Throughout its four seasons, the Fox television series Prison Break was popular with audiences and critics alike, earning Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and winning both a People’s Choice Award and ALMA Award in 2006. In addition, however, it appears that Prison Break was popular with another crowd: a number of KD Conservatory alumni, faculty, and instructors have made appearances on the series throughout the years.
T.A. Taylor
Relationship to KD Conservatory: Faculty, Acting Program Chair of Acting Degree Program
Role on Prison Break: Pickup Truck Driver (“Hell or High Water”)
About the Character: When Whistler needs to make a run for it, he knows he’s not fast enough on foot. Fortunately for him – and unfortunately for the truck’s driver – a nearby pickup truck makes the perfect carjacking target for a getaway vehicle.
About the Actor: T.A. Taylor has appeared in several films and television series, including Walker, Texas Ranger and the television mini-series Comanche Moon. His extensive acting experience also includes numerous commercials, training films, and Off Broadway performances.
John S. Davies
Relationship to KD Conservatory: Faculty
Role on Prison Break: Elliot Pike (5 episodes)
About the Character: Senior Company Operative Elliot Pike appeared in five episodes in the second and third seasons of Prison Break. In working for Gretchen, his mission is to get Whistler out of Sona, and he is later given orders to kill Lincoln Burrows.
About the Actor: John S. Davies has appeared in more than 50 films and television series throughout his acting career, including JFK, Robocop, Magnolia, Friday Night Lights, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
Julio Cedillo
Relationship to KD Conservatory: Alumni
Role on Prison Break: General Mestas (3 episodes)
About the Character: In the third season of the series, General Mestas succeeds General Zavala as commander of Sona.
About the Actor: In addition to his award-winning performance in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, Julio Cedillo has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including Cowboys & Aliens, Exposed, and a recent episode of the hit series The Walking Dead.
Dell Johnson
Relationship to KD Conservatory: Adult Workshop Instructor
Role on Prison Break: IDOC Captain (2 episodes)
About the Character: The two episodes take place in the main setting of the series, the fictional Fox State River Penitentiary in Illinois. This character serves as captain of the guards within the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC).
About the Actor: Dell Johnson’s credits include the television series The Good Guys, Friday Night Lights, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
Dari Hayes
Relationship to KD Conservatory: Teen and Adult Workshop Instructor
Role on Prison Break: Detective Allen (“Chicago”)
About the Episode: Despite the episode’s name, it was actually filmed in north Texas, in and around the city of Greenville.
About the Actor: In addition to extensive commercial experience, Dari Hayes has appeared in roles in Friday Night Lights, JFK, and Walker, Texas Ranger.
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