Fans of Mike Judge's hit HBO comedy Silicon Valley were shocked to learn that standout star T.J. Miller would not be returning for the show's upcoming fifth season. Now, the actor has explained why he's saying goodbye to the role of Erlich Bachman.
As The Hollywood Reporter explains, Miller sat down for an interview with Larry King for an upcoming episode of Larry King Live where the actor was grilled about departing the program.
"It was the right time," Miller said. "HBO and I kind of decided that this was a time that the character could leave. We'd written it in a place where there was an organic departure."
King pressed Miller, suggesting that the rising comedy star had outgrown the role. "No, I'm so happy that I was on the show," Miller replied, adding that he was "really, really grateful" to work with Mike Judge. "Those guys I do think are the best in the game. I mean... there is no one funnier working in television."
King kept digging for a juicier reason as to why Miller left the show, to which the actor replied, "Let's be honest, there's no way that the show isn't going to change and become better."
"My wife, Kate, has always quoted David Bowie as saying that somebody is at their best creatively when they're in the water and their toes are barely touching the bottom," Miller added. "I think that's a really cute quote. It is good to be in an unstable and unsafe place."
Watch a clip from the interview below.
As The Hollywood Reporter explains, Miller sat down for an interview with Larry King for an upcoming episode of Larry King Live where the actor was grilled about departing the program.
"It was the right time," Miller said. "HBO and I kind of decided that this was a time that the character could leave. We'd written it in a place where there was an organic departure."
King pressed Miller, suggesting that the rising comedy star had outgrown the role. "No, I'm so happy that I was on the show," Miller replied, adding that he was "really, really grateful" to work with Mike Judge. "Those guys I do think are the best in the game. I mean... there is no one funnier working in television."
King kept digging for a juicier reason as to why Miller left the show, to which the actor replied, "Let's be honest, there's no way that the show isn't going to change and become better."
"My wife, Kate, has always quoted David Bowie as saying that somebody is at their best creatively when they're in the water and their toes are barely touching the bottom," Miller added. "I think that's a really cute quote. It is good to be in an unstable and unsafe place."
Watch a clip from the interview below.
