Out and About with Jeff Hiller: LGBTQ+ travel and more

As autumn rolls in, it's the perfect excuse to curl up and dive into binge-worthy TV. While I’m not thrilled about the shorter days ahead, I do love the guilt-free comfort of staying inside and catching up on my favorite shows. One series I’m especially excited to return to is Somebody Somewhere, the critically acclaimed, Peabody Award-winning Max dramedy, which is back for its third and final season.

Set in Manhattan, Kansas, Somebody Somewhere follows Sam, played brilliantly by Bridget Everett, as she navigates the aftermath of her sister’s death and a midlife crisis. Through her journey, Sam discovers a group of outsiders who, as the show’s logline puts it, “don’t fit in but don’t give up.” One of those outsiders is Joel, Sam's co-worker and friend, played by the wonderfully talented Jeff Hiller.

In our latest Out and About interview, the 6’5” actor and comedian opens up about what it's like to portray a character that resonates so deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, his favorite fall traditions (spoiler: autumnal drag and $12 NYC lattes are involved), and the joy of finding hidden LGBTQ+ gems in The Big Apple. Plus, Jeff shares some of his most memorable travel experiences and how he brings authenticity to characters like Joel.

Favorite restaurant?

JH: This is sort of a cheat because it is in the city that I live in, but I love Tin Building at the South Street Seaport. It is sort of a (very high end) food court by Jean Georges. I am sure he would hate it being described that way, but he doesn’t know who I am, so I’m gonna risk it. I love the vegan restaurant as well as the Italian. Carnivores will drool over the Brasserie, and then afterwards, grab a cookie in the bakery and eat it watching ships pass by on the East River.

Favorite hotel?

JH: I love Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles. It’s in a weird downtown location, but once inside the hotel, it’s beautiful and homey. The restaurant is delicious, the lattes in the morning have just the right kick, and the pool is a gorgeous respite from busy Los Angeles.

Favorite season?

JH: I do not live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but come early October, you can bet I will be throwing on a turtleneck and walking around Central Park with a $12 latte in my hand and a scarf that is more of an accessory than a weather necessity. My closet is full of autumnal drag.

Must have travel essential?

JH: I know this sounds gross, but I swear by putting a little mentholatum rub in my nose before I get on a plane. I think it prevents drying out your nasal cavity, so you don’t get sick on the plane. This is based on no scientific data whatsoever.

Go-to movie to watch on a flight?

JH: Either the incredibly sad movie that has been nominated for lots of awards that I can’t motivate myself to pay money for, or an 80’s comedy with a strong female lead. Preferably Cher. So, Moonstruck, I guess.

What’s been your most memorable/humorous travel experience so far, and why?

JH: Once in Mexico while trying to say I was embarrassed, I told my waiter I was pregnant.

What’s one travel destination that exceeded your expectations and why?

JH: My husband did an art residency in Tuscany which allowed us to be there for over a month. I took lots of day trips I wouldn’t have normally done including one to the walled city of Lucca. It was an absolute dream! It is an ancient city and still has its medieval walls surrounding it. You can walk or bike on top of it taking in the gorgeous views of the Tuscan countryside while also living out your old timey Italian guard fantasies (you know you have them too).

Are there any unique or lesser-known travel spots you would recommend to our readers?

JH: I shot a movie in Cleveland, and I loved it. I know. Cleveland. It’s not a city that poetically falls from the lips. I enjoyed the typically touristy stuff like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but the thing that blew my mind was the delicious food and the gorgeous arcade (in the French sense) downtown. Turns out Drew Carey was right – Cleveland Rocks.

How do you navigate and embrace local LGBTQ+ culture when visiting different countries?

JH: I’m old, so I came out before smart phones. Consequently, I have a love for a gay bar. I love looking up a gay bar that “caters to an older clientele”. Extra points for a sing along piano bar where I can sing “Good to Mama” from Chicago.

Are there any specific LGBTQ+-friendly destinations or events that you've particularly enjoyed?

JH: I love a summer trip to Fire Island, though I prefer Cherry Grove slightly over The Pines (but I would take either). I grew up in Texas and always enjoy a picnic and a swim at Hippie Hollow when I visit Austin. I would move to Palm Springs if I could somehow not live there during the months where it reaches 125 degrees.

Do you have any favorite LGBTQ+-owned or LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, hotels, or restaurants that you would like to recommend to travelers?

JH: We visited an incredible B&B in Puerto Rico called El Escondido guest house. It was a lovely space, you could take nearby hikes in the rainforest, and at night be lulled to sleep by the coqui frog’s chirp, “Co-KEE, Co-KEE”.

As someone who has lived in New York City for years, what are some of your favorite hidden gems or underrated spots in the city that LGBTQ+ travelers should check out?

JH: I started in the world of improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, which just re-opened in the city after a closure during the pandemic. Their new space on 14^th and 2^nd is so cool and sure to become home to incredible talent, much of which is queer now! An exciting change in the new generation of comedians is that LGBTQ+ comics aren’t as segregated as it felt we were when I started in the late 90s. I would also recommend a night at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater. Catch Justin Vivian Bond, Celisse, Taylor Mac or maybe even Bridget Everett, Murray Hill or Jeff Hiller! A cocktail and a downtown show? Honey! Yes, please!

Your role in Somebody Somewhere resonated deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community. How do you approach bringing authenticity to characters who reflect such personal and often underrepresented experiences?

JH: As an actor, I just try to be authentic in every role I am lucky enough to get, but I did feel a special responsibility with “Joel” from Somebody Somewhere. You make an excellent point that a character like this is underrepresented on television, but this person is a real person in life. I know people like him. I am people like him. So, I just made sure to play him like one of those real people who has lots of fun, and sometimes growing pains but most of all has an incredibly supportive community. And, you know, the writers help a lot by writing so well for him, so props to them too.