Jeff Hiller has received his second Emmy nomination, this time for Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series for his role as Lawrence J. Kless, or Larry, in the Apple TV+ series "Pluribus." Hiller learned of the nomination in Los Angeles shortly after announcing fellow nominees for the awards ceremony. He initially expressed surprise, as "Somebody Somewhere," the show for which he won his first Emmy in 2025, was not eligible during the current Emmy eligibility period.
During the 2025-2026 eligibility window, Hiller appeared in several television programs, including "Stumble," "Ghosts," and "Elsbeth." He also had roles in the acclaimed streaming series "Widow's Bay" and "Pluribus." His performance as Larry, a member of the hive mind in "Pluribus," garnered the attention of the Television Academy.
A Secret Role
Details about "Pluribus," created by Vince Gilligan, were kept under wraps prior to its premiere. Hiller stated he did not learn the true nature of his character until a day before filming began. He had initially believed he was auditioning to play the father of co-star Rhea Seehorn's character, Carol. The actual role involved portraying a member of an "Other" hive mind who would deliver difficult news to Carol about her late wife.
Hiller described an intensive rehearsal process the day before filming, hosted by Seehorn at her home, alongside executive producer Alison Tatlock and director Zetna Fuentes. He characterized the experience as akin to rehearsing a play, a process he found exceptionally helpful.
Exploring the Hive Mind
Hiller's character, Larry, appears in approximately eight minutes of screen time, welcoming Carol back to the collective. He, as the voice of the hive mind, expresses adoration for Carol's work. Hiller noted the challenge of quickly grasping the character's true nature but found that playing a character driven by warmth and love was within his capabilities.
He distinguished his performance from typical on-screen interactions, explaining that direct mirroring or reacting to Seehorn's character was not possible due to the nature of the hive mind. Hiller aimed to maintain Larry's cheerful demeanor while conveying the hive mind's reluctance to inflict pain on Carol. He likened this to a politician redirecting a conversation.
Collaboration and Performance
Rhea Seehorn praised Hiller's performance, calling him an "amazing" and "lovely person." She highlighted their shared enjoyment of rehearsing the scene as if it were a one-act play, appreciating Hiller's ability to blend comedic timing with pathos. Seehorn also commended Hiller's generosity as an actor.
Hiller, in turn, spoke highly of Seehorn's leadership on set, noting her genuine interest in every crew member. He described her as consistently present and focused during filming, able to embody her character while remaining grounded.
While Gilligan emphasized that "Pluribus" predates the widespread discussion of AI and was not intended as a commentary, Hiller acknowledged that viewers might draw parallels between his performance and artificial intelligence. However, he asserted that the complexity of the series stems from a human, albeit "messy and interesting," mind.
Future Prospects
Fans will have to wait for the second season of "Pluribus." Hiller expressed openness to returning if the opportunity arises, though he humorously noted reservations about sharing scenes with certain characters.
Reflecting on his career, Hiller offered advice to his younger self to avoid comparison and embrace his unique journey. He also humorously admitted his younger self would still be preoccupied with achieving a sitcom. Hiller stated that another Emmy nomination provides a sense of relief and the possibility of securing future roles, emphasizing his continued passion for acting.