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'Somebody Somewhere' finds big heart in the 'Little Apple' of Kansas

From The Chef Cafe to Varsity Doughnuts, HBO's "Somebody Somewhere" is telling big stories in Kansas' "Little Apple." Having spent much of his career playing bit parts, breakout star Jeff Hiller reflects on his newfound fame playing sentimental Joel living in Manhattan, Kansas.

"Somebody Somewhere" is an emotional comedy on HBO and streaming on MAX that takes place in Manhattan, Kansas. It follows Sam, played by Kansas native Bridget Everett, as she returns home in search of herself. Along the way she meets chipper and compassionate Joel, played by Jeff Hiller.

Hiller's acting career spans almost 20 years — many of his roles have been bit parts. He says his success on this show comes from years of playing "someone that we all know."

"I love being able to play a character, honestly, that has a last name," Hiller said.

Up to Date's Steve Kraske spoke with Hiller about landing the role and what it has been like to see the show thrive.

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Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Trevor Grandin, Byron Love, and KCUR Studios, and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.

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As a newscaster and a host of a daily news podcast, I want to deliver the most important and interesting news of the day in an engaging and easily understandable way. No matter where you live in the metro or what you’re interested in, I want you to learn something from each newscast or podcast – and maybe even give you something to talk about at the dinner table.
Trevor Grandin is a contributing producer for KCUR Studios.
As an on-demand producer, I am focused on using my skills and experiences across multiple digital applications, platforms and media fields to create community focused audio, video and on-demand products for KCUR Studios. The media that I produce aims to inform, entertain and connect with the Kansas City metro area as we continue to learn from each other. Email me at byronlove@kcur.org.
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