Jeff Hiller on Auditioning for SNL, Obscure Celebrity Impressions & Coming Out to Family and Friends

TL;DR

Comedian Jeff Hiller discusses his career, coming out, and his new HBO show.

Transcript

our next guest is a comedian and actor you know from 30 Rock Community Broad City and now the critically acclaimed series somebody somewhere you know go downtown take your mind off things my friend Carla from yoga oh my God you know hey when you talk about your yoga friends I know but she's different she's stop nnp Joel what's nnp no no people espe... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 Jeff Hiller's upbringing in Texas provided a unique backdrop, highlighting the cultural challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in less accepting environments.
• 💦 His career path shifted dramatically from social work to comedy, demonstrating the importance of following one's passion despite the risks involved.
• 🖐️ The connections forged in the comedy scene, such as with noted comedians, played a critical role in Hiller’s professional development.
• 🤳 Hiller’s humorous take on rejection, particularly in his SNL audition, underscores resilience and self-awareness in the entertainment industry.
• 🪛 The character-driven nature of "Somebody Somewhere" resonated deeply with Hiller, reflecting personal truths and communal struggles.
• 🛟 Hiller's story serves as an inspiring testament to the value of authenticity in determining success, especially in creative endeavors.
• 🙊 His experience with bullying in his formative years speaks to broader societal issues regarding acceptance and reconciliation in adulthood.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges did Jeff Hiller face growing up gay in Texas?

Hiller expressed that growing up gay in Texas during the 80s and 90s came with its struggles, but he found his immediate family to be supportive. While the environment wasn't always accepting, Hiller was fortunate to have a family that embraced his identity despite the societal challenges of that era.

Q: How did Jeff transition from a social worker to a comedian?

After graduating from college, Hiller initially worked as a social worker for three years before deciding to chase his acting dreams. He applied to NYU for a master's but deferred for what ended up being over two decades, immersing himself in improv comedy instead.

Q: Who are some notable comedians Jeff Hiller has taught or worked with?

Hiller taught classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre where he interacted with future stars like Alana Glazer, Abby Jacobson, and Kate McKinnon. He had a close-knit connection with other comedians, which helped catalyze his career despite feelings of jealousy for their success.

Q: How did Jeff feel about his audition experience for Saturday Night Live?

Although he auditioned for Saturday Night Live, Hiller reflected on his experience with reluctance, realizing that his choices didn't resonate with the show's producers. He humorously noted that his impressions, particularly of right-wing Fred Schneider, likely hindered his chances.

Q: What was Jeff Hiller’s big break in comedy?

Hiller's big break came from a combination of experiences, including a prank show on MTV and a role as a nude ghost in the movie "Ghost Town." These early roles combined with his tenacity in the comedy scene paved the way for subsequent opportunities.

Q: How did Jeff Hiller land his role in "Somebody Somewhere"?

Jeff received an email from his friend Bridget Everett inviting him to audition for her HBO show. Upon reading the script, he felt a strong connection to the material, believing that it was written specifically for him, leading to a successful audition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jeff Hiller shares his experiences growing up in Texas as a gay man, revealing a supportive family despite societal challenges of the 80s and 90s.

• He reflects on his transition from social work to improv comedy, where he crossed paths with notable figures like Alana Glazer and Kate McKinnon.

• Hiller discusses his breakout role in the HBO series "Somebody Somewhere," emphasizing its personal resonance and the encouragement from friend Bridget Everett.