Emmys: Dylan McDermott on How Ryan Murphy “Reinvented” Him With “Hollywood”

Earning a nod to the supporting actor for his work on the Netflix show, McDermott reflects on the 21-year gap between his nominations.

It’s been 21 years since Dylan McDermott received his last Emmy nomination, for lead actor in The practice.

“It’s amazing, it’s been so long. It’s been about 20 years since my last appointment,” McDermott said Tuesday morning, trying to swallow his last bite of cereal as he begins his phone interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s a lot sweeter this time, I have to say.

This year he got a supporting actor nod for his work on Ryan Murphy Hollywood, playing Ernie, the gas station / brothel owner who hires aspiring actors, writers and other young men looking to succeed in Hollywood. Her character, too, had once dreamed of becoming a star.

McDermott did not watch the announcement of the nominations on Tuesday, but received a call from his agent, who shared the good news with him.

Why do you say this appointment is so much sweeter?

I wouldn’t be here without Ryan Murphy. Ryan Murphy reinvented me. That was his goal. When he gave me that role, he said, “I want to reinvent you as an actor,” and he did. All credit goes to Ryan. He saw me in this role, he believed in me and I wouldn’t be here without him.

What would you say you will gain from this experience as it relates to your job in the future?

I fell in love with Ernie. I really fell in love with this guy. I wanted to be Ernie more than I wanted to be Dylan. And, there were times when I was done working, I was sitting in my trailer and didn’t want to leave. I always wanted to be him. So sometimes it happens where he just took over and I just fell in love with him. His optimism really, really, really stuck with me. There was a certain optimism that Ernie had really imbued Dylan. I love this guy, I love everything about him. I had even done underwear, clothes, hair, mustache – I mean, it was all just that I was in heaven.

The Emmys are going to be a little different this year. We’re not sure exactly what it’s going to look like, but if you’re going to make your Emmy appearance in your house, what is it going to look like for you?

It is already thought, moreover. It will be in the living room, of course, and it will be Tom Ford, from head to toe. All the lighting is done. I have already done everything. I’m actually ready for it tonight, I could do it tonight.

What’s the best part about not having to worry about doing a red carpet this year?

Not having to do that, I guess, no travel time. And, there’s definitely a lot less camera pressure on you all the time. And so, whatever it is, I’m just happy to be here, by the way, whatever that looks like. If I’m in a Zoom box or if I’m at the Kodak theater, it doesn’t really matter. All that matters is celebrating the fact that I got a nomination and a lot of people on the show got nominations. There are a lot of TV shows, a lot of great actors. So, whenever you are distinguished and recognized, it is always a good time.

Speaking of great shows, what other shows have you watched while at home?

My daughter and I, as it’s always hard to find a show for a 14 year old girl and a 58 year old man so we really enjoyed The Umbrella Academy. We watched it together.

And since the shooting was stopped, what have you missed the most about the shoot?

Handicraft services are really the only answer.

I don’t think it’s ever coming back, not the way it was before.

I really should have enjoyed my last snack because that was it. No more M & M’s or pretzels. None of that, it’s all gone.