Tramell Tillman, a native of Maryland, has emerged as one of the stars of Severance, an acclaimed Apple TV series directed by Ben Stiller. The show revolves around a team of office workers who have undergone a surgical procedure to separate their memories of work and personal lives. When a mysterious colleague appears outside of work, the characters embark on a quest to uncover the truth about their jobs. Tillman, who plays the role of Seth Milchick on the series, grew up in nearby Prince George’s County, specifically in Largo, where he developed his early passions.
Born on June 17, 1985, in Washington, D.C., Tillman was raised in Prince George’s County alongside his five older siblings. His mother worked for the U.S. government, and his father was employed by Amtrak, both providing a foundation of hard work and dedication within the family.
After graduating from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Maryland, in 2003, Tillman initially pursued higher education at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, intending to become an orthopedic surgeon. However, he soon realized that this path was not fulfilling. In 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, his parents encouraged him to transfer to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, for safety. It was at Jackson State that Tillman discovered a passion for communication, ultimately graduating summa cum laude in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in mass communication, according to a spotlight on Mr. Feelgood.
Tillman credits his journey into acting to his experiences in Maryland. In an interview with Emily Davenport for Amny, he shared, “I was a shy kid. My journey to acting started in Maryland. When my mom wanted me to become more active, she encouraged me to go into acting. It was a Christmas play; I had one line and I was terrified to do it — but something clicked. The acting bug bit at that moment and ever since.”
Now in its second season, Severance has become one of the most popular streaming shows in the country, showcasing Tillman’s talent and dedication to his craft. His journey from Prince George’s County to the forefront of the entertainment industry highlights the diverse paths that lead to success in the arts.