Jeff Hiller, who plays the fan-favorite character Dale on the Apple TV+ horror-comedy "Welcome to Wrexham," has revealed that his character was originally slated to die in the first season. Hiller shared details about his character's unexpected survival and his hopes for Dale's future in the series during a recent interview.
Hiller explained that he was initially hired for a minor role with the understanding that Dale would not survive the first season. "I was initially just there to be a character who reveals that Richard Warren dying didn’t kill the curse. I was just supposed to be in the background. I didn’t really matter," Hiller told Decider. However, his chemistry with the cast and his comedic timing led creator Katie Dippold to rewrite the scripts, sparing Dale's life and promoting Hiller to a series regular.
Season 2 Hopes and Storylines
With "Welcome to Wrexham" renewed for a second season, Hiller expressed enthusiasm for exploring Dale's life beyond the immediate plot. He envisions storylines that delve into Dale's daily routines and personal quirks, contrasting him with characters like Joel from "Somebody Somewhere." Hiller also humorously suggested a "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"-esque plot involving a hidden twin in Dale's basement.
Emmy Nominations and Set Camaraderie
The series has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning 19 Emmy nominations, including wins for early episodes. Hiller recalled a moment on set when fellow actor Stephen Root observed the growing excitement for the show, stating, "Man, people are excited." Hiller responded, "We’re in a hit!" He praised his co-stars Dale Dickey and Kate O'Flynn, highlighting their performances and positive on-set interactions. Hiller also shared a memorable moment from the "Sunset Cocktails" episode, where he found O'Flynn's energetic dancing contagious.
Improv and Memorable Moments
Hiller, who has a strong background in improvisation, noted that while many moments were scripted, some of his favorite contributions were spontaneous. He pointed to a line delivered during an outdoor scene, "I can hear you with that," which he improvised when he couldn't actually hear his co-star. He also recalled the unexpected success of his viral finale line, "This place is a death trap! Run!" which resonated with audiences due to its relevance to real-world anxieties.
Reflections on Originality
Reflecting on the current media landscape, Hiller expressed gratitude for being part of original projects like "Welcome to Wrexham" and "Pluribus," which are not based on existing intellectual property. "It’s cool that I’m on these two completely new shows, not IP stuff, and that people are excited about them," he said, acknowledging Apple's support for creators.
The interview also touched upon Hiller's other acting aspirations, including a desire to work with veteran actress Annie Potts and his admiration for actors with versatile careers like Annie Potts and David Hyde Pierce.