Actor Michael Emerson has built a career out of playing some of the most memorable villains in television history. Fans of Evil might not be surprised to learn that he thinks his character, forensic psychologist Leland Townsend, could be a demon or some other supernatural entity. Known for twisting minds and creating chaos, Leland is an unforgettable presence in the Paramount+ series, which keeps audiences guessing with its intricate mysteries and chilling twists.
Evil is a show that thrives on its ability to blend deep psychological intrigue with spine-tingling horror. Michael explains to Closer, “Leland is an amazing force for mischief and confusion in people’s lives. The show itself is brilliant—it dives deep into mysteries, detection, and just enough horror to keep you on the edge of your seat.” With a career spanning decades, Emerson has mastered the art of playing complex, morally ambiguous characters, and Evil is no exception.
Michael Emerson’s Journey to Becoming a TV Icon
At 67, Michael Emerson has carved out a niche for himself as one of television’s most celebrated character actors. Fans know him best for his roles as the chilling serial killer William Hinks in The Practice, the morally complex Ben Linus in Lost, and the brilliant but enigmatic Harold Finch in Person of Interest. Despite his on-screen persona as a villain, Michael reveals that his stage career was rooted in playing gentle, humorous characters. “It’s only on TV that I’ve had the chance to create this kind of scariness,” he says. “And let me tell you, it’s been a lot of fun.”
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But how did Michael Emerson become the actor we know today? Growing up in Iowa, he didn’t always dream of becoming a star. In fact, he wanted to be an archaeologist, eager to uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations. Life, however, had other plans for him. As the smallest boy in his class, Michael gravitated toward the marching band and drama club, finding his true calling in the world of theater.
A Rocky Start in New York City
Michael’s journey to professional acting wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from college, he moved to New York City with dreams of making it big. But the harsh realities of the industry quickly set in. “It knocked the wind out of me,” he recalls. “I couldn’t figure out how to get started.” For years, Michael worked as a magazine illustrator, honing his craft and waiting for the right opportunity to return to acting.
Despite the challenges, Michael never lost faith in his dream. “I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t give up, even when I wasn’t making a living as an actor until my 40s,” he says. “I rode it out, and now I’ve become the kind of character actor I dreamed of being when I was a kid.” His perseverance paid off, leading to iconic roles that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Playing Dark Characters: A Double-Edged Sword
While playing villains has been a source of joy for Michael, it’s not without its challenges. “I’m an actor who doesn’t need to dive too deeply into the darkness,” he explains. “At the end of the day, I can usually clock out.” But there are moments when the material hits a little too close to home. For instance, in one episode of Evil, Leland manipulates a young boy into harboring violent thoughts. “That was awfully topical and terrible,” Michael admits. “It made me uncomfortable enough to call the writers and question whether we were sure about that scene.”
Despite the occasional unease, Michael finds immense satisfaction in his role. “What I love is how theatrical my character has become, especially in the second season of Evil,” he says. “I get to speak in tongues, pretend to do terrible things, and even inject humor into the mix. It’s surprisingly fun, even though the show is dead serious and terrifying.”
From Villain to Romantic Comedy?
While Michael has mastered the art of playing villains, he’s open to exploring other genres. “I don’t see myself as a romantic lead, but maybe as a zany friend or an employee,” he muses. “There are a hundred character parts I’d be happy to play.” Between his darker roles, Michael enjoys taking on lighter, comedic parts in guest appearances on other shows. “It’s a great relief,” he says, “to step away from the heavy material and have some fun.”
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Reflecting on Lost and Its Legacy
For many fans, Michael Emerson will always be Ben Linus, the enigmatic leader of the Others in Lost. The show’s success was a surprise even to Michael. “I knew it was a hot show before I joined,” he says. “My wife, Carrie, was addicted to it. I was offered a three-episode arc, and I took it. Next thing I knew, they wouldn’t let me come home.”
Shooting Lost in Hawaii was an unforgettable experience for Michael. “Being out there for five years, surrounded by jungles, beaches, and mountains, was truly exotic,” he recalls. “There were moments when we’d stop filming just to take in the beauty of the sunset. I felt like a character on the show, stranded on a mysterious island in the middle of the ocean.”
Will There Be a Lost Revival?
As for the possibility of a Lost revival or reboot, Michael remains skeptical. “Someone might come up with an idea, but it would never be Lost again,” he says. “It would have to be something entirely new.”
Life Beyond Acting: Marriage and Lessons Learned
Michael has been married to actress Carrie Preston for 20 years, and their relationship is a testament to the power of partnership. “We have a great sense of humor, and we don’t compete with each other,” he says. “We also make a conscious effort not to bring our work home. Instead, we focus on our supportive and warm extended family life, which keeps us grounded.”
When it comes to being away from each other for work, Michael admits that the couple’s tolerance has changed over time. “When we first met, we could go months without seeing each other,” he says. “Now, it’s more like a two-week rule—sometimes even less. Anything longer than that gets miserable.”
Through it all, Michael has learned some valuable life lessons. “The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s not a race,” he says. “That’s my mantra: ‘It’s not a race, take your time.’ If you pressure yourself too much, you risk ruining the joy of your work.”
