Former Mustang got his big break in 'Prison'

Mike Zepeda might be thousands of miles from Hollywood, but he learned during his time working as an extra on Prison Break a few tricks to acting like a seasoned actor. His chief self-imposed rule also happens to be the hardest for most actors to stick to.

He never allows himself to act like a fan.

It's not like he hasn't wanted to. The current resident of Mount Pleasant, Texas was thrilled when he first stepped foot on the set of the FOX drama in 2006.

The D.A.R.E. officer and courthouse bailiff had never before been a part of a production the size of Prison Break, which returns to the air tonight after a four-month hiatus. Still, he set aside his own excitement and focused on his task as an extra.

"I never went to the guys and asked for their autograph or picture. That doesn't need to be done on set," he said. "There were guys on set who did that. That was just a really poor judgment call."

Zepeda credits his professionalism for him being called back for four episodes, most times to play a background inmate. He makes appearances in second season episodes "Dead Fall," "The Killing Box" and "Wash" and in "Fire/Water" third season.

And he worked hard to get there.

Years ago, he would drive for two hours from his home to downtown Dallas five days a week for acting classes. He didn't want to throw that away and blow his first major opportunity on a conduct violation. He recommends other aspiring actors do the same.

"The more professional you act and the more you show your professional side, the more work you're going to get," he said. "They watch people on set. They watch everybody."

The stars appreciate not being bothered, too.

"They don't want to go to work and be bombarded like that," he said. "You don't go over there and act like some psycho fan."

Zepeda, who is also a DJ, a rapper and the owner of a production company, is hoping that his good reputation and skills will be the winning combination that gets his career in entertainment on the fast track.

Where you'll see him next: He just finished filming his part for a pilot called Preacher Dad. He also recorded a song titled "Just Say No," an anti-drug theme he hopes to market to police departments

Left the Valley: in 1994

How often he returns: twice a year, sometimes three times a year

On star Wentworth Miller, who plays Michael Scofield: Zepeda said the star, who "was to himself a lot," was hard person to read. "He had a look on him that was (one of two things), either ‘why doesn't anyone talk to me?' or ‘don't talk to me. I'm a big shot,'" he said.

What you might not know: His daughter, now 2, had a bit role in the episode "Fire/Water." She shared a scene set in a park with Amaury Nolasco, who plays Sucre. Production even provided her with her own trailer, said Zepeda, who somewhat broke his own ‘no fan moments' rule when he took a photo. But he only did it because he wanted his daughter to have it as a memento when she gets older. A few days later, he filmed on the same episode.

On Wade Williams, who played Sgt. Brad Bellick on the show: While Zepeda said he "could not stand" Williams' now deceased character, the story was quite different on set. "He was the coolest guy. ... He was the only one that every day could just sit there and talk with the extras."

Using his Texas charm: Zepeda is far removed from the Hollywood scene, but he doesn't mind. In fact, it's been to his advantage when dealing with actors, he said. While filming an episode, Zepeda struck up a conversation with Anthony Fleming, who played Trumpets, a tough gang member and foe of C-Note. Zepeda, using what he calls his country charm, invited Fleming to his friends' restaurant for a meal to chat. The two hit it off and now speak occasionally. "People have told me it's my personality. I always just step into stuff."

Check him out online at: www.zapmanproductions.com