Actor Michael Harney has confirmed that his character Sam Healy will return in "Orange Is the New Black" season 5. His character is deeply associated with actress Lori Petty's character, Lolly Whitehill, who is also speculated to return. Meanwhile, Petty also shared why she thinks Lolly will be back.

In an interview with Yahoo TV, Harnet was asked to confirm if he will return for season 5 and he said, "Yeah. I can confirm that."

"Orange Is the New Black" is known for real-life issues: from discrimination, LGBT concerns, power play, and in season 4, mental illness also took center stage. Two of the characters that represented this minority are Sam and Lolly whose friendship flourished in season 4 and where a comprehensive backstory of Sam was presented.

Harney feels privileged to be able to represent the mentally ill community through his effective portrayal on the show. He said, "I think this population needs support. I think that the programs that support these folks struggling with this need support. Just on an artistic level, on a humane level, it really impassioned me to do this in a way that I did it. It gave me great passion, because it was like, 'Wow, man. That's deep suffering. This is heavy duty suffering.'"

Sam's story is closely intertwined with Lolly's as he developed a friendship with her that goes beyond being a Litchfield counselor. Lolly was sent to the psychiatric ward during the season and viewers are hoping she gets out of there with Sam's help.

Also, an interview with Petty may have revealed that story with her in the psychiatric ward is possible. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she revealed that while shooting the scene of her entry to the ward, "I did some looping and I saw it and it looked great. Then I realize that they built a huge hallway with rooms and a whole new set." She then assumed that her stay there will be included in the show, but she also added, "But I'm just making stuff up right now because I don't know. But I saw the set and that's what I thought."

At the time of her interview, filming for season 5 has already started and Petty was helpful to get a call. No confirmation has been reported to date.

"Orange Is the New Black" premiere is yet to be announced, but it is believed to premiere in June 2017.