The Tragic Fate Of Asher Millstone: Everything You Need To Know About The HTGAWM Character And The Actor Today
Few characters on television have undergone a more dramatic and heartbreaking transformation than Asher Millstone from the hit ABC series How to Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM). His journey from an entitled, slightly clueless "frat boy" to a deeply conflicted member of The Keating Five—and eventually, a tragic victim—remains one of the show's most discussed arcs, even today, December 10, 2025.
The mystery surrounding Asher’s death in the final season was a massive twist that reshaped the entire narrative, forcing fans to question everything they thought they knew about Annalise Keating’s inner circle. This deep dive explores the character's full story, the shocking events of his final moments, and what the actor who brought him to life is doing now.
Asher Millstone & Matt McGorry: A Complete Profile
Asher Kevin Millstone was a pivotal, yet often polarizing, character throughout the six seasons of How to Get Away with Murder. He was the only member of the original Keating Five who did not initially participate in the cover-up of Sam Keating's murder, which set him on a different, but equally dark, path.
- Full Name: Asher Kevin Millstone
- Affiliations: The Keating Five (K5), Keating & Associates, Middleton University Law School
- Key Relationships: Bonnie Winterbottom (Romantic Partner), Michaela Pratt (Romantic Partner), Annalise Keating (Professor/Boss), Wes Gibbins, Connor Walsh, Laurel Castillo
- Major Crimes: Vehicular manslaughter (killing Emily Sinclair)
- Cause of Death: Murdered by FBI Agent Pollock
- Actor: Matthew David "Matt" McGorry
- Born: April 12, 1986 (New York City, New York)
- Breakthrough Roles: John Bennett on Orange Is the New Black, Asher Millstone on How to Get Away with Murder
- Post-HTGAWM Projects: Mark Higgins on the Netflix horror series Archive 81 (2022)
Matt McGorry's portrayal of Asher was a masterclass in duality, balancing comedic relief with profound emotional depth. His ability to pivot from a goofy law student to a desperate, broken man made Asher's tragic end all the more impactful.
The Shocking Truth: How Asher’s Arc Ended
Asher Millstone's death in the Season 6 mid-season finale, "I Want to Be Free," remains one of the most shocking moments of the entire series. It marked a brutal turning point, shattering The Keating Five forever and kicking off the final, desperate struggle for Annalise Keating's survival.
The Road to Betrayal and Immunity
Asher's loyalty was constantly tested throughout the series, especially after the death of his father, Judge William Millstone, and the revelation of his family’s corrupt political history. This trauma, combined with the constant fear of exposure, made him vulnerable.
In a desperate attempt to save himself and secure an immunity deal, Asher made the fateful decision to become an FBI informant. He began secretly working with the FBI to build a case against Annalise, providing them with crucial information about the various murders and cover-ups involving the K5.
The Murder and Agent Pollock’s Role
The final, fatal confrontation occurred after Asher confessed his betrayal to Michaela Pratt and Connor Walsh, who reacted with understandable fury and disgust. Alone and vulnerable, Asher returned to his apartment, only to be ambushed.
The killer was eventually revealed to be Agent Pollock, his FBI handler. The FBI, realizing Asher was a loose end who could expose their own corruption and political agenda—which was to frame Annalise Keating—decided to silence him. Agent Pollock struck Asher with a fireplace poker, killing him instantly. This act was designed to look like another murder committed by Annalise’s associates, further cementing the FBI's narrative against her.
From Entitled Frat Boy to Tragic Hero: Asher’s Transformation
Asher Millstone began his journey as the least-liked member of the group—a privileged, often crude student from a wealthy, politically connected family. However, his character arc is arguably the most compelling and tragic of the entire series, showcasing a genuine transformation.
- Early Arrogance: Initially, Asher's biggest contribution was often comic relief, masking a deep-seated insecurity and a strained relationship with his family's dark secrets.
- The Emily Sinclair Incident: His accidental killing of Assistant District Attorney Emily Sinclair, which he committed to protect Annalise, was a turning point. It irrevocably tied him to the group's web of crime, transitioning him from an outsider to a co-conspirator.
- Emotional Depth: Over time, his relationships with Bonnie Winterbottom and Michaela Pratt humanized him, exposing a desperate need for acceptance and love. Fans often rooted for his happiness, seeing him as a fundamentally decent person trapped in a horrific situation.
- The Tragic Ending: His decision to become an FBI informant was a misguided attempt to finally be free from the cycle of murder and lies, not an act of pure malice. His ultimate fate—betrayed and murdered by the very people he sought protection from—solidified his status as the show’s ultimate tragic hero, a victim of a larger, systemic conspiracy.
This character development is what makes discussions about "Who Killed Asher Millstone" and "Asher deserved better" so prevalent in the HTGAWM fan community.
What Matt McGorry Has Been Up To Since HTGAWM
Since the conclusion of How to Get Away with Murder, actor Matt McGorry has actively pursued new projects and continued his work as a social and political activist, focusing on issues like gender equality and mental health.
While his pre-HTGAWM role as correctional officer John Bennett in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Orange Is the New Black remains a fan favorite, McGorry’s most significant recent television role was in the 2022 Netflix horror series, Archive 81. In the show, he played Mark Higgins, a podcaster and friend to the main character, showcasing his versatility beyond the dramatic tension of a Shondaland production.
McGorry continues to use his platform to engage in important conversations, often participating in talks and interviews related to social justice. This dedication to activism, alongside his memorable roles as both Asher Millstone and John Bennett, ensures that he remains a prominent and respected figure in Hollywood, long after The Keating Five took their final bow.
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