From decades of small roles and comedy shows to making it big on HBO’s hit series “Somebody, Somewhere“, Jeff Hiller is now nominated for his first Emmy for his portrayal of Joel in its 3 season run. The road to fame wasn’t easy for Jeff, as he details in his new memoir, “Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success”.

In this podcast, Paul and Jeff explore his life growing up as a young, gay man (and hopeful pastor) in the southern region of the country known as Texas and why it took so long to make it as a successful comedian and TV star compared to child stars like Drew Barrymore, much of which is found in the pages (and footnotes) of his new book.

Jeff’s connection with his character Joel in “Somebody, Somewhere” goes much deeper than words on the script and we learn through the course of the interview just how much of his personal story comes through in the book and into his character in the show.

“Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success” is available at bookstores and online including Amazon.com.

And the Emmy Awards can be watched on Sunday, September 14th on CBS at 7pm CST