Paul Walter Hauser has had a stellar year, receiving accolades and nominations for his performance as serial killer Larry Hall in Apple TV+’s limited series Black Bird. After winning a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, he has now landed his first Emmy nomination, alongside his late co-star Ray Liotta in the supporting actor category.
Hauser is overwhelmed to be recognized in a category with heavy hitters like Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, and Jesse Plemons. He praises Liotta’s talent and legacy, stating that he was always interesting, specific, and nuanced in his performances. Hauser believes that this nomination serves as a great creative swan song for Liotta, showcasing just how great he was as an actor.
Reflecting on his experience making Black Bird, Hauser is proud of the creative team behind the series. However, he admits that he wasn’t in a good place mentally during the production, though it may have added to his portrayal of the character. Hauser emphasizes that he doesn’t believe in the idea that actors need to be tortured to give a dark performance. Looking back, he wishes he had been in a better place, but now that he’s sober and celebrating the success of the show, he feels grateful.
Since the success of Black Bird, Hauser has noticed a change in the roles he’s being offered. While not necessarily darker, he’s receiving offers from more prestigious people, which excites him because he knows he’ll be working with great creative teams. Hauser reveals that it’s the quality of the writing that matters to him and that he wouldn’t play a dark character unless the writing meets the high standards set by his previous projects.
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When it comes to getting in and out of character, Hauser relied on marijuana and watching episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm to numb the pain. However, since becoming sober, he has found healthier ways to unwind, such as binge-watching TV with his wife, swimming, or working on screenplays with his friend Julian Sergi.
The most challenging aspect of playing Larry Hall was having to think the dark thoughts the character thinks and then translating that truth into his eyes and words. It required a level of emotional immersion that wasn’t always enjoyable for Hauser. He compares it to his experience playing a racist in BlacKkKlansman, where there were times when he felt like he needed a shower due to the character’s repulsive nature.
After a string of intense roles, Hauser welcomed the opportunity to lighten things up with The Afterparty. He admires performers like Robin Williams and Philip Seymour Hoffman, who excelled in both comedy and drama, and he aims to do the same.
In terms of other shows or nominees he’s rooting for, Hauser expresses his love for Jury Duty and The Bear. He believes these shows are important because they have heart, humor, and ensembles that showcase the importance of community in our digital era. Hauser compares them to The Muppets, with their collection of wacky characters who come together to create something special.
Overall, Hauser’s journey with Black Bird has been a remarkable one, propelling him into the spotlight and opening doors to new opportunities. As he continues to balance comedic and dramatic projects, he hopes to work with prestigious creative teams and deliver captivating performances in well-written roles.
