Let’s be honest—if Michael Emerson gives you the creeps, he’s okay with that. After all, when he played a serial killer on The Practice, his character was so terrifying that people would scream and run the other way, according to the 64-year-old actor, who exclusively spoke with Closer Weekly for its latest issue, now available on newsstands. And if you were ever on the same flight as him after watching Lost, well, passengers might have gotten a little uneasy. But hey, when you're a master of playing villains, that's just part of the gig.

Michael is back at it again, this time as a "pure villain" in CBS's upcoming thriller, Evil. Don’t expect him to change his reputation anytime soon, but he’s perfectly content with that. “I love characters with strong agendas,” Michael confesses. “The more mysterious they are to the audience, the better. There's something thrilling about unraveling their layers and motives.”

When he's not playing bad guys, Michael is happily married to actress Carrie Preston, known for her role on The Good Wife. Their 20-year marriage has only grown stronger over time. "People say absence makes the heart grow fonder," Michael muses, "but we’ve come to realize that we don’t enjoy being apart nearly as much as we used to. It’s a beautiful thing when you find someone who truly complements you."

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Closer Weekly caught up with the Iowa native to delve deeper into his new limited series on SundanceTV, The Name of the Rose, his journey to success, and more. Keep scrolling to read our exclusive Q&A with Michael!

How Did Michael Emerson Get Involved With The Name of the Rose?

This project was a no-brainer for Michael. "I read the novel when it first came out, and I absolutely loved it," he explains. "As a history enthusiast and a mystery lover, it was right up my alley. When I heard that John Turturro would be starring, I thought, ‘Why can’t I be part of this?’" Little did he know, he’d soon land the role. Filming in Rome only added to the allure of this incredible project.

What’s Evil All About?

Michael’s next big venture is Evil, a CBS series that dives into the world of demonic possession. Think of it as a mix between The X-Files and a supernatural thriller, where one detective is a believer and the other is a skeptic. "It’s a fascinating concept," Michael says. "Exploring the intersection of faith and science is always compelling."

What Was It Like Winning Emmys for The Practice and Lost?

Winning an Emmy is a surreal experience, according to Michael. "It feels like you're floating outside yourself for a moment," he laughs. "You’re thinking, ‘Did they really say my name?’ Luckily, I have Carrie, who keeps me grounded. She’s always the one nudging me, saying, ‘Get up there, honey!’" It’s a reminder that even in the most extraordinary moments, having someone who truly knows you can make all the difference.

What About Those Fan Encounters?

Michael has had his fair share of memorable fan moments. While filming Lost in Honolulu, a couple from New Zealand once told him he’d ruined the show for them. Two days later, they approached him again to deliver the same critique. "It’s all part of the job," Michael chuckles. "You take the good with the... well, the unusual."