Showbiz is a weird, fickle beast. For some, it’s a quick rocket to the top, but for Murray Hill, it’s been a thirty-year slow burn that finally caught fire. If you’ve turned on a TV in the last few years, you’ve probably seen him. He’s the guy in the sharp suit, usually sporting a mustache and an energy that feels like a throwback to a 1970s Vegas lounge singer mixed with your favorite, slightly chaotic uncle.
People are finally Googling murray hill performer movies and tv shows because the "hardest working middle-aged man in show business" isn't a secret anymore. He’s a mainstay.
But for a long time, he was a legend only if you knew where to look in the New York City underground. He was the "mayor" of the downtown scene, hosting burlesque shows and pageants while the mainstream industry didn't quite know what to do with a trans man who didn't fit their narrow boxes. Honestly, it’s kind of wild it took this long.
The Breakout: Fred Rococo and the HBO Effect
The real turning point—the moment the world outside of Lower Manhattan realized who Murray was—happened with Somebody Somewhere.
If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on some of the most human television ever made. Murray plays Fred Rococo, a soil scientist and Master of Ceremonies who becomes a rock for Bridget Everett’s character, Sam.
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What makes this role so special isn't just the humor. It’s the soul.
For the first time, Murray wasn't just doing a "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" cameo. He was playing a three-dimensional human being. It’s a role that felt authentic because it was. Fred Rococo is a guy who creates community in a place where he might not naturally fit, which is basically the story of Murray Hill’s entire life.
Essential Murray Hill Performer Movies and TV Shows
If you're looking to catch up on his filmography, the list is growing fast. You can see the evolution from indie darling to a guy who’s trading lines with Amy Schumer and John Cena.
- Life & Beth (Hulu): Murray pops up as, well, Murray. Working alongside Amy Schumer, he brings that signature "showbiz" energy to the screen. It’s recurring, it’s funny, and it fits him like one of his custom suits.
- Jackpot! (2024): This one is a big-budget Prime Video movie directed by Paul Feig. Murray plays Johnny Grand. Seeing him in a high-octane action-comedy with Awkwafina and John Cena feels like a victory lap for anyone who followed him in the 90s.
- Drag Me to Dinner (Hulu): He hosts this chaotic, brilliant faux-cooking competition. It’s Murray in his purest form—unscripted, quick-witted, and keeping the energy high while drag queens try to throw a dinner party.
- Welcome to Flatch (FOX): He guest-starred as Murray Hillman. It was a brief but memorable stint that showed he could play in the network sitcom world just as easily as on premium cable.
- Elsbeth (CBS): This was actually his broadcast TV acting debut. He played a character named Henry, proving he’s got the range for police procedurals too.
The Documentary Roots and Early Years
Before the big streaming deals, Murray was the subject of or appeared in several documentaries that captured the New York nightlife he helped build. If you can find Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque (2010) or Florent: Queen of the Meat Market, do it. They show the grit and the glamour of a New York that’s mostly gone now.
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He also had a tiny cameo in Bored to Death back in 2010. Jonathan Ames, the show’s creator, was an early fan. It took another decade for the rest of Hollywood to catch up, but hey, better late than never.
King of Drag: Taking the Spotlight in 2026
Right now, everyone is talking about King of Drag.
For twenty-five years, Murray has been the "Daddy" (or Granddaddy, as he jokes) of the drag king scene. While drag queens became a global phenomenon thanks to a certain Emmy-winning show, drag kings were often left in the shadows.
Murray is changing that. As the host of this Revry original series, he’s finally giving kings the platform they’ve deserved. It’s not just a competition; it’s a showcase of performance, craft, and masculinity through a queer lens. It’s personal for him. He’s not just the host; he’s the hype man for an entire community.
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Why Murray Hill Matters Now
There’s something about Murray Hill that feels incredibly necessary in 2026. We’re tired of "perfect" influencers and over-polished celebrities. Murray is real. He lost everything in a house fire in 2021—twenty years of costumes, photos, and history—and he just kept going.
He calls himself a "relic," but he's actually a pioneer. He survived the Giuliani era of New York nightlife, the lean years of being told "nobody wants to see this," and he came out the other side as a star.
When you look at the full list of murray hill performer movies and tv shows, you see a man who refused to change for the industry. Instead, he waited for the industry to change for him.
Whether he’s playing a soil scientist in Kansas or a game show host on a streaming app, the vibe is always the same: "That’s showbiz, baby!"
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support Murray beyond just watching his shows, keep an eye on his live touring schedule. He still performs his solo comedy acts at festivals like Netflix is a Joke and the Edinburgh Fringe. Seeing him live is a completely different beast than seeing him on a scripted show—it’s where his improvisational skills really shine. You should also check out the streaming platform Revry to watch King of Drag and support the king community he has spent his life championing.