Murray Hill – Somebody Somewhere

By starrymag | April 23, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Where do we pick up with the new season of “Somebody Somewhere?”

 

A) The story starts about a year later, and Fred has been on a sabbatical and comes back with some news to share with his pals.

 

Q) How was your character Fred originally described to you?

 

A) As an agricultural professor!  I had to Google it! This may be a shock, but I did not grow up near a farm or corn fields. I’m “Mr. Showbiz,” so I had to do a little research to play Fred.

 

Q) What was it about the series or the role that made you want to be a part of it initially?

 

A) I’ve been friends with Bridget [Everett] a long time and we’ve both been at this showbiz gig a long time. All the ups and downs. So, when her show was picked up by HBO and she asked me to a part of it. It was a YES before I even knew anything about the show or character. Although, I did say I’ll do it, but no nudity.

 

Q) The show is super funny! How much room do you tend to have when it comes to improv in scenes?

 

A) Showbiz! Some of the scenes when we’re all laughing and it seems real…Well, because it is!  After we “got the take” the director wouldn’t say “cut” and just let us go and go.  So, we’d improvise and really go for it.  Often times, those moments made the final cut!

 

Q) With new episodes coming soon, what are some standouts that you think fans should definitely keep an eye out for?

 

A) Well, I can’t give you any spoilers! But I will say that the gang is back together again. Some new friends and loves are introduced….and Fred takes it up a notch at the end of the season!

 

Q) You’re a part of social media. What have fans been reaching out to say to you about the wonderful work you’ve done on the show?

 

A) My favorite is hearing from folks who identify as transgender in other parts of the country saying they feel seen and are so happy to see someone like Fred on screen.  There really isn’t a lot of representation out there, so it means a great deal to me to be out there representing.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Somebody Somewhere” that continues to make it such a fan favorite series?

 

A) The show is like a weighted blanket on a cold winter’s night.  Or a bowl of Mac N’ Cheese!  It’s a comforting slice of life show. I think the fans feel like they are hanging out with us.

 

Q) What are the other recent projects that you have been busy working on?

 

A) I’m the host of a new Hulu show “Drag Me to Dinner” that will be out soon – a drag queen cooking/party show! Right now, I’m shooting Paul Feig’s new film Grand Death Lotto for Amazon Studios staring Awkwafina.

 

Q) I have to ask, your signature style tends to be a suit. How many suits do you think you own? 

 

A) I gotta closest full of suits! All custom-made by Sharpe Haus. They don’t make suits off the rack that fit a guy like me, so everything is made to measure!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do on our screens or on stage.

 

A) First and foremost, THANK YOU! And keep your chins up, it’s really hard out there right now.  And finally, if you don’t see yourself represented, then go out and represent yourself.