“Severance”’s Tramell Tillman Pursued Being an Orthopedic Surgeon. Now He’s an Emmy Nominee: ‘Eventually Got There’ (Exclusive)

Tramell Tillman, the talented actor known for his role as Seth Milchick in the popular Apple TV+ series Severance, recently shared his inspiring journey from initially pursuing a career in medicine to becoming an Emmy nominee. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Tillman opened up about the challenges he faced and the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today.

Despite his passion for acting, Tillman revealed that he was discouraged early on when he was told that he wouldn’t succeed in the industry. This led him to consider a career in the sciences, specifically aiming to become an orthopedic surgeon. However, while studying science at Xavier University, Tillman had a realization that would change his life forever.

During a chemistry lab class, Tillman found himself feeling bored and unfulfilled, realizing that his true passion lay in pursuing acting. Inspired by those around him who exhibited a genuine zeal for their work, he made the courageous decision to shift his focus towards his lifelong dream of becoming an actor.

Tillman’s journey to stardom was marked by various transitions between jobs and careers as he navigated his way towards acting full-time. He emphasised the importance of being prepared and the role that timing played in his ultimate success. This perseverance and dedication eventually paid off when Tillman received his first Emmy nomination for his outstanding performance in Severance as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Receiving the news of his Emmy nomination was a moment of pure elation for Tillman, who described it as a rush of relief and joy. Making history as the first openly gay Black man to secure a nomination in his category, Tillman acknowledges the significance of this achievement while humbly expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be recognised alongside other talented actors.

Despite his success and accolades, Tillman remains grounded and humble, viewing himself as a continuous learner in the craft of acting. He reflected on his journey to this point, acknowledging the challenges he faced and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. As he continues on his path in the entertainment industry, Tillman remains grateful for the opportunity to follow his passion and share his talent with the world.

Turning 40 shortly before receiving his Emmy nomination, Tillman reflected on the expectations he had set for himself in his youth and how they had evolved over time. While his life took a different trajectory than he initially planned, Tillman’s experiences have equipped him with a deeper understanding of the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

As Tillman embraces this new chapter in his career, he remains focused on staying true to himself and navigating the unpredictable nature of the industry with grace and determination. With seasons 1-2 of Severance now streaming on Apple TV+, Tillman’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s dreams.