Man Of The People

He broke through in 2011 with his in-your-face interrogations on Billy on the Street, snagged a role on Parks and Recreation, and now stars on Diffiult People. But though many of Billy Eichner’s characters are manic, his off-camera persona is downright refined.

- Christopher Bagley

We all know that actors are different from the characters they play on TV, but Billy Eichner makes it easy for viewers to get confused. In each of his two acclaimed shows, Billy on the Street (on truTV) and Difficult People (on Hulu), Eichner portrays a loud, gay, fast-talking, celebrity-obsessed New Yorker who goes by the name of Billy. Although the real-life Eichner fits the same description, he’s not nearly as unhinged as his Billy on the Street persona, who bombards people on Manhattan sidewalks with questions about the differences between Kris Jenner and Geppetto. Nor is Eichner as bitter and delusional as the underemployed actor comedian he plays on Difficult People. One other difference: Eichner dresses a lot better than his schlubby, hoodieclad alter egos. A self-described former fat kid from Queens, Eichner now has two stylists on retainer—one on each coast—and is quickly learning the ins and outs of Hollywood fashion, including the hazards of wearing too much bronzer to the Emmys.

In Difficult People, you and the show’s creator, Julie Klausner, play younger, less-successful versions of yourselves. Until a few years ago you had trouble finding work even though you’d developed a loyal fan base of comedy and theater insiders. How are things different now?

Well, I always worked very hard, but now I’m finally getting paid for it. I remember my dad used to say to me, “If you’re such a genius, how come you can’t get three lines on Law & Order?” I told him, “Dad, show business doesn’t always make sense.”

Billy on the Street is now in its fifth season, and your celebrity guests include stars like Jon Hamm and Lupita Nyong’o. A lot of people don’t realize how much effort goes into each episode despite its lo-fi look.