Jeff Hiller on Emmy Nod, “Somebody Somewhere” Legacy, and Finding Joel’s Joy

The wave of disbelief still hits Jeff Hiller. Months after earning his first-ever Emmy nomination for his heartfelt portrayal of Joel in HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere,” the actor admits the reality ebbs and flows. “My husband, he’ll be like, ‘I’m getting a wave again,’” Hiller shared recently. “It feels that way for me, too… Somebody just told me they have swag suites. I was like, ‘What?!’” This recognition, for his three-season run as the infectiously optimistic Joel, marks a significant milestone for the actor, celebrated for bringing warmth and depth to a character searching for belonging in small-town Kansas.

Hiller’s Joel became the emotional anchor of the semi-autobiographical series, inspired by star Bridget Everett’s life. Playing Sam Miller’s (Everett) unexpectedly supportive former classmate, Joel navigated aging parents, midlife breakups, and his own journey as a gay Christian seeking a welcoming church community. He was the catalyst encouraging the closed-off Sam to embrace chosen family. “I’m usually playing someone who’s sniffy and rude,” Hiller reflected on his typical roles, “and the best thing about Joel was that he smiled, that he was a happy and warm person.” While thrilled by his Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nomination – the show’s sole acting nod – Hiller expressed palpable disappointment that Everett’s pivotal contribution wasn’t similarly recognized. “It would have been nice to recognize the incredible contribution that [Everett] made,” he stated. “In addition to her writing skills, her fingerprints are all over that show.”

How Does an Emmy Nomination Impact a Veteran Actor’s Trajectory?

For Hiller, whose career spans decades often in smaller or character parts, the Emmy nomination feels less like an overnight success and more like a profound validation. It brings visibility and opportunities previously out of reach. He looks forward to the ceremony not just for the potential win, but for the celebration of perseverance, citing fellow first-time nominee Katherine LaNasa (“The Pitt”) who reached out to him. “She’s this person who’s been trying to be an actor for a zillion years… I was so touched by that,” Hiller said. The nomination also opens doors for more substantial roles. “I’m not quite at the point where I get to choose my role,” Hiller admitted candidly. “But… I do really hope that I get to play another character where you see multiple levels of their personality instead of just, ‘You don’t have a reservation.’” His recently published memoir, Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success (June 2024), underscores this long journey.

Carrying Joel’s Spirit Forward

Although “Somebody Somewhere” aired its poignant finale in December 2024, Joel’s essence remains with Hiller. “It’s always so embarrassing when actors talk about their characters in the third person,” he laughed, “but I do feel like Joel makes you want to be a better person. He makes you want to have connection and community, and I’m taking that with me.” This focus on genuine human connection defined the character and resonated deeply with audiences. As for Emmy night dreams beyond the statue? Hiller has his sights set on a very specific connection: meeting RuPaul Charles. “So that I can become a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race,” he confessed with a grin.

Jeff Hiller’s Emmy nomination for “Somebody Somewhere” is more than personal acclaim; it’s a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and characters who radiate kindness, proving that recognition for heartfelt performance can arrive, beautifully, at any stage of a dedicated career. Celebrate the underdogs and find your next heartfelt watch.

Must Know

Q: Why did Jeff Hiller get an Emmy nomination?
A: Jeff Hiller received his first Emmy nomination (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series) for his portrayal of Joel across all three seasons of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere.” The Television Academy recognized his heartfelt, warm, and deeply authentic performance as Sam’s supportive friend navigating life in Manhattan, Kansas.

Q: What character did Jeff Hiller play in “Somebody Somewhere”?
A: Hiller played Joel, a former high school classmate of Bridget Everett’s character, Sam Miller. Joel is a gay Christian man searching for a welcoming church community. He becomes Sam’s closest friend, encouraging her to open up and embrace chosen family while navigating their shared midlife challenges with humor and optimism.

Q: Was Bridget Everett nominated for an Emmy for “Somebody Somewhere”?
A: No, Bridget Everett, the show’s star, co-creator, and executive producer, did not receive an Emmy nomination for her role in “Somebody Somewhere” for the 2024 awards cycle. Hiller expressed disappointment about this, highlighting her significant contributions both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Q: Has “Somebody Somewhere” been renewed?
A: No, “Somebody Somewhere” concluded its run with its third season. The final episode aired on December 8, 2024. The series was conceived as a three-season story.

Q: What else is Jeff Hiller working on?
A: Beyond acting, Jeff Hiller published a memoir in June 2024 titled Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, detailing his long career path. He is open to future acting roles that offer depth and complexity, hoping the Emmy nomination leads to more opportunities beyond stereotypical parts.

Q: How did Jeff Hiller feel about his Emmy nomination?
A: Hiller described feeling waves of disbelief and excitement, still processing the honor months later. He emphasized the joy of celebrating fellow first-time nominees and the validation it brings after decades in the industry, while remaining candid about the realities of his career stage.