The star of the series “Prison Break” Dominic Purcell decided that postcards with views of his native region are too banal for a true fan of his homeland. The 56-year-old actor, who became famous for the role of Michael Scofield, got a large tattoo on his back dedicated to the Sydney suburb of Penrith, where he spent his childhood.
“Riff” as a symbol of identity
In his Instagram, the actor posted a series of photos showcasing the new design. On his back, between his shoulder blades, the word RIFF is tattooed in large letters. This word is local slang used in Sydney to refer to Penrith. In the caption to the post, Dominic wrote touching words: “Those who know… Penrith, ‘Riff,’ NSW, Australia, 70s – 80s. Always proud of what shaped me.”
For those unfamiliar with Australian geography, it’s worth explaining the context. Penrith is a city in the western suburbs of Sydney, historically associated with the working class and a sporting spirit. The slogan “Where legends are born,” often used by locals, perfectly describes the atmosphere of this place.
Master of his craft
The work was done by the famous tattoo artist from Los Angeles, Jamie Jean Lopez. His client list includes many Hollywood stars, including Dominic’s stepdaughter, singer Miley Cyrus. The choice of artist is not accidental: Lopez is known for his technique and ability to work with large forms, which was necessary for such a large-scale project.
The tattoo style is classic body art with old-school elements. The letters are done in a “blackwork” style, which gives them volume and depth. This technique makes the tattoo look like part of the muscle relief, rather than just a sticker on the skin.
Public reaction
The post caused a stir on social media. Australian celebrities quickly reacted to the news, expressing their support and admiration:
- David Warner, former cricketer, wrote: “What a cool tattoo!”.
- Jess Fox, three-time Olympic champion, supported: “Yes, Riff!”.
- Cainan Lonsdale, actor and Penrith native, noted: “Where legends are born.”
- Domenica Calarco, reality TV star, added: “All the best people come from Western Sydney.”
Even the Penrith Panthers (National Rugby League) team joined the discussion, calling the actor the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) for his dedication to his hometown.
Personal story
Dominic’s wife, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, also expressed her delight, calling the tattoo “crazy.” She noted that it’s a beautiful reminder of her husband’s roots. Tish, Miley Cyrus’s mother, married Dominic in 2023, and their union is often covered in the press.
It’s worth noting that Dominic Purcell was born in England in February 1970 but moved to Australia at the age of two. It was in Penrith that he spent most of the 70s and 80s before moving to Perth to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. There, he followed in the footsteps of Australian cinema icons like Hugh Jackman.
Career path
Dominic made his first television appearance in the late 90s in the popular Australian series “Home and Away.” However, he gained worldwide fame for his roles in American projects: “Prison Break” and “Mission: Impossible 2.” Despite his success in Hollywood, he never forgot his roots, which is confirmed by his new tattoo.
This example shows how tattoo culture is becoming a way to express personal identity and connection to the past. For Dominic Purcell, a tattoo is not just a drawing, but a symbol of pride in his origins and a reminder of where he began his path to fame.