Actor Nick Offerman Reflects on His Emmy-Winning Role as Bill in The Last of Us

Actor Nick Offerman has shared new insights into his acclaimed performance in Season 1 of The Last of Us, revealing how he nearly declined the role—and what ultimately changed his mind.

A Landmark Episode: “Long, Long Time”

Offerman portrayed Bill in the emotionally resonant episode “Long, Long Time,” which chronicled the profound romantic relationship between Bill and Frank (played by Murray Bartlett). The episode traced their evolving bond—from first meeting and falling in love to building a life together amid societal collapse—and culminated in a deeply moving, tragic conclusion.

The episode received widespread critical praise. Even director Steven Spielberg reached out to the production team to express his admiration.

Offerman earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal, and “Long, Long Time” remains one of the most lauded episodes in the series’ history. On the Good Hang podcast, Offerman recalled recognizing the script’s exceptional quality immediately:

“Everyone knew, when you read that script, you were like, ‘This is going to … if we don’t fuck this up, this is going to win awards.’”

How Offerman Joined the Cast

Offerman and The Last of Us writer/showrunner Craig Mazin had known each other for years—dating back to when Offerman’s godson and Mazin’s child played on the same Little League baseball team.

Over time, the two developed mutual respect for each other’s work. When casting Bill, Mazin contacted Offerman directly:

“He got a hold of me and said, ‘I’m sending you something—and you have to do it.’”

Hesitation and Conviction

Despite their rapport, Offerman initially resisted. He and his wife, Megan Mullally, had just discussed how he was overcommitting professionally: “I overload my calendar. That’s my vice. That’s my problem.”

Committing to The Last of Us would require him to relocate to Calgary for a full month—a scheduling hurdle he believed he couldn’t clear: “I didn’t have the month.”

What shifted his stance was Mullally reading the script for “Long, Long Time.” Her verdict was unequivocal:

“She was like, ‘Guess what, buddy? You’re going to Calgary.’”

Cultural Impact and Controversy

Aired in January 2023, “Long, Long Time” takes its title from the Linda Ronstadt song featured prominently in the episode. Its inclusion triggered a massive surge in streams on Spotify—though Ronstadt did not write the track and received no compensation for its use.

The episode’s popularity led HBO to consider a prequel series centered on Bill and Frank. However, not all reactions were positive: some viewers criticized the gay romance storyline, claiming it “ruined” the show. Offerman responded with characteristic wit and conviction—though his exact reply is not quoted here, his defense underscored the narrative’s emotional authenticity and thematic integrity.

Expanding the Game’s Lore

While Bill’s backstory and relationship with Frank were briefly hinted at in the original 2013 video game, “Long, Long Time” devoted nearly its entire runtime to an extended flashback. It depicted Frank’s arrival in Bill’s fortified town, their cautious courtship, and their decades-long partnership in an apocalyptic Boston suburb.

The episode spanned multiple decades, concluding with Bill and Frank choosing to die peacefully together—drinking wine laced with pills—and passing side by side in bed.

Later, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) discover the abandoned town, find Bill’s handwritten note explaining their choice, and receive the key to Bill’s car—a quiet, poignant gesture of trust and legacy.

Looking Ahead

The Last of Us is set to return for its third and potentially final season in 2027, shifting focus to Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever.