Sarah Wayne Callies Recalls Rampant Misogyny on 'Prison Break' Set

Sarah Wayne Callies, who starred as Sara Tancredi on the hit FOX show 'Prison Break', recently opened up about the "rampant misogyny" she experienced behind the scenes during her time on the show.

Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Dr. Sara Tancredi on the popular FOX drama series 'Prison Break', has candidly shared her experiences of "rampant misogyny" on the show's set. In a recent episode of the 'Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen' podcast, Callies reflected on her time working on the male-dominated series.

"I couldn't get beyond the parts that were toxic and painful," Callies admitted, referring to her initial reluctance to revisit the show's early seasons. However, as she delved deeper into her podcast with former co-star Paul Adelstein, Callies realized the transformative impact that 'Prison Break' had on her career.

"I'm realizing I walk through doors that are open because of 'Prison Break' and because of '[The] Walking Dead,'" Callies said, grateful for the opportunities the show has afforded her. Despite her appreciation for the show's success, Callies opened up about the challenges she faced as the only woman in a predominantly male cast.

"There were two edges to that sword," Callies said. "I've had an actor on that show spit in my face." While Callies did not name her co-star, she acknowledged that the hostile environment on set prompted her husband to intervene.

"There were things, like I would go home some nights and have to spend an hour talking my husband out of going to hospitalize somebody," Callies revealed. The actress also admitted that her husband was not the only one who was affected by the toxic atmosphere on set.

"Some of the guys were great, and some of them were totally gentlemen, but when you go from zero to 60, from nobody knows who I am to 'I'm on the carpet of award shows.'" Callies paused, reflecting on the impact of sudden success. "What's that thing they say that, like, 'Any fool can handle adversity. You want to test a man's medal, give him success.'"

Despite the challenges she faced, Callies emphasized that she made lifelong friends during her time on 'Prison Break'. However, she expressed her initial reluctance to revisit those memories due to the lingering pain and toxicity she had experienced.

"I didn't want it to send me into a spiral of like, 'What did I let them do to me? What did I let them say to me? What did I put up with? What did I not report?'"

Callies' revelations shed light on the pervasive issue of misogyny in the entertainment industry and the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all. Her experiences serve as a reminder that even in the glamorous world of television and film, women can still face discrimination and harassment.