Former Prison Break star Wentworth Miller has responded to a cruel meme about his past weight gain.

Comedy site The LAD Bible shared side-by-side pictures of the 43-year-old looking slim and shirtless in his Prison Break days, next to a later picture of the actor looking heavier in an unposed paparazzi picture.

“When you break out of prison and find out about McDonalds monopoly ...” they captioned the picture.

The meme scored more than 100,000 likes on Facebook and more than 12,000 shares. Among those who saw it was Miller himself, who then posted a heartfelt message to his Facebook followers.

The LAD Bible’s (since-deleted) post.Source:Facebook

In the message, the star — who came out as gay in 2013 — reveals that the ‘fat’ picture was taken during a very difficult time in his life.

“Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time,” he wrote.

“This one, however, stands out from the rest.

“In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.

“First and foremost, I was suicidal. This is a subject I’ve since written about, spoken about, shared about.

“But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few.

“Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time.

“I’ve struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.”

Miller goes on to detail the addictive relationship with food that led to the weight gain captured in the second photo:

Miller in Prison Break. The star retired from acting while he struggled with depression.Source:News Corp Australia

“In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through. There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF.

“Sometimes that was enough. Had to be.

“And I put on weight. Big f — king deal.

“One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. ‘Hunk To Chunk.’ ‘Fit To Flab.’ Etc.

“My mother has one of those ‘friends’ who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned.

“In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.

“Long story short, I survived.

“So do those pictures.

“I’m glad.

“Now, when I see that image of me in my red T-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without.

“Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist.

“Anyway. Still. Despite.

“The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness.

“Of myself and others.”

The LAD Bible appear to have deleted the meme from their Facebook page, but Miller himself shared it to illustrate his message.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal tendencies, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline.org.au