Ellis Carver on The Wire, Clayton Hughes on Oz, and Father Gabriel Stokes on The Walking Dead.
A Career Spanning Diverse Roles
Gilliam's acting career began in the early 1990s and includes roles in award-winning films such as Still Alice. He has also had a number of recurring roles on television, including during the seventh season of The Cosby Show as Aaron Dexter, boyfriend of Erika Alexander's character, and as Alan Deaton on Teen Wolf.
His most prominent role has been on The Wire. In 2008, he attracted attention for criticizing the show being overlooked for Emmy nominations despite its critical success. He has had a number of guest roles in other shows such as CSI: Miami, Nurse Jackie, Skins, Person of Interest, and The Good Wife.
Stage Presence and Shakespearean Excellence
Gilliam has acted on stage, playing Prince Edward in a 1993 production of Richard III. He played the title role in Othello, first in 2010 at Boston's Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and then the following year at the Houston Shakespeare Festival, directed by his wife, Leah C. Gardiner. The pair returned to Houston in 2013 for Antony and Cleopatra, with Gilliam playing Antony and Gardiner directing.
Gilliam has stated that he prefers acting on the stage although he loves his work in film and television: "Acting for the stage is a lot more fun to do. There is instant communication with the audience."
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The Walking Dead: From Terrified Priest to Fortified Survivor
Seth Gilliam's portrayal of Father Gabriel in The Walking Dead offered a compelling character arc. Joining the show in season five, he initially played a terrified and cowardly priest. As Seth himself mentioned, "I appreciated playing terrified, where everyone else was so fortified. I thought there was a good population who would relate to them, but I was wrong."
However, Father Gabriel undergoes a significant transformation, evolving into a more fortified and resilient survivor. Seth noted that "becoming more fortified was also fun, because the ways that he evolved were sort of ingenious. It was a challenge, and it was really fun to play, because he would lose his faith, and regain his faith, and needed companionship, there were so many flavors that kept me interested in the character." He appreciated that The Walking Dead fans were accepting of this change, allowing him to challenge himself in the role.
Cooper Andrews, a fellow Walking Dead cast member, humorously recalled Seth's introduction to the show: "My favorite part was when they introduced this priest on top of a rock, and he was screaming… that was my favorite part of the series." Seth later elaborated on his rapid immersion into the series: “I got a call to come in for the show and read it on Thursday. They cast me on Friday. I watched the first four seasons Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday I was on the top of a rock screaming for my life." He added, "Jumping into season five was like jumping onto a moving train. It was by far the biggest show in the world."
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Struggles
In May 2015, Gilliam faced a personal challenge when he was arrested in Peachtree City, Georgia. According to reports, he was speeding 108 miles per hour in a fifty-five miles per hour zone and was subsequently charged with driving under the influence, speeding, reckless driving, and drug possession.
According to a police report, Gilliam told the officer he had three beers and a shot of alcohol. The actor's eyes were "extremely bloodshot," the report said. Police say they noticed a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the Chevrolet Cruze, and found a marijuana joint inside a cigarette pack in the car.
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Reflections on The Walking Dead Experience
During a Florida Supercon panel, Gilliam and fellow cast members reflected on their experiences on The Walking Dead. He shared insights into the demanding nature of the show and the strong bonds formed with the cast and crew. He also jokingly lamented the challenges of maintaining friendships, saying, "I’m still trying to cultivate some friendships, but people have to return your texts for it to be considered a friendship. Otherwise it’s stalking, or just sad."
Ross Marquand, another cast member, emphasized the intensity of working on the show, noting the long shooting days and the emotional toll of the material. Cooper Andrews compared working on The Walking Dead to the joy of summer camp.
When asked about their favorite parts of the series, Seth mentioned the episode "One More," highlighting the importance of character-driven stories.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Seth Gilliam is exploring new creative avenues. While a Teen Wolf movie is on the horizon, he is also taking up painting, with Cooper Andrews attesting to the quality of his artwork.
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