Severance actor Tramell Tillman has shared the story of coming out to his mother — a moment that, while not marked by tears or drama, carried deep meaning.
Speaking to Variety, Tillman revealed that his mother, who is deeply religious, initially reacted with concern rather than judgment when he told her he was gay.
In his first attempt to come out, Tillman said the conversation didn’t fully land. A few years later, he decided to be more direct, blurting out:
“I’m gay.”
This time, her response focused on his future in the industry:
“I don’t want this to ruin your career. I don’t want you to be blackballed. I don’t want you to be pigeonholed.”
Tillman said her fears came from love, not disapproval. She reassured him by adding:
“Anyone you bring home, I will embrace him as my son.”
A Historic Emmy Nomination
Tillman’s honesty and talent have since brought him significant recognition. His portrayal of Seth Milchick in Apple TV+’s Severance earned him an Emmy nomination — and a place in history as the first openly gay Black man nominated in the Supporting Actor in a Drama category.
As Variety’s Clayton Davis noted, this category has yet to crown a Black winner, making Tillman’s nomination especially significant.
