Tim Bagley is a name that might not immediately ring a bell for many outside of queer Hollywood, but for those familiar with his extensive career, he is an irreplaceable figure in Hollywood’s history of the limitations as well as successes not only for LGBTQ+ representation in TV and film but also as an out gay actor.
Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.
And part of the reason Bagley, who currently portrays Jeff Hiller's love interest in HBO's Somebody Somewhere, while ubiquitous and popping up everywhere, hasn’t been heralded might be due to his sincere humility.
“I'll be honest with you, I've been just rolling up my sleeves and going about my business. I've been out since the beginning, and I always wanted someone to write about me, like anyone else would,” Bagley told The Advocate. “But I just figured it wasn’t going to happen, and you know, I’ll just continue to do 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. Though his face is recognizable and his resume boasts credits in some of TV’s most beloved shows and box office hits, Bagley has largely flown under the radar of mainstream recognition. Despite this, he is one of the few actors who have continuously worked as a proud, out gay man, never shying away from his truth in an industry that often asked him to.
"I was advised not to do gay roles," Bagley shared. "My agent warned me that I might be limiting myself, that I wouldn't be eligible for the bigger, straight roles. But I was never one to let fear guide my decisions. I felt it was more important to live authentically."
Bagley began his career as a member of the Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improvisational and sketch comedy troupe that has produced some of Hollywood’s most well-known comedians, including Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and his close friend Jennifer Coolidge.
For Bagley, the Groundlings was 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 recalled. “The Groundlings were my family. I was there every Friday and Saturday night, performing sketches, and it was a place where I could truly be myself."
It was with The Groundlings that 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 welcoming to actors like him. “Once I came out, I was being typecast and not allowed to audition for certain roles because of my sexuality, but the Groundlings provided a sanctuary from that exclusion.”
Support The Advocate's journalism. Find out how you can contribute here.
Bagley’s breakthrough into mainstream television came with supporting roles in a string of popular shows, including Friends, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Grace and Frankie. But it was his recurring role on Will & Grace that marked one of the most significant moments in his career which occurred almost 25 years ago.
Bagley portrayed Larry, one-half of a gay couple, alongside Jerry Levine (Joe), who were friends of Will, Grace, and Jack. Larry and Joe's wedding came as the fight for marriage equality was building. It was a groundbreaking moment in LGBTQ+ representation.
"I remember being so proud," Bagley said. "It showed people that there was nothing to fear about two men getting married."
But at the time, playing a gay character wasn’t always seen as an asset for a young actor. Being openly gay in Hollywood came with challenges. Bagley recalls never getting the chance to audition for shows like Saturday Night Live, despite his talent and his accolades from his time in the Groundlings. And despite the fact that so many other Groundlings members of the show’s cast.
"It was common knowledge that they weren’t going to hire an out gay man," he said. "There were so many opportunities I never got a shot at. But I just kept building a career, making the most of the roles that did come my way, whether they were gay or straight. I’ve been lucky to play everything from a murderous postal worker on Grimm to comedic roles in Southland and Monk, still, many people associate me with my gay characters, and I’ve never backed away from them, unless I felt they were too stereotypical."
In recent years, Bagley has found new depth and fulfillment in his role as Brad Schraeder on HBO’s critically acclaimed series Somebody Somewhere. The show, which explores the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth in a small rural town, offered Bagley the kind of layered character he’s always wanted to play.
"The show’s writers and creators created a beautiful portrayal of how awkward and beautiful it is to fall in love at any age," Bagley said. "This is the role I’ve enjoyed the most so far. I get to play a fully realized, strong human being who happens to be gay. The love story on the show is deep, tender, and complex, and it's been such a rewarding experience."
For Bagley, the role of Brad isn’t just another part—it’s a testament to how far both he and Hollywood have come. "Years ago, a character like this wouldn’t have existed, especially not for someone my age. I feel like Somebody Somewhere has allowed me to show the world that gay love stories can be just as moving and profound as any other."
Despite his career successes, Bagley’s life has been deeply shaped 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 were going to find a cure," Bagley remembered, his soft voice wavering. "But they didn’t, at least not in time for Bill. Two weeks after he passed, I saw on the news that they had a cocktail of medications that could help people live. It was so bittersweet. I was grateful for everyone who would benefit from it, but devastated that Bill hadn’t."
The loss of his partner has stayed with Bagley throughout his life and career, he explained. "I carry him with me every day," Bagley shared. "I wear his ring to special occasions, and I think about him all the time. I’ve always felt like I’m living for two people—for me and for Bill."
Despite the profound grief, Bagley has found a way to move forward with gratitude.
"Losing him was so traumatic, and in some ways, I think it affected my ability to fall in love again. But I’ve channeled that loss into everything I do. I’m grateful every day for the opportunities I’ve had, and I like to think that Bill would be proud of me."
Now, in the later stages of his career, Bagley is at peace with his life.
"I’m just so grateful that I’ve been able to continuously work as an actor," he said. "For so many years, it was hard to be an out gay actor, but I stuck to my principles, and I don’t regret it for a second."
Bagley’s decision to be unapologetically himself has not only paved the way for his own success but has also helped to normalize LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.
As he continues to evolve as an actor and a person, Bagley remains a quiet but powerful force in the industry.
"I’m 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 that in some small way, I’ve helped open doors for others."
