Jeff Hiller (born December 7, 1975, in San Antonio, Texas, U.S.) is an American actor, comedian, and improviser. A graduate of Texas Lutheran University, he moved to New York in 2001 and trained with the Upright Citizens Brigade, spending years in improv, theater, and small television roles before achieving wider recognition.
His breakthrough came as Joel in HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, a role that earned widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He also appeared in 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, American Horror Story: NYC, and Community. Known for warmth, humor, and emotionally authentic performances, he evolved from respected character actor to award-winning television star.
Recent projects include the memoir Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success, stage work, and television appearances. Following his Emmy-winning success, he has become an inspiring example of a late-career breakthrough, earning admiration for both his talent and perseverance across comedy, theater, and television.