Jeff Hiller’s Unexpected Emmy Nod: The Heartfelt Journey Behind Somebody Somewhere

Jeff Hiller’s Unexpected Emmy Nomination: The Underdog Story Behind ‘Somebody Somewhere’

Jeff Hiller still can’t quite believe it. “I know it’s a cliché to say I wasn’t expecting it, but honestly, I really wasn’t,” he admits about his surprise Emmy nomination for his supporting role in the HBO comedy Somebody Somewhere. For an actor who’s been in the game for years, playing mostly small parts, this nod feels like an absolute wildcard.

What makes Hiller’s Emmy story so surprising isn’t just that it came out of nowhere — it’s that the show itself barely got the recognition it deserved from the Television Academy. Somebody Somewhere, starring Bridget Everett as Sam, a single woman navigating the ups and downs of life in a small Kansas town, was hailed by critics as one of the best TV shows of 2023. The show even snagged a Peabody Award in 2024 — a huge deal! But in the crowded Emmy race, with heavy hitters like Abbott Elementary, The Bear, and Hacks dominating, it seemed unlikely that this quiet, heartfelt dramedy would break through in its final season.

Hiller recalls, “No one was saying, ‘Yeah, this is definitely happening.’” In fact, on the morning of the nominations announcement, he was so tuned out of the whole Emmy buzz that he ignored a call from his manager. “I was actually on the phone with my sister and just figured they’d call back,” he says with a laugh. When another call came through — this time from his agent — Hiller thought something was wrong. “I was about to shoot a movie and wondered, ‘Am I supposed to be in Boston right now?’” It was only after hanging up that the reality hit him: the Emmy nom was real.

So how did he snag the nomination, then? Hiller thinks part of the timing helped — his comic memoir, Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, had just come out two days before Emmy voting opened in June. “Maybe that put me on the radar,” he muses, but mostly, it was the power of the show’s storytelling and his role as Joel, Sam’s loyal best friend.

Now, unlike other nominees who might have spent the day celebrating with a big entourage or fancy parties, Hiller’s day was surprisingly low-key. After learning about the nomination, he hopped on a plane to Boston to shoot his movie, spending the night solo at a Residence Inn. There were no red carpets or flashbulbs — just a quiet, no-frills celebration that somehow fits perfectly with the sweet, supportive character he plays on the show.

Joel: The Heart of Somebody Somewhere

Joel is not your typical TV sidekick. He’s the kind of best friend everyone wishes they had — endlessly supportive, endlessly kind, and quietly pushing Sam to find joy in the small moments. A native of Manhattan, Kansas, Joel’s world is tightly woven with the fabric of small-town life. After Sam returns home following her sister’s death, she builds a chosen family of lovable misfits, with Joel right there as her steadfast companion.

Before the show even started filming, Hiller was already a fan of Bridget Everett, who plays Sam. Both actors came from New York’s performance scene — Everett making waves in the downtown cabaret world around Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, and Hiller building his career at the Upright Citizens Brigade, teaching and performing improv. Their artistic circles naturally overlapped, and when Everett reached out to Hiller about auditioning for Joel back in 2019, it was the start of something special.

Compared to many of Hiller’s previous roles — often small parts as gay waiters, assistants, or salesmen — Joel offered something deeper. This was one of the more nuanced queer characters to grace television in recent years, not defined just by his sexuality but by his full humanity. Raised in a Lutheran family in San Antonio, Hiller found a strong personal connection to Joel, a 40-something gay man who attends church regularly — a portrayal that challenges stereotypes for queer folks in America, especially in more conservative regions.

“I know people in Texas who are gay and go to church every week. That’s their community — the place where they feel accepted,” Hiller says. “I know this guy so well. Honestly, I would have been this guy if I hadn’t moved to New York.” That authenticity shines through the character and gives Joel a refreshing complexity rarely seen on TV.

The show’s creators, Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen, deserve credit for crafting a world where marginalized characters aren’t constantly weighed down by their differences. “Sure, there are small-minded people everywhere, including in Manhattan, Kansas,” Hiller says, “but our show isn’t focused on that negativity. That takes real care in storytelling for a mainstream audience.” It was a risk, he admits, wondering if the show would even get picked up.

Joel’s Journey: Love, Loss, and Real Life

Joel’s story is far richer than the tagline “gay guy who goes to church.” In Season 3, viewers see him embarking on his first real romantic relationship, entering uncharted territory with Brad (played by Tim Bagley). For Joel, a middle-aged man, this is a bittersweet milestone — he’s excited, yet mourning the family life he once dreamed of but can no longer have.

Hiller finds this storyline deeply personal. “He’s grateful for the life he’s lived but also grieving what could’ve been. It’s scary to portray those moments that are so raw and truthful.” The vulnerability Joel shows resonates, especially with viewers who’ve faced similar realities.

Another powerful moment comes when Joel reunites with a childhood bully. This intense confrontation was inspired by conversations Bos and Thureen had with Hiller about what he would want to say to his own tormentors. “That’s a whole therapy session in itself,” Hiller jokes, underscoring the emotional depth the show brings to these characters.

What’s Next? The Emmy After-Party and Beyond

Even as Hiller is still processing the shock of his nomination, he’s already thinking about the HBO Emmy after-party. “Do they let you in if you don’t win?” he asks, half-joking but clearly excited. Regardless of the outcome, the nomination itself is a major milestone — a recognition of years of hard work and the power of a character that breaks the mold.

For Hiller, the real reward is the experience of making Somebody Somewhere. “If I could play a role like that for six weeks every year, I’d be more than fulfilled,” he says with a warm smile. It’s not just about awards or fame — it’s about telling stories that matter, connecting with audiences, and bringing authentic characters to life.

Key Takeaways from Jeff Hiller’s Journey:

• Unexpected success: Sometimes, the biggest wins come when you least expect them. Hiller’s Emmy nomination caught him completely off guard — a reminder that persistence pays off in surprising ways.

• Nuanced representation: Joel’s character challenges stereotypes, showing that queer people’s lives are varied and complex, even in small-town America.

• Real stories resonate: The show’s honest exploration of middle-aged love, loss, and identity connects deeply with viewers who see themselves reflected on screen.

• Quiet victories count: Hiller’s humble Emmy celebration shows there’s no “right” way to succeed — sometimes, the most meaningful moments are private and personal.