Billie Lourd on Starring With Matt Bomer in ‘Mid-Century Modern’ and Being on Her “Indie Grind”

People often describe the experience of working alongside a group of close-knit collaborators on a film or television show as being like a family. There’s no better way to say it for Billie Lourd regarding her newest credit on Hulu’s Mid-Century Modern.

The comedy reunites the veteran star with her Scream Queens, American Horror Story and American Horror Stories boss Ryan Murphy, who serves as an executive producer of the Max Mutchnick and David Kohan-created series. The latter two TV titans also have a tight connection with Lourd after finding a sweet spot for her on their Will & Grace reboot, playing Fiona, the granddaughter of a character played by her late grandmother, Debbie Reynolds. The legendary actress was a regular on the NBC sitcom as the mother of Debra Messing’s Grace Adler.

But in perhaps the sweetest familial connection, Lourd is the goddaughter of power publicist Simon Halls, who is married to Mid-Century Modern star Matt Bomer. In fact, it was Bomer who first reached out to convince her to join a cast that includes Nathan Lane, Nathan Lee Graham and the late Linda Lavin. The part? More family ties by playing the long-estranged daughter of Bomer’s character Jerry, a gay flight attendant.

“I was in Chicago doing a movie and he called me, this guy standing right here in this beautiful suit,” Lourd told The Hollywood Reporter while on the DGA Theater’s red carpet next to Bomer in a look by Caruso. “He actually texted me and then called me to pitch the whole thing but I was, like, ‘No need to pitch. I’m there and getting on a plane now.’”

She jumped at the chance to share scenes with Bomer after nearly a lifetime of knowing one another. “I’ve been around him since I was 10 years old because of my godfather [Simon], so getting to work with Matt was just so incredible because I am so inspired by him as an actor. I think he’s so talented and so hot. Also, he’s a real artist.”

Lourd said she’s stoked for TV audiences to see just how hysterical Bomer is on Mid-Century Modern. “I haven’t really gotten to see him be funny on TV, and he’s so funny in real life,” she continued. “Getting to see him hit those jokes on set was so much fun because he’s so good at it and he’s so dedicated. He really took me under his wing and made it so comfortable for me because it can be an intense environment. There’s a live audience and a whole thing. I’ve done it before on Will & Grace one time, but it can still be a bit daunting.”

Daunting or not, the experience delivered an opportunity for Lourd to dip her toes back in the TV business after staying busy with a run of indie films as of late. Following a turn opposite Pamela Anderson in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, she’s filmed three indies back-to-back. “I’m on my indie grind right now which I’ve been loving,” Lourd said with a smile. “I did two very fun rom-coms, one in Palm Springs [That Friend] and one in Chicago [Love Language], and then I filmed a really cool horror movie [Adulthood] in Ottawa, Canada.”

While it’s great to go on location for a job, Lourd said she’d love to see more local productions in Los Angeles. “I’m really into that Stay in L.A. campaign,” said the daughter of CAA powerhouse Bryan Lourd. “It’s so sad because this is the heart of Hollywood and we don’t have as many productions anymore. We need better tax incentives.”

Up next, Lourd has a voice role in the new animated Smurfs movie, and she’s hoping to cozy up with co-star Rihanna at some point. “I’m super excited about that and anywhere Rihanna goes, I’m there. If I could just stand next to her at some point that would be great.”

She revealed that she’s also developing a secret project with Murphy that she’s not ready to talk about. But what she would say is that she hopes whatever gig is on the horizon involves music. “What I really want to do is sing. Tell the people.” Consider them told.