Harold Perrineau, known for his role as Michael Dawson in the hit ABC series Lost, has revealed that one of his former co-stars still refuses to speak to him because of a shocking plot twist that occurred nearly two decades ago. In an exclusive interview with The Independent, the actor claimed that the unnamed actress felt deeply betrayed by his character's actions on the show.
The Infamous Scene
In the season two episode titled 'Two for the Road', Perrineau's character Michael Dawson cold-bloodedly killed two fellow survivors: Ana-Lucia, played by Michelle Rodriguez, and Libby, portrayed by Cynthia Watros. This moment effectively ended the characters' time on the series, as both actresses had just joined as regulars earlier that season. Perrineau alleged that one of them was so upset by the development that she cut off all communication with him. 'This is really weird to say, but one of the actresses to this day still doesn't talk to me,' Perrineau stated. 'I'm like, 'I didn't write this! I'm doing what you're doing – I'm doing my job!'' The actor, who now stars in the mystery horror series From, added that the unnamed actress felt 'wildly betrayed' by his character's actions. The Independent has reached out to Rodriguez and Watros for comment.
Michael Dawson's Journey
Perrineau was part of the original ensemble when Lost premiered in 2004. His storyline revolved around his young son, Walt (Malcom David Kelley), who was abducted by The Others, a mysterious group already living on the island. In season two, shortly after the fatal shooting, Michael was temporarily written off the show. He returned for a brief stint in season four, which culminated in his death, and made a one-episode cameo in the sixth and final season in 2010. Michael found redemption by sacrificing himself in the season four finale, but this scene occurred away from his fellow survivors. Perrineau expressed disappointment that his character's story ended that way, and 18 years later, he still feels Michael 'didn't get a fair shake'. 'I just think it could have been more interesting. It was like, 'Ah, OK,' because there were so many brilliant moments in there,' he said.
Reflections on Lost
Despite his reservations about his character's arc, Perrineau said he 'wouldn't change' being part of Lost 'for a second'. He acknowledged that the show changed the landscape of television. 'When there's a problem, it gets amplified, but [Michael's death scene] is not now or ever gonna be the biggest part of Lost for me. Lost showed up and changed the landscape of TV. We were doing stuff that nobody was doing on TV before. So however it wound up, that doesn't really matter,' he explained. The actor also appreciated the show's divisive ending, written by co-showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, but thinks it 'maybe could have been better'. 'I did see the end and I didn't disagree with Damon and Carlton's reasoning. It's the journey, and however it ends, it ends. That's how I feel about From too. People want all the answers and it's like, 'But there'll be no show!' Could it have been a better ending? I mean, maybe yeah. But six years of such fun.'
Current Work
Perrineau currently stars in the mystery horror series From, where he plays the makeshift sheriff in a town that traps its unwilling residents, who are plagued by nocturnal creatures emerging from the forest nightly. The series is available to stream on NOW, with season four coming soon to the UK.
