Jeff Hiller Says It Was ‘Cathartic’ Writing About Experience Being Bullied as Gay Kid in the South in New Memoir (Exclusive)

Jeff Hiller Discloses Writing About Being Bullied as a Gay Child in the South as ‘Cathartic’ (Exclusive)

Jeff Hiller, The ‘Somebody Somewhere’ star, has found solace in sharing about his experiences as a gay child facing bullying in the South. His new memoir ‘Actress of a Certain Age’ is set to be released on June 10. As a 49-year-old actor and comedian, Hiller has delved into the details of his life journey, starting from his struggles as a bullied gay kid in Texas to his role as Sam’s endearing “gay best friend” in Somebody Somewhere. This memoir also encapsulates his encounters with the challenges of Hollywood, intertwined with the quirky and delightful anecdotes that have shaped his personal and professional life.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hiller has shed light on the inspiration behind his book, citing various celebrity memoirs that have influenced his work. He highlights that the idea to pen down his stories stemmed from his stand-up and one-person shows, where the concept of transforming them into a book took shape. Hiller articulates that the suggestion to write a book emerged unexpectedly following the airing of the first season of Somebody Somewhere, eventually leading to the creation of his memoir.

The memoir stands out with each chapter named after different celebrity autobiographies, drawing inspiration from noteworthy figures like Rosie Perez, Molly Shannon, Barbara Streisand, and Cher. Hiller expresses his admiration for the candid narratives of these celebrities, praising their ability to balance vulnerability with humour, a quality he himself aspires to embody in his memoir. His writing style takes cues from the likes of Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, and Rachel Dratch, aiming to strike a delicate balance between personal storytelling and comedic elements.

Reflecting on his breakthrough role at 44, Hiller delves into the initial skepticism he harboured regarding his career prospects. Despite not fitting the conventional mould of a Hollywood star, he cherished the opportunity to portray a character with depth in Somebody Somewhere. Post the show’s conclusion, he is navigating auditions with a newfound sense of gratitude for the role that provided him with the platform to exhibit his talent.

Throughout his memoir, Hiller bravely confronts his struggles with food addiction, shedding light on his personal journey and the societal pressures surrounding body image. His candid approach to addressing these challenges underscores the essence of embracing one’s true self, flaws and all. Additionally, Hiller’s recounting of his experiences being bullied as a gay child evokes a sense of empathy and resilience, resonating with individuals who have faced similar adversities.

By incorporating poignant moments like his coming out speech written at 22, Hiller offers readers a glimpse into his transformative journey towards self-acceptance. The inclusion of such reflective anecdotes not only adds depth to his memoir but also serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ acceptance over the years.

Looking ahead, Hiller remains hopeful about the prospect of diverse and nuanced roles for actors, particularly emphasising the need for more inclusive narratives across all forms of media. As he navigates the realms of Hollywood with his distinctive charm and wit, Hiller’s memoir stands as a testament to the power of resilience and self-expression in the face of adversities.

In conclusion, Jeff Hiller’s forthcoming memoir ‘Actress of a Certain Age’ promises to be a compelling blend of introspection, humour, and self-discovery, offering readers an intimate portrayal of the multifaceted journey of a seasoned actor in the entertainment industry.