In this episode of Showing Off with Angie Pontani and Brian Newman, we introduce the first official guest, the legend... Murray Hill.
Angie and Brian get into Murray's expansive career as a comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and drag king. Of course, they begin by asking Murray what makes him a show off. Then, they talk about his comedic influences, the making of the Murray Hill persona, his experiences in showbiz, and more.
Murray shares stories from performing in unconventional venues to working alongside icons like Paul Reubens (Pee -wee Herman). He also reflects on his role in the drag king community and his upcoming memoir, exemplifying his resilience, humor, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Follow the show on your podcast app of choice (and YouTube):
👉 Find us: showingoffpod.com
📸 DM your story: @showingoffpod
Credits
Presented by BASE Creative
Recorded at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn
Produced and edited by Arielle Nissenblatt
Post-production by David Woje of Pinwheel Podcasts
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the show
01:24 Introducing Murray Hill
04:54 How Murray came to be Murray Hill
16:55 Staying positive in today's political climate
26:36 Working with Paul Rubens
38:26 Working on Murray's book
48:12 The drag king moment that's happening lately
54:40 King Molasses Surprise
1:01:47 Truffle pasta gift
1:02:44 Pasta spelling challenge
1:05:50 Goodbye, Murray!
About Murray Hill
Murray Hill, the self-proclaimed hardest-working middle-aged man in show business, is a one-man entertainment machine: comedian, host, actor, writer, producer, and walking time capsule of classic showbiz charm. With razor-sharp wit, quickfire ad-libs, and a wink that could light up any stage, Murray has spent decades turning every stage he steps on into his own personal variety show. Television audiences know him as the lovable Fred Rococo on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, the Peabody-winning, AFI-honored comedy that also earned a Critics’ Choice LGBT+ Ensemble Award. He’s popped up everywhere from Life & Beth and Drag Me To Dinner (Hulu) to Elsbeth (CBS), Welcome to Flatch (FOX), and King of Drag (Revry). On the big screen, he starred in Paul Feig’s Jackpot! with John Cena and Awkwafina, and will soon share holiday cheer (and scenes) with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Man With The Bag.
Murray’s talents extend beyond performance. He’s served as a guest correspondent for ABC News and Hulu’s Pride Across America, reporting live from the nation’s biggest Pride celebrations. NBC News named him one of the “30 Most Iconic and Influential Drag Performers in Modern History.” His memoir, Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man (Simon & Schuster Gallery Books, 2026) is a candid, laugh-out-loud account of a life spent chasing the spotlight and finding family, community, and resilience along the way. From downtown clubs to network sets, Murray Hill brings an old-school showbiz sensibility to a new generation, proving that quick wit, big heart, and a well-timed rimshot never go out of style. Murray brings the perfect blend of wit, warmth, and showbiz flair to everything he does.