Prison Break star Wentworth Miller reveals he has autism and calls diagnosis a ‘shock’ but ‘not a surprise’

PRISON Break actor Wentworth Miller revealed he has autism as he called the diagnosis a "shock," but "not a surprise."

The star took to Instagram to reveal the personal news to his fans in a lengthy statement.

He wrote alongside a blank white square: "Like everyone, life in quarantine took things from me. But in the quiet/isolation, I found unexpected gifts.

"This fall marks 1 year since I received my informal autism diagnosis. Preceded by a self-diagnosis. Followed by a formal diagnosis.

"It was a long, flawed process in need of updating. IMO. I'm a middle-aged man. Not a 5-year-old."

He continued: "And (it's a "both/and") I recognize access to a diagnosis is a privilege many do not enjoy... Let's just say it was a shock. But not a surprise."

'EVOLVING MY UNDERSTANDING'

After admitting he "doesn't know enough about autism," Wentworth added, "Right now my work looks like evolving my understanding..."

He also pointed people toward "numerous individuals sharing thoughtful and inspiring content on Instagram, TikTok… Unpacking terminology. Adding nuance. Fighting stigma..."

The star added: "Oh - this isn't something I'd change. No. I get - got - immediately being autistic is central to who I am. To everything I've achieved/articulated.

"Oh - I also want to say to the many (many) people who consciously or unconsciously gave me that extra bit of grace + space over the years, allowed me to move thru the world in a way that made sense to me whether or not it made sense to them… thank you.

"And to those who made a different choice… well. People will reveal themselves..."

FANS SUPPORT WENTWORTH

Fans reacted with nothing but positivity as they took to the comments section, with one person writing, "Thank you for this. Got my autism diagnosis at 30 years old, and it was a peculiar gift, really. Your voice, about this, is so comforting. So, so comforting."

Another chimed in: "You are so so strong, keep going, the whole world loves you WM," while one fan wrote, "thanks for sharing this with us."

The 49-year-old has continued to be open with his fans - back in 2013 he came out as gay and then revealed he would not be playing straight characters on TV anymore, which included his role as Michael Scofield on Prison Break.

At the time he wrote he wouldn't be returning to the show "not (because) of static on social media (although that has centered the issue)," but because "I just don't want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told)."

He added: "I'm sorry. If you're hot and bothered bec you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one…That's your work."

Prison Break aired on FOX from 2005 to 2009 and briefly returned to the network in 2017 for a fifth season.