Whatever You Do, Don't Call Michael Emerson Creepy

By Bryan Alexander Posted Sep 29th 2009 04:51PM

For many, Michael Emerson's Emmy win was the ultimate validation for his spot-on portrayal of the creepiest characters on television, 'Lost' villain Benjamin Linus. But before Emerson headed off to Hawaii to act creepy all over again on the 'Lost' set, he got all kinds of mushy talking to PopEater. "I always sort of cringe when people say, you're that creepy guy," Emerson exclusively confesses. "Sinister I can live with, that's fine. But creepy is like someone you wouldn't sit next to at a diner."

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Michael Emerson Snapshots

Actor Michael Emerson arrives in an Audi TDI at the Point Foundation's Point Honors Gala at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on September 26, 2009 in Hollywood, California. Audi Arrivals at the Point Foundation Event Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Hollywood, CA United States September 26, 2009 Photo by Charley Gallay/WireImage.com To license this image (58495065), contact WireImage.com

Charley Gallay/WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Michael Emerson Snapshots

Actor Michael Emerson presents at the 'Point Foundation's Gala, Point Honors Los Angeles' Actress Cherry Jones and Motorola at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on September 26, 2009 in Hollywood, California. Point Foundation's "Point Honors....Los Angeles" Gala Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Hollywood, CA United States September 26, 2009 Photo by Brian Putnam/FilmMagic.com To license this image (58497507), contact FilmMagic.com

Brian Putnam/FilmMagic.com

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Actor Michael Emerson attends Point Foundation's "Point Honors... Los Angeles" at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on September 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Emerson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Actors Carrie Preston (L) and Michael Emerson attend Point Foundation's "Point Honors... Los Angeles" at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on September 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Carrie Preston;Michael Emerson

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Carrie Preston and Michael Emerson arrive at Point Foundation's "Point Honors Los Angeles" gala at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Alaric Lambert)

Charley Gallay/WireImage.com

Actor Michael Emerson, right, and actress Carrie Preston arrive at the HBO Emmy Party in West Hollywood, Calif. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. Emerson won an Emmy earlier in the evening for best supporting actor in a drama series. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actors Michael Emerson (L) and Carrie Preston arrive at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre on September 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Emerson;Carrie Preston

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actor Michael Emerson arrives at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre on September 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Michael Emerson

Getty Images

"I'm probably being sensitive about it," he admits. A big reason for this might be that people have trouble separating the veteran character actor (married to the lovely Carrie Preston from True Blood) from his creepy, er sinister television character. "My wife sees a very clear boundary between who I am and the character I play," Emerson tells PopEater. "(Linus) freaks her out. She'll say, don't look at me like him."

Strangers can freak out when they catch sight of Emerson. "I've had people scream, and drop what was in their hands when I've walked in," says Emerson. "The standard encounter is a girl and a guy walking together and the girl sees me and her eyes go all saucer-like and she clutches her man's arms, pursing her lips together to keep from crying out. That actually happens a lot."

Wearing a hat helps also according to Emerson, who says "it turns out my biggest Benjamin Linus giveaway is the way my hair stands up." But sometimes even the best disguise doesn't do the trick. "I was in at a street fair in Honolulu in costume, I had painted my face like a skeleton ... Some guy came up and said, 'Dude, I love your work.'

Tags: creepy, emmys, lost, michael emerson, MichaelEmerson

Comments

(6)

Tuesday 29 September

By pooperscooper

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who knew this guy was so interesting. hilarious interview! i sort of feel bad for him. i would hug him if i ever saw him

By JB

Some people are just crazy. I guess when they see those kids from Twilight walk down the street, they start hiding their necks. Mr. Emerson is a great actor. So great that his Ben Linus character will be remembered long after his career is over. Fantastic job on Lost.

By Laurie

>>>"I was in at a street fair in Honolulu in costume, I had painted my face like a skeleton ... Some guy came up and said, 'Dude, I love your work.'

Wednesday 30 September

By Pat T.

People are so stupid. Why can't they separate the character from the actor? Michael I don't think you're creepy. I think you are delicious!

By helas

I hope Michael Emerson knows that there are a lot of us out here who don't find him creepy at all, just incredibly talented and thrilling to watch. LOST is one of the greatest TV series of all time, and he's a big part of the reason it is. Congrats to him for his very well-deserved Emmy win, and I for one can hardly wait for the return of LOST!!

By Mary B

I wouldn't think he was creepy in reality, though he is on the show. Very talented actor, no way I would run away if I saw him in person! I would ask for a picture!!!

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