Somebody Somewhere Emmy Nominee Jeff Hiller Had Given Up Hope

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Today, somewhere out there in the universe, things must have aligned just right for my efforts to be recognized, as I, Jeff Hiller, received my first Emmy nomination. For years, I’ve been a cherished character actor, but it was in the heartwarming series, “Somebody Somewhere,” that I truly had the opportunity to display the full spectrum of my talents.

As the UCB alum bringing Joel, a gay man navigating life in Manhattan, Kansas, to life, I started off as a character just trying to make it through each day. Yet, over the course of the show’s three seasons, through my friendship with Bridget Everett’s Sam and relationship with Tim Bagley’s Brad, the audience was fortunate enough to witness Joel, and me, transform into something extraordinary: sillier, brighter, and more confidently sentimental.

Despite being taken off air by HBO after three seasons, Somebody Somewhere hadn’t relied on grandiose dramatic scenes or massive comedic spectacles. After two consecutive Emmy snubs, it seemed the show was destined to depart from HBO without any recognition. However, on nomination day, the series received two surprises: one for Hiller in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category and one for its writing. This unexpected news brought joy to the series’ dedicated followers – and to Hiller himself. When Vulture contacted Hiller, who is currently promoting his memoir Actress of a Certain Age, for a post-nomination conversation, he was, as anticipated, alternating between fits of laughter and moments of tears. “I’m the kind of actor who appears for a day on a TV show to play a waiter before leaving,” he shared. “To be acknowledged as someone with talent feels incredibly touching.

Wow, it’s an honor to address you, Jeff Hiller, who’s been nominated for an Emmy! Can’t wait for my hubby to start calling me “Emmy-nominee Jeff’s biggest fan” from now on!

Are you doing okay today? I’m currently at Gate 95 in LaGuardia Airport, but it looks like my flight to Boston has been pushed back, which is giving me a bit of extra time. So, all things considered, I’m not too bad!

As a cinephile, did you seriously think the nomination would come this morning? No way! I mean, who could have seen that coming? I couldn’t believe it when my agent called while I was on the phone with my sister arranging her flight ticket. I thought I’d better call him back, but then my manager rang, and I remember thinking I needed to take this call. I figured I might have landed that recurring role in the Fox pilot I auditioned for, but it turned out to be this… and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Holy smokes!

What was your first reaction when you heard the news? To be honest, my mind went straight to “Were they nominated as well?” That’s disappointing. Then I couldn’t help but exclaim, “I can’t believe this!” It took a moment for it all to sink in. After season one, people had suggested that we might get nominated, but nothing was nominated. So I thought, “I guess we’re just one of those shows where the nominations don’t come.

Have you fully grasped the situation? Not yet, as I’m currently seated at Gate 95, feeling a bit overwhelmed since neither my supervisor nor my representative could conceal their surprise when they learned it. Contrary to expectations, Jeremy Allen White’s team did not react in such a manner.

It turns out that somebody somewhere has been nominated for their writing skills. This is exciting news because Bridget contacted me and shared, “We’re all invited!” I can hardly contain my enthusiasm as I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to dress up in something flamboyant.

You might opt for dressing like Nicole Scherzinger from Sunset Boulevard, complete with the fake blood on your neck.

What was Bridget’s response? She congratulated me, to which I replied with a grateful “Thank you for making this happen.” But she quickly corrected me by saying, “It’s not about me, stop giving me credit.

In light of the series being terminated, how does the nomination make them feel? Well, I’ve been putting in a lot of effort and I’m incredibly grateful just for having had the show. There’s also a hint of optimism: Could this award nomination possibly imply that we might return someday? Sort of like what happened with Fuller House.

How does this nomination affect me on a personal level, considering the industry is now acknowledging your talent? Well, it’s almost bringing tears to my eyes. When I turned 40 and was still temp-working, doing catering gigs, teaching improv, and striving for that FedEx commercial, I thought all those dreams I harbored were long gone. But then Bridget said, “Dreams don’t have expiration dates,” giving a nod to LL Cool J. I wasn’t sure she was right. So it feels really gratifying. The notion of attending the Emmys? I’m not even considering winning. I can hardly believe I’ll be in the same space as Harrison Ford.

How does it feel to receive this nomination while promoting your freshly-published memoir? I’d prefer it had come before the book release, making it a more fitting conclusion. However, my story in the book revolves around self-defined success. This achievement contradicts the narrative of the book, which portrays the struggle and unglamorous side of life for those who aren’t naturally attractive or young. So, in a way, this nomination slightly conflicts with my brand image I’ve cultivated through the book.

Is there a particular scene from season three that’s resonating with you today?
The moment in season three that left a lasting impact on me was when Joel’s former tormentor apologized and Joel, without explicitly saying so, forgave him. It was a silent, internal act of forgiveness, which I am trying to emulate in my own life – showing compassion and warmth towards others. This incident serves as a reminder that individuals who may not be valued or appreciated during their youth can later bring much goodness into the world. It’s astonishing to think that I’m now nominated for an Emmy and conversing with Vulture because of it! I used to only read about such things, and now I’m part of this community. Can you believe it?

A while ago, I recited Sally Field’s Oscars speech word-for-word at Joe’s Pub. If I were to win, which speech would I model? Well, there are a couple of examples that come to mind. The first one is Merritt Wever’s brief acceptance speech – just saying “Thank you” and walking off the stage. That’s the kind of simplicity I aspire for in my moment of triumph.

Another speech that touched me deeply was Nicole Kidman’s, delivered after 9/11. She asked, “Why do we come to the Academy Awards when the world is in such turmoil? Because art is important.” That made me cry and then laugh at myself for crying. I think I would strive to embody that powerful message if I were to stand on that stage someday.

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2025-07-15 23:54