Dying For Sex: Rob Delaney and Jay Duplass - The Men of Dying for Sex | Episode 10

Release Date: April 23, 2025

Overview

In Episode 10 of Dying For Sex, hosted by Nikki Boyer, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with two remarkable actors: Rob Delaney and Jay Duplass. Both actors bring depth and nuance to their roles in the FX limited series adaptation of Dying For Sex. This episode delves into their experiences portraying complex characters, navigating emotionally charged scenes, and contributing to the show's exploration of themes like healing, vulnerability, and the intricacies of human relationships.

Interview with Rob Delaney

[04:23]
Nikki Boyer: "Hi. Rob Delaney."

Rob Delaney: "Hi. Nikki Boyer."

Joining the Conversation:

Rob Delaney, known for his work on Catastrophe and his unique blend of humor and heartfelt reflections, discusses how he came aboard the project. Excited by the rich and authentic source material, Rob was eager to contribute to a story that went beyond typical narratives.

Role as Neighbor Guy:

Rob elaborates on his character, Neighbor Guy, highlighting the intentional choice to keep his identity somewhat ambiguous to emphasize his transformation from a mere concept to a fully realized individual through Molly's interactions.

[06:02]
Nikki Boyer: "When's the last time you played a role that was just neighbor guy or just guy at bar or."

Rob Delaney: "Yeah. One of the first things I ever did... Usually my characters have names. And for those of us listening who aren't screenwriters... But then not in this. Just eight episodes deep. What's this guy's name? Who knows?"

Embracing Vulnerability:

Rob discusses the emotional challenges of portraying vulnerability, especially in scenes that juxtapose humor with raw emotion. He reflects on the intense moments during filming, particularly the penultimate episode where Molly faces her mortality.

[09:39]
Rob Delaney: "Harder for the emotional vulnerability because, you know, that's really uncomfortable and really raw and tender. So this show, while I really loved doing it and really grateful to be a part of it... there was a lot of crying when the cameras weren't rolling."

Memorable Scenes:

One standout moment Rob mentions is the hospital scene where Neighbor Guy offers Molly both physical and emotional support, blending romance with the stark reality of her condition.

[10:00] - [11:43]
Nikki Boyer: "That time Molly is in the hospital... giving her the gift of affection and emotional love and sex and an orgasm... the most beautiful love scene that I've seen in a while on television."

Creating Chemistry with Michelle Williams:

Rob emphasizes the importance of his rapport with co-star Michelle Williams, noting how their genuine connection enhanced their on-screen chemistry.

[12:09]
Rob Delaney: "I'm really grateful Michelle and I hit it off... we had a really good rapport... we were both able to be very sensitive to each other..."

Balancing Comedy and Trauma:

Rob shares insights into balancing comedic elements with the show's heavier themes, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining humor without undermining the emotional weight of the story.

[16:34]
Rob Delaney: "Everything you've just said is 100% TR. And by the end of it, it's such a beautiful thing that they have... feels earned and organic and you believe it."

Personal Impact and Future Roles:

Reflecting on the profound impact of the role, Rob expresses a desire to continue taking on projects that delve deep into personal and emotional terrains.

[19:52]
Rob Delaney: "This has spoiled me a bit. We'll see where it goes from here."

Interview with Jay Duplass

[25:35]
Nikki Boyer: "Well, you might know Jay Duplass from his role as Josh Pfefferman on Amazon's Transparent or from TV shows like Industry, The Chair, and The Mindy Project."

Joining the Conversation:

Jay Duplass, acclaimed for his roles in Transparent and his work as a writer and director, shares his journey to the show. Inspired by the depth of Molly's story, Jay was drawn to the project’s authenticity and emotional resonance.

Role as Steve:

Jay delves into his character, Steve, Molly's husband, portraying him as a well-intentioned but often misguided caretaker. He discusses the complexities of playing a character who is both a source of support and, at times, unintentional frustration for Molly.

[31:06]
Nikki Boyer: "I would love to know a little bit about your thoughts about the dynamic between Steve and Molly... how do you approach a role and not have judgment about the guy and the way he's unfolding as a human?"

Jay Duplass: "I definitely had some judgment... But the closer that I get to shooting the thing, it moves away from, like, this external judgment and the internal locus of... who is this guy and what is he trying to do?"

Working with Michelle Williams:

Jay highlights the professionalism and dedication of Michelle Williams, praising her ability to remain fully present and committed despite the chaotic set environment.

[35:00] - [36:59]
Jay Duplass: "Michelle is able to, like, 100% maintain this character and maintain herself and tune out the fury of 120 people running in and out of this room..."

Balancing Humor and Emotion:

Jay discusses the delicate balance of infusing humor into emotionally charged scenes, particularly the challenging yet rewarding moments that required genuine emotional investment.

[37:21]
Jay Duplass: "The scene that was super hard to get right was the blowjob scene... really have to talk about stuff... super, super nervous."

Themes and Character Depth:

Emphasizing the layered portrayal of male characters, Jay appreciates how the show avoids stereotypical depictions, instead presenting men with complexity and humanity.

[40:46]
Jay Duplass: "You guys did us right in the way that most male filmmakers do women wrong... Rob's character just could have been a nut job and my character just could have been an arch, overbearing husband."

Personal Reflections and Impact:

Jay reflects on the show's broader impact, believing it serves as a healing tool for audiences grappling with grief and mortality. He shares personal anecdotes about the show's significance to those affected by loss.

[48:03]
Jay Duplass: "It's deeply, fundamentally believe in what we created... something that actually fucking matters in this world."

Emotional and Intimate Scenes

Both Rob and Jay provide candid insights into filming some of the most emotionally intense and intimate scenes in the series. They discuss the logistical challenges, the necessity of emotional authenticity, and the supportive environment that allowed them to explore their characters' depths safely.

[37:29]
Jay Duplass: "How do you know? It's one of my favorite scenes... sexual, it's emotional, and it's completely ridiculous."

[46:35]
Jay Duplass: "The blowjob scene was super hard to get right... Michelle let me hold on to her... kept coming and keep coming."

Themes and Insights

The episode underscores the show's exploration of vulnerability, love, and the human condition in the face of mortality. Rob and Jay discuss how Dying For Sex challenges conventional narratives around romantic relationships and intimacy, offering a fresh perspective that intertwines humor with profound emotional truths.

[20:42]
Rob Delaney: "They're forced to hold onto each other lightly... allows them to become extraordinarily close and share things together."

[52:21]
Nikki Boyer: "It made me feel more empowered with information... have the conversations and prepare for that moment."

Conclusion

Episode 10 of Dying For Sex offers a compelling look behind the scenes with Rob Delaney and Jay Duplass, revealing the dedication and emotional labor that brings the show’s characters to life. Through their heartfelt discussions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the show's delicate balance of humor and tragedy, as well as its meaningful exploration of what it means to live and love in the shadow of mortality. This episode not only highlights the talents of Rob and Jay but also reinforces the show's mission to inspire conversations about death, intimacy, and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Delaney [01:18]: "We're not in the ancient Greek phase where a naked man's body was like a thing of magnificence. For whatever reason, naked men's bodies are funny now."

• Jay Duplass [31:37]: "He's more of a laugh at versus a laugh with."

• Nikki Boyer [21:36]: "Vulnerability is a gift that you give people that you love."

• Jay Duplass [40:46]: "You guys did us right in the way that most male filmmakers do women wrong."

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive content of the interview between Nikki Boyer, Rob Delaney, and Jay Duplass.