Interviews

Jeff Hiller’s Emmy Nomination for Somebody Somewhere

Jeff Hiller on His Emmy Nomination for ‘Somebody Somewhere’

In a heartfelt conversation, Jeff Hiller shares his surprise and gratitude for his Emmy nomination, reflecting on the impact of his role in HBO’s Somebody Somewhere.

Jeff Hiller’s Emmy Nomination for ‘Somebody Somewhere’

After three seasons of quiet critical acclaim, HBO’s Somebody Somewhere is finally receiving Emmy recognition — just as it takes its final bow. The heartfelt Midwestern comedy earned its first-ever nominations this year, including Comedy Writing for Paul Thureen, Hannah Bos, and Bridget Everett, as well as Comedy Supporting Actor for Jeff Hiller.

Surprise and Honor

For Hiller, who plays Joel — the tenderhearted best friend to Everett’s Sam — the nomination came as a complete shock. “I did not think it was a possibility whatsoever,” he admits. “It feels like a dream, but it’s also just so… I can’t believe this is happening.”

Bittersweet Farewell

In a conversation with Gold Derby, Hiller opens up about the bittersweet farewell to the show, the personal impact of playing Joel, and why Somebody Somewhere’s representation of queer life, faith, and friendship struck such a deep chord with audiences.

Reaction to the Emmy Nomination

Gold Derby: What was your reaction to being nominated for an Emmy?

Jeff Hiller: I was on the phone with my sister when my agent called. I thought, “I’m just going to put him through to voicemail.” Then my manager called, and I thought, “Oh no, am I supposed to be somewhere that I’m not?” They were clearly in a good mood, so I was like, “Oh my God, did I get that recurring role on that new Fox show?” And they said, “No, you got an Emmy nomination.” I had no idea. It was a big surprise.

Breaking Through

This is the first time Somebody Somewhere has ever been nominated for any Emmys. What is it like to finally break through? So far, it’s just been really surprising, but nice. I’m thrilled and honored. More than anything, it feels like, “Oh, I didn’t know someone like me could be invited to a thing like that.” I’m not the actor who gets to be the lead role and go to fancy parties. I’m the guy who gets called in to enhance the scene. So it feels like a dream.

Impact of the Show

Career-wise, it’s made me have a career. Before this, I was temping and looking at my old cater waiter company. Now I get to be an actor most of the time. The show is about not giving up on yourself — that’s what it’s given me too. When I turned 40, I thought, “It’s never going to happen. You’re going to be this guy forever.” I’m glad I didn’t give up on myself, because this is a dream.

Unique Storylines

Your episode submission is “As Much as I Like Not Feeling.” Joel gets in a fender bender, has a breakdown over French toast, and it all ties back to Brad not wanting kids. How did you navigate that storyline? It’s so powerful because in relationships — romantic or platonic — you have to make compromises. Viewers have asked, “Why did Joel give up everything for Brad?” He didn’t. He realized, “This is the person I love.” But part of that is mourning dreams that won’t come true while being grateful for what you do have. And it’s about saying, “Okay, I’ve compromised, now it’s time for you to compromise.” That’s why Joel says, “I need to go to my own church.”

Portrayal of Faith

The church storyline is so unique — especially portraying gay men in church. You never see that on TV. People think it’s a fantasy, but I know openly gay people who go to church and have a faith community. There are cool churches out there. Credit goes to Paul, Hannah, Bridget, and Carolyn Strauss for doing the work to present something that’s rarely seen, but also deeply relatable.

Collaborative Experience

And you got to work through this with Tim Bagley. Ah, that bitch. [Laughs] No, I love him. He’s such an incredible, collaborative actor. We’ve all seen him in a thousand things, but this season he got to show so much more. That song he sings is so beautiful and tender. He’s a jewel.

Saying Goodbye

What has it been like saying goodbye to Joel and the show? Very sad. I loved him, and I loved playing someone with a full arc and an interior life. After the pilot and Season 1, I wept because I thought we’d never get this back. Knowing it was the last season before it aired gave us closure. We watched the finale together in Manhattan, Kansas with fans. It was sad but beautiful — and maybe there’s hope for a comeback in 15 years.

Personal Reflection

How much of Jeff is in Joel, and what’s the biggest difference? Joel is the better human. We’re both sincere, good listeners, good friends, and we love to laugh. He can throw a party way better than I can. I dress better, though.

Working with Bridget Everett

Talk about meeting and then working with Bridget Everett. I knew her from the New York alt-comedy scene but we weren’t close. She emailed me to audition for this — lots of people auditioned — and it just so happened the character was very similar to me. It was meant to be.

Memorable Moments

What’s a moment with Bridget/Sam you’ll never forget? The toilet scene. Reading it, I thought it was a weird, funny way to show the friendship’s deep intimacy. Shooting it was fine, but when I saw it with sound effects I thought, “Oh, this is vulnerable.” But as Murray Hill says, “If it’s funny, it flies.” And it was funny.

Advice for Young Actors

You’ve been in this business a long time. What advice do you have for young actors? Showbiz ain’t fair — it’s not a meritocracy. And you’re on your own journey, so don’t compare yourself. Either it’s what you want to do, and you keep doing it, or you leave and go do something else. No shame in that. It’s hard.

Role Models

Who was your role model? Gilda Radner. I read her biography at 15. Later, Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon inspired me when they were on SNL. They’re why I moved to New York.

Message to Fans

What would you say to the fans? Thank you for watching. We’re on the same network as Euphoria — sexy teens versus sweaty middle-aged people. It was a hard sell, and I really appreciate that people tuned in.

This interview was shortened for length and clarity.

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