Somebody Somewhere’s Tim Bagley on his storied acting career

Tim Bagley is a name that may not immediately come to mind for many outside of queer Hollywood, but for those familiar with his extensive career, he is an irreplaceable figure in Hollywood’s history of restrictions and successes for more than just LGBTQ+ representation on television and film, but also as an out gay actor.

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And one of the reasons for that is Bagley, who currently plays Jeff Hiller’s love interest on HBO’s Someone Somewherealthough he is ubiquitous and appears everywhere, but has not been publicized may be due to his genuine modesty.

“I’ll be honest with you, I just rolled up my sleeves and went about my business. I was on the road from the beginning and always wanted someone to write about me, just like anyone else would,” Bagley said The lawyer. “But I just thought that wasn’t going to happen, and you know, I’m just going to keep doing my job and be happy that I’m still a working actor after all these years. That’s enough for me.”

For nearly 30 years, Bagley has been a consistent presence on television and in films, quietly stealing scenes with his comedic timing and heartfelt performances. Although his face is recognizable and his resume includes appearances on some of television’s most popular shows and box office hits, Bagley has largely remained under the radar of mainstream recognition. Still, he is one of the few actors who has consistently worked as a proud gay man and never shied away from his truth in an industry that often called on him to do so.

“I was advised not to play gay roles,” Bagley shared. “My agent warned me that I might be limiting myself and that I wouldn’t be considered for the bigger, straight roles. But I’ve never been the type to let fear guide my decisions. It was more important to me to live authentically.”

Bagley began his career as a member of the Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improv and sketch comedy troupe that has produced some of Hollywood’s best-known comedians, including Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and his close friend Jennifer Coolidge.

For Bagley, the Groundlings were more than just a launching pad. “It was a creative home, a place where I could develop my craft and find my comedic voice,” Bagley recalls. “The Groundlings were my family. I was there every Friday and Saturday night performing skits and it was a place where I could really be myself.

With The Groundlings, Bagley honed his ability to bring characters to life with depth and humor, qualities that would later define his career. But as a gay man, he faced a harsh reality: Hollywood, despite its progressive image, wasn’t always open to actors like him. “After coming out, I was pigeonholed and not allowed to audition for certain roles because of my sexuality, but the Groundlings offered a refuge from that exclusion.”

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Bagley’s breakthrough into mainstream television came with supporting roles in a number of popular shows including Friends, Seinfeld, Curb your enthusiasmAnd Grace and Frankie. But it was his recurring role will and grace This was one of the most significant moments of his career, which took place almost 25 years ago.

Bagley portrayed Larry, one half of a gay couple, alongside Jerry Levine (Joe), who were friends with Will, Grace and Jack. Larry and Joe’s wedding came at a time when the fight for marriage equality was growing. It was a groundbreaking moment in LGBTQ+ representation.

“I remember being so proud,” Bagley said. “It showed people that there is nothing to fear when two men get married.”

But back then, playing a gay character wasn’t always seen as an asset for a young actor. Being openly gay in Hollywood came with its challenges. Bagley remembers never having the chance to audition for shows like this Saturday Night Livedespite his talent and accolades from his time with the Groundlings. This is despite the fact that so many other Groundlings members are part of the series’ cast.

“It was common knowledge that they wouldn’t hire a gay man,” he said. “There were so many opportunities that I was never able to take advantage of. But I just kept working on my career and making the most of the roles that came my way, whether they were gay or straight. I was lucky enough to play everything from a murderous postal worker on Grimm to comedic roles in Southland And monkHowever, many people associate me with my gay characters and I have never turned away from them unless I found them too stereotypical.”

In recent years, Bagley has found new depth and fulfillment in his role as Brad Schraeder on the critically acclaimed HBO series Someone Somewhere. The show, which explores the complexities of love, loss and personal growth in a small rural town, offered Bagley the kind of complex character he always wanted to play.

“The writers and creators of the series have created a beautiful portrayal of the awkwardness and beauty of falling in love at any age,” said Bagley. “This is the role I have enjoyed the most so far. I get to play a fully realized, strong human being who happens to be gay. The love story in the series is deep, tender and complex, and it was a great rewarding experience.”

For Bagley, the role of Brad isn’t just another role – it’s a testament to how far he and Hollywood have come. “Years ago, a character like this wouldn’t have existed, especially for someone my age. I have the feeling Someone Somewhere has allowed me to show the world that gay love stories can be just as moving and profound as any other.”

Despite his professional successes, Bagley’s life is deeply marked by personal tragedy. In 1995 he lost his partner of 10 years, Bill Pounders, to complications from AIDS. “I really believed with all my heart that they would find a cure,” Bagley recalled, his soft voice shaking. “But they didn’t, at least not in time for Bill. Two weeks after his death, I saw on the news that they had a cocktail of drugs that could make people’s lives easier. It was so bittersweet. I was grateful to everyone who did this.” would benefit from it, but would be devastated that Bill didn’t do it.

The loss of his partner affected Bagley throughout his life and career, he said. “I carry it with me every day,” Bagley shared. “I wear his ring on special occasions and think about him all the time. I always felt like I was living for two people – me and Bill.”

Despite the deep sadness, Bagley has found a way to move forward with gratitude.

“It was so traumatic losing him and in some ways I think it affected my ability to fall in love again. But I have channeled that loss into everything I do. “I’m grateful every day for the opportunities I’ve had,” and I like to think Bill would be proud of me.

Now, in the later stages of his career, Bagley is happy with his life.

“I’m just so grateful that I’ve been able to continue working as an actor,” he said. “It was hard being a gay actor for so many years, but I stayed true to my principles and don’t regret it for a second.”

Bagley’s decision to be unapologetically himself not only paved the way for his own success, but also helped normalize LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

As he continues to evolve as an actor and person, Bagley remains a quiet but powerful force in the industry.

“I am living proof that you can be who you are and still have a career. I’m proud of what I’ve done and I hope I’ve helped in some small way to open doors for others.”