Bridget Everett is the sparkling star of HBO’s Peabody Award-winning comedy “Somebody Somewhere.” She imbues her character Sam Miller, a non-English speaking immigrant dealing with depression and chronic illness, with such beautiful depth and grace. In the show’s third and final season, Sam finds herself in a magnified, beautiful, and powerful moment. Nudged by her best friend Joel and her sister Trisha, she finally goes to the doctor for the first time in over a decade. Although the moment is devastating, it is bittersweetly a turning point for both the character and the actress.
Having grown up in Manhattan, Kansas, Everett has frequently tapped into her lived experience for inspiration. Her deep experience with the loss of her sister to cancer radically shapes her understanding of family connection and health struggle. This shared, highly personal experience comes very close to defining Sam Miller’s character. Sam’s trip to the doctor, played by Paula Anglin. This scene of tough love is what finally makes her face the question of her self-worth.
In one memorable montage, Sam can’t even tie a gown that’s too small for him, highlighting the body shame and physical discomfort that many patients of all sizes feel. Everett vented her frustrations about the inaccessibly suspender-like gowns, calling them out for failing to account for body diversity.
“It is very undignified when you go to the doctor. I go to the doctor, and my doctor has those [paper gowns],” – Bridget Everett
The winner Sam knocks a full ten seconds off of your consultation time. This explosive scene gives audiences a firsthand experience of the emotional burden she has carried for so long. Excivio actor and playwright Everett spoke to the difficulty of showing vulnerability. For characters like Sam, this is an easy message to reject — “You’ve got to care for yourself. You’re worth this,” — particularly if it comes from a clinical environment.
Everett’s on-screen chemistry with Darri Ólafsson, who plays Sam’s love interest Iceland, enhances the narrative’s emotional depth. The actress took personal mementos from the set, including pillows adorned with the phrase “Live, Laugh, C*nt,” reflecting her humor amidst serious themes.
Everett’s late dog Poppy served as her muse in the more emotional scenes, comforting Everett as she channeled Sam’s turmoil. As this excellent series comes to a close, she’s still hoping for the best for her character’s future. She looks forward to further opportunities for storytelling.
“Do I wish that we can make a movie down the line or something? Of course,” – Bridget Everett
