Actress of a Certain Age

My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success

By: Jeff Hiller

Narrated by: Jeff Hiller

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER

A humorous collection of autobiographical essays from comedian andEmmy Award–winning actor Jeff Hiller, who shares his journey from growing up “profoundly gay” in 1980s Texas to his experiences as an inept social worker and how he clawed, scraped, and brawled to Hollywood’s lower middle-tier.

While struggling to find success as an actor and pay the bills, something accidentally happened to Jeff Hiller: he aged. And while it’s one thing to get older and rest on the laurels of success from the blood, sweat, and tears of your youth, it’s quite another to be old and have no laurels. At forty, stuck in a temp job making spreadsheets, the dream of becoming a star seemed out of reach. But after twenty-five years of guest roles on TV and performing improv in a grocery store basement, he finally struck gold with a breakout role on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, playing Joel—the kind of best friend everyone wishes they had.

In his book, Jeff dives into the grit and grind of climbing the Hollywood ladder. It’s a raw and often hilarious tale of the struggles, triumphs, and humiliations that shaped him into the wonderfully imperfect person he is today. With a mix of awkward charm and heartfelt honesty, Jeff shares his journey: growing up very Lutheran in Texas, navigating bullying as a gay kid, working as a social worker for unhoused youth and HIV prevention, and the endless ups and downs of being a struggling actor. For every one of us who have a dream that we’re chasing—and chasing, and chasing—his is a funny, moving, and utterly relatable story.

Bravo!! Encore! Encore!

I was introduced to Somebody Somewhere by my son and became an instant fan of the series and the cast. Since the show was not renewed by HBO (BAD CALL HBO-boo hiss) I have been a bit sad, like friendships are over. Jeff’s book was just the pick me up I needed. What a beautifully authentic, resilient and hilarious performer he is! I was completely entertained throughout the read with moments of unexpectedly bursting into laughter as well as sadness. I love how honest he is in every way. Now that I have finished the book… once again, (like the show), I find I am wanting more…. Bravo Jeff! Thank you for this gem. Encore! Encore!

Heartfelt and enjoyable!!

Easy listening, candid memoir! Reminds you dreams aren’t reached overnight and you’re never too old to keep dreaming!

Loved it.

I love Jeff Hiller’s voice! Not just the one that lilts with humor and drama, but the one that shows us who he is. Actress of a certain age is funny and heartfelt without taking itself too seriously (I loved all the butt stories).

Def worth a listen!

Sweet and Hilarious Memories

I came to love Jeff Hiller through Somebody Somewhere, and was not surprised that I loved this book too. It's heartfelt, funny, self deprecating, and paints a lovely and honest picture of his journey through life. Would absolutely recommend!

Outstanding narration

I love Jeff Heller and his willingness to talk about his life, the good and embarrassing is commendable. I highly recommend the audio version because his personality comes through.