Bridget Everett on Bringing Her Full Self to Three Seasons of Somebody Somewhere

As a writer and observer of the entertainment industry, I can’t help but be moved by Bridget Everett’s journey. Her resilience and determination to bring authentic characters to screen, particularly those often overlooked, is truly inspiring. It’s not every day you find someone who can take their experiences in a downtown New York club and turn it into a critically acclaimed television show that resonates with people across the country, from garages to Joe’s Pub.

Once upon a time, being a fan of Bridget Everett felt like knowing a tantalizingly naughty secret. Since the mid-2000s, this comedian, actor, and singer has been the jewel of New York’s underground cabaret scene, screaming empowering ballads and flaunting her unconstrained chest at close-knit venues like Joe’s Pub. However, the secret is no longer hidden. For over a decade, through numerous appearances on Inside Amy Schumer, the Comedy Central special Gynecological Wonder, and notable roles from the Netflix series Lady Dynamite to the independent film Patti Cake$, Everett has broadened her devoted fanbase far beyond the city limits.

2022 saw her making a bold entrance into the limelight as the lead in HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, a heartwarming dramedy that unfolds within a circle of friends and relatives in her actual hometown, Manhattan, Kansas. Not only does she star as Sam, a character grappling with meaning, connection, and self-value, but she also penned the script and served as an executive producer. As Sam begins to discover her purpose, companionship, and self-worth, she receives support from her vibrant best friend, Joel (played by Jeff Hiller); a band of kindred spirits who love music and include Murray Hill’s endearing soil scientist Fred; and eventually reunites with her sister, Tricia (Mary Catherine Garrison), with whom she has had ongoing disagreements.

Despite having a relatively modest viewer base, the Peabody Award-winning series is cherished by its followers for its distinctive blend of tenderheartedness, authenticity, down-to-earth wit, and straightforward wisdom. As we approach the third and final season, set to debut on October 27, Everett recently participated in a virtual interview discussing the show’s conclusion, receiving recognition back home in Kansas, and the possibility of residing there herself.

In terms of a rephrased version, here’s one possibility:

Everett shared that each season seems like it might be the final one for this kind of show, and he’s speaking honestly about it. As for their creative approach this season, they aimed to capture a specific moment or snapshot in time rather than tying up loose ends. They simply enjoy exploring and living with the characters.

Have you often pondered about the possible future paths for Sam, our main character, who has been progressing – albeit painfully slowly and yet relatably – in learning to appreciate herself and open up to others? Does thinking about how Joel, Tricia, and other characters might evolve in their lives ever cross your mind?

Pondering over what could be Sam’s current actions, I find myself constantly imagining the narrative, and perhaps one day we can bring this story to life on the big screen. These characters hold a special place in my heart, and I feel that their journeys don’t seem to end with a neat conclusion. The series unfolds at the pace of real life, and whatever transpires in Season 3 is simply another step in the journey. Interestingly enough, it appears that Tricia undergoes the most rapid development among all characters. Sam has advanced only slightly over three seasons, but this progression is due to the influence of those around her. I believe these individuals will continue to influence and shape each other’s lives for a long time.

In the show “Somebody Somewhere,” there are numerous autobiographical aspects that might remind you of yourself, such as your backstory and your character’s knack for singing. Which parts of Sam’s tale have struck a chord with you the most?

The love of music and struggles with self-worth—Sam hums along to those two things, which I really relate to. Also, the kind of people that Sam is around, Fred and Joel—they’re like the people in my life. Murray and I drive each other crazy sometimes; we’re also close friends and confidants and cheerleaders. Jeff has become a close friend. Mary Catherine and I lived together for many years. So it felt like a safe pool to swim in.

Have you ever encountered a television character as unique as Sam? She’s captivating, skilled at casual chatter, and can make you laugh with her off-color humor, yet she becomes reticent when discussions delve too deeply or relationships become overly intimate. How did you manage to create such an intriguing blend of contradictions?

It’s possible that her character shares some traits with mine, as I often find myself writing extensively. When things get tough, I tend to cope by making jokes and moving on, which is reminiscent of the folks I grew up around – always joking, always finding a way to divert attention. Many of my friends and relatives are humble, funny individuals, but it can be challenging to truly connect with them. The heart of [the show] lies in Joel’s persistence in uncovering more about Sam, as he senses that there is depth beyond her initial appearance, much like Jeff in real life.

In Season 3 for the very first time, we introduce a romantic interest for Sam, portrayed by Olafur Darri Ólafsson. What led us to consider the addition of a love storyline in her character’s life?

Meeting somebody is [about] what it brings up in her. It’s not really about Sam finding love; it’s about her continuing to try to open herself up and grow. Growth against all odds: that was our theme for this season. I love Darri. He’s an incredible actor. Carolyn [Strauss, Somebody Somewhere’s legendary producer, known for shepherding Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, and several other HBO hits] was talking about Darri as an actor, and I was like: “Oh my God, we’re friends.” And I thought, if Sam ever had a love interest, It would have to be him.

As a fellow movie enthusiast, I find myself pondering this question: Could I have found contentment in the more tranquil lifestyle that Sam embodies? After all, considering her some sort of counterpart from another universe, I can’t help but wonder if our paths could have crossed under different circumstances.

Every now and then, I find myself pondering this question: What if I still resided in Manhattan, Kansas – a town where I share a deep bond with a friend who’s known me since our very beginnings? We were acquainted even before we could fully comprehend the world around us. Whenever I visit her, it feels as though I’m catching up on the latest news, and that familiar sensation of being ‘too much’ for people is never far away – a feeling I’ve always carried with me.

There was a Bridget Everett Day in Manhattan. What was that like?

In an unusual yet amusing and captivating manner, a large gathering took place in the city park, directly opposite city hall. A multitude of familiar faces emerged – former high school peers, some old teachers, even my voice coach was present. Upon spotting her, I became emotional. Not only did members from the LGBTQ+ community join the festivities, but I had heartfelt conversations with them, a profound experience as they expressed their presence and I acknowledged it. Gigantic cardboard cutouts of myself were set up around the park, including some local shops. Friends send me pictures taken with these cutouts, often playfully pretending to grab my ‘boob’.

In your Peabody Award acceptance speech, you referenced LL Cool J’s statement, “Dreams don’t have deadlines.” Can you share an example of how this concept has played out in your own experiences?

In the past, I recall my companions tuning into what seemed to be Oprah’s Lifeclass. LL Cool J appeared as a guest, and he referenced a quote that resonated with us all. At first, I chuckled, but then I paused, reflecting on my own circumstances. At the time, I was a waitress, having served for a quarter of a century. It’s effortless to lose faith in oneself, especially when you reach your 40s and haven’t achieved what you once dreamed. This idea often crosses my mind – I even possess jewelry and artwork that encapsulate it. If you’re a waitress and that isn’t your ultimate ambition, and the only singing you do is at karaoke bars, you might think: “Perhaps it’s time to call it quits.” However, that thought and its lingering presence in my mind inspired me to persevere, ultimately leading me to something truly remarkable.

Many artists who originate from grittier or more subcultural backgrounds and make their way to Hollywood often soften their image for broader appeal. However, you’ve remained authentic to the charming, boisterous character you developed early in your career, especially in ‘Somebody Somewhere.’ Has staying true to this persona been challenging?

It hasn’t been hard for me to maintain my identity, but it has been challenging to find opportunities to express it genuinely. All the accomplishments I’m most proud of, I’ve had to create myself. I didn’t do it all by myself, but if I hadn’t performed in that stage show, I wouldn’t have [“Somebody Somewhere”], and they both are significant aspects of me. They both yearn for someone to recognize my true self. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to do things on my own terms, which still amazes me sometimes.

Was it beneficial to have your old friends from the New York scene, such as Murray Hill, a well-known transmasculine comedian and downtown figure, by your side while you were creating the show?

Indeed. It’s beneficial to work with individuals who have experience in non-mainstream environments. Our filming locations were typically suburbs of Chicago, making it feel more like a local production rather than a big Hollywood studio show. Instead of being at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, we found ourselves shooting at an abandoned mall in Illinois.

Instead of typically observing these show’s characters, who are often single women with strong personalities or members of the LGBTQ community, in urban, liberal settings, what was your reaction when they were situated in Kansas, within a narrative that didn’t revolve around their struggles for acceptance?

When Paul and Hannah presented their show idea to us, they essentially said: “And Murray Hill is like Fred Rococo.” Hearing that made me tear up – not only because I was thrilled to work with someone so close to my life and my community, but also because the world could greatly benefit from more individuals like Murray. You see, when I return to Kansas, there are people who embody traits similar to Fred and Joel, yet they never get a chance to shine on television. It’s unfortunate, as these individuals are truly unique and valuable. I yearn for my own world to be mirrored back at me. These are the people I cherish. Therefore, let us see what happens if we place them on TV.

How has it felt to see yourself and your work perceived by such a broad audience?

It’s cool. It’s very different than early on in my career, when I was singing songs like “Titties.” I rent a car down the street, and one of the guys from the garage is always like: “When’s the season coming out?” That blows my mind. Not that somebody that works in a garage wouldn’t appreciate it, but it’s just not the kind of people I was seeing at Joe’s Pub. I never thought I’d have that kind of reach. I’m not Kate Winslet, you know?

Is there a significant amount of worry in the entertainment business about the shrinking streaming market and its potential impact on niche, unconventional shows featuring underrepresented characters? Would it have been more challenging to produce a series like “Somebody Somewhere” in 2024 compared to a few years prior?

Indeed, it seems unlikely under current circumstances. [Smiles] Shows like “Somebody Somewhere” inspire hope that they’ll find a way to produce them. However, our show has a limited viewer base and was made on a tight budget. It’s remarkable that we managed three seasons of it. I believe such an outcome is unique to HBO, which is unfortunate because these stories touch people deeply. Art born from the heart should not be neglected; it’s essential.

What do you see yourself doing next?

I really don’t know. I can always go out there and sing in the clubs and make some money. So I want to take my time and find something that I can really connect to, because I’ve worked hard to get myself to this point. I don’t have to be No. 1 on the call sheet, but I want to do something that means something. In a fantasy world, I would make Somebody Somewhere ’til the day I die. But that’s not the way life goes. I was just talking to Carolyn the other day, and we were like: “OK, what are we going to do next?” We’ll find it.

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2024-10-23 15:07