Harold Perrineau answers our ''Lost'' questions | 16937__michael_l
Harold Perrineau: Mario Perez

All About

Harold Perrineau

Age 36

Casting backstory He initially turned down an audition, not wanting to drop out of the L.A. production of Topdog/Underdog. But when Lost's pilot shoot was delayed (and word got to him that he was the only actor Abrams wanted for the role of Michael), the ex-Oz con read for the part, but still was wary: After all, he'd just lost out on a role in Grey's Anatomy. It was only during Lost's final callback that he became optimistic: ''There are usually three or four people that meet the studio and the network,'' he says. ''For my character there was just me.''

Our favorite moment When Michael's ex-wife dies and he goes to fetch his long-separated son, Walt. His stilted hesitation shows his difficulty in reuniting with a boy he knows only as a hypothetical.

His favorite moment The flashback episode, which altered his view of Michael. The writers had initially framed him as ''a white-collar guy. But instead of making him a guy who had made it, they changed him to a guy who was still making it.''

Favorite conspiracy theory ''That it's some weird government experiment. That seems to be the most feasible.''

Burning question Will Michael's raft set sail by season's end — and who will be on it? ''All I can say is, how much would it suck if it didn't set sail?'' asks Lindelof. ''Wouldn't you feel ripped off? I sure would! As to who is on it? Well, the roster ain't set. Yet.''


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