Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Episode: Rob Delaney – on sobriety, musicals, and working with Michelle Williams in ‘Dying for Sex’
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Dinner’s on Me, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with acclaimed comedian and actor Rob Delaney to delve into his journey through sobriety, his passion for musicals, and his collaboration with Michelle Williams on the Hulu series “Dying for Sex”. Recorded at the elegant Brasserie Max in Covent Garden, London, the conversation offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of personal growth, family, and the nuances of life in the public eye.

Meet the Guests

Jesse Tyler Ferguson kicks off the conversation by introducing Rob Delaney, highlighting his roles in the FX series “Catastrophe” and “Dying for Sex” on Amazon Prime. Jesse shares his admiration for Rob's ability to blend comedy with profound personal experiences, notably Rob's poignant book about the loss of his son, Henry, to a brain tumor.

[02:50] Rob Delaney: “I first became aware of Rob Delaney when I discovered his TV show Catastrophe. It was a show that started when I was already doing Modern Family...”

Rob Delaney's Career and Personal Life

The discussion transitions to Rob's life in London, where he resides while working on “Catastrophe”. Rob reminisces about his move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the bustling city of New York, sharing the cultural shock and the vibrant opportunities it presented.

[04:14] Rob Delaney: “When I first came to London, I came here for a press tour for Modern Family very early on. I think in the season one, it's the perfect stop for actors.”

Rob details his experience in London's theater district, mentioning the proximity to renowned venues like the opera house and numerous pubs. He also shares a fun anecdote about spotting Kate Winslet dining at Brasserie Max.

Michelle Williams' Journey from Musical Theater to Acting

Michelle Williams joins the conversation, shedding light on her early passion for musical theater in high school and her transition from stage to stand-up comedy, and eventually to television and film. She emphasizes the importance of balancing her artistic pursuits with her role as a mother.

[05:07] Michelle Williams: “I was in Marblehead, which is like a half hour north of Boston on the water. And I just started doing musicals in high school...”

Michelle discusses the supportive community she found in musical theater and how her experiences shaped her approach to acting, ultimately leading her to roles that combined her comedic skills with dramatic storytelling.

The Role of Sobriety in Their Lives

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on sobriety. Rob Delaney opens up about his decision to stop drinking eight months prior to the episode, highlighting the positive changes it has brought to his life, including improved health and deeper connections with his children.

[15:44] Rob Delaney: “I stopped drinking about eight months ago, but I had done other stints...”

Michelle shares her own journey to sobriety, detailing the challenges and the profound sense of relief it has provided. Both guests discuss the emotional and psychological benefits of living alcohol-free, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental health.

[17:33] Michelle Williams: “If you're an alcoholic and there's things that can help you, like meetings and the 12 steps and stuff, like dive in...”

Family Life and Raising Kids in London

The trio delves into their family lives, discussing the joys and challenges of raising children in London. Michelle reflects on her decision to stay in the UK for the sake of her children's education and social connections, despite occasional longing for the natural landscapes of the United States.

[21:04] Rob Delaney: “This is near your home?”

They share touching stories about their children, including memorable moments like a child losing a tooth and the emotional experiences of parenting across different cultures.

Living in London vs America

Rob and Michelle compare their experiences living in London with life in America. They highlight the convenience of public transportation in London, the proximity of diverse cultures and landscapes, and the differences in social interactions, such as the British way of asking "How are you doing?"

[30:44] Rob Delaney: “The thing I'm having a really hard time adjusting to is the Brits, their version of how are you doing? Is you're right.”

Michelle appreciates the structured formality brought by the British production crew, while Rob admits to finding certain British phrases anxiety-inducing, showcasing the cultural nuances that come with living abroad.

Working on ‘Dying for Sex’

The conversation shifts to their professional collaboration on “Dying for Sex”. Rob expresses his admiration for Michelle's performance and their seamless chemistry on set. Michelle discusses the depth and sensitivity required to portray characters dealing with terminal illness and grief, underscoring the show's blend of humor and emotional resonance.

[41:51] Michelle Williams: “They had the confidence to kind of forget [the rules] and just try to do something as real as possible.”

Rob shares his initial nervousness about the show's heavy subject matter, finding comfort in the authenticity and heartfelt performances that made the series impactful and relatable.

[43:09] Rob Delaney: “I was nervous to watch because I knew subject matter, and within literally 30 seconds, I was like, oh, okay.”

Challenges and Anecdotes in Acting

Michelle recounts her audition experiences, including almost landing the role of Phil Dunphy from “Modern Family” and reading for Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” series—a role she humorously regrets not securing.

[45:05] Michelle Williams: “I recently read for Hagrid in the new Harry Potter. But I was so relieved when I didn't get it because, like, that would have been a long, potentially long job.”

Rob shares amusing stories from “Modern Family”, including Eric Stonestreet's misunderstanding of slow-motion scenes, highlighting the camaraderie and unexpected moments that occur on set.

Closing Remarks

As dinner concludes, Jesse, Rob, and Michelle reflect on their friendship, professional collaborations, and the enriching experiences that come from blending personal lives with careers in the entertainment industry. They express mutual admiration and look forward to future projects, reinforcing the episode's themes of resilience, creativity, and the enduring bonds of friendship.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Delaney [15:44]: “I stopped drinking about eight months ago, but I had done other stints...”

• Michelle Williams [17:33]: “If you're an alcoholic and there's things that can help you, like meetings and the 12 steps and stuff, like dive in...”

• Rob Delaney [30:44]: “The thing I'm having a really hard time adjusting to is the Brits, their version of how are you doing? Is you're right.”

• Michelle Williams [41:51]: “They had the confidence to kind of forget [the rules] and just try to do something as real as possible.”

This episode of Dinner’s on Me masterfully intertwines personal narratives with professional insights, offering listeners a profound look into the lives of those who navigate the complexities of fame, sobriety, and familial love. Whether you're a fan of Rob Delaney, Michelle Williams, or simply intrigued by meaningful conversations over a meal, this episode provides both laughter and reflection.