Picture this: a talented Australian actress, adored worldwide for her role in a hit comedy, yet struggling to catch a break in the glittering yet ruthless world of Hollywood. It's an emotional rollercoaster that many dreamers know all too well, and it's exactly what Harriet Dyer experienced. But stick around, because her story takes a wild turn that might just inspire you to chase your own ambitions – or at least question the Hollywood machine. Here's how it unfolded, step by step.
You might not believe it, but Harriet Dyer, the acclaimed performer from the beloved show Colin From Accounts, faced real hurdles securing acting opportunities in Los Angeles, even after her series scooped up awards like the Logies. For those new to the scene, Colin From Accounts is a sharp, hilarious Australian comedy where Dyer doesn't just star – she's a co-creator, co-writer, and the lead, bringing to life quirky characters that have captivated global audiences. Despite this success, breaking into the fiercely competitive Hollywood scene proved tough for her.
That is, until an unexpected phone call changed everything. On the line was Dana Klein, a seasoned Hollywood producer behind popular sitcoms such as Fresh Off the Boat, the American take on Kath & Kim, and the iconic Friends. Klein, a huge fan of Colin From Accounts, had crafted a fresh workplace comedy called DMV – and she had Dyer in mind for the starring role. For beginners wondering, DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles, that government office where you get your driver's license, renew it, or deal with frustrating bureaucracy, all turned into comedic gold in this show.
"It's incredibly humbling and just so kind," Dyer shared with news.com.au about catching Klein's eye. "She watched Colin From Accounts, and it clearly sparked something for her – she decided I was the perfect fit for her project. It came at a time when I'd been auditioning nonstop and hitting roadblocks, so it felt like a lifeline." She adds that this unpredictability is part of an actor's life, especially living in LA for nearly a decade. "You wake up each day, pushing through the chaos, and suddenly, boom – a call offering you the lead in a new sitcom, plus relocating your family to Montreal for five months. It's absolutely bonkers!"
DMV, now streaming locally on BINGE (check it out at https://binge.com.au/?offername=&pg=default&extcamp=ncaeditoriallinkgene), depicts the everyday grind of low-wage workers at a fictional East Hollywood DMV branch. Dyer embodies Colette, a well-meaning driving examiner whose enthusiasm often crosses into awkward territory, forming connections with her equally discontented colleagues. The script hooked her, but learning that Tim Meadows – the star from the cult favorite Mean Girls – was already attached? That sealed the deal. "I loved the original concept, and the script was a riot," Dyer explains. "Pairing it with Meadows' talent? I figured we'd be touring theaters within a year."
Working alongside Meadows, who portrayed the unforgettable Principal Duvall in the 2004 film, was challenging for Dyer due to her massive admiration. "I kept wanting to geek out over Mean Girls," she admits. "But we're growing closer as friends; he's hilarious, and I'm figuring out how to make him laugh – it's pure joy. He's down-to-earth, though I've had to bite my tongue on those iconic quotes." Just the other day, she nearly blurted, 'You go, Glen Coco,' but held back. "I adore that movie, rewatching it every year, knowing every line. One day, I might confess my fandom, but balancing fan excitement with friendship is tricky."
Workplace comedies like The Office, 30 Rock, Superstore, and Parks and Recreation have long charmed viewers by exaggerating the drudgery of 9-to-5 jobs – and DMV fits right in. "Seeing an over-the-top, amusing take on daily routines makes it super relatable," Dyer notes. "You spot yourself in those characters: the irritating boss, the flirtatious coworker. It's a blend of those classics, yet uniquely its own, packed with a bit of everything to appeal to everyone."
One standout element is Dyer's character Colette, a five-year DMV veteran who's perpetually awkward, often putting her foot in her mouth. "I'm nothing like Colette – I'm more of an artist navigating a different world," Dyer clarifies for those unfamiliar. "A friend called her a 'muggle' – an ordinary, non-magical person from Harry Potter terms – and said, 'We're all Colette at times.' It warms my heart that viewers connect so deeply; it means I'm hitting the mark." Colette's mishaps include wandering around with a sanitary pad stuck to her sweater in episode one, but unlike Dyer's bold Ashley from Colin From Accounts, who had a memorable 'nipple flash' moment, Colette opts for verbal blunders. "She dodges messy situations with words," Dyer says, "while Ashley dives right in. Caring deeply versus not caring at all – night and day."
And this is the part most people miss – the behind-the-scenes magic. Between DMV shoots, Dyer's penning Season 3 of Colin From Accounts with her husband Patrick Brammall, who plays Gordon. Fans are buzzing for the new episodes, set to film early next year. "Expect an exhausted Harriet needing IV drips and B12 shots," she jokes. "But Patty and I are pouring our hearts into it. We adore Gordon, Ashley, and the whole cast – it's going to be fantastic. We missed them terribly and are savoring every minute of Season 3."
DMV is available now on BINGE and Foxtel On Demand, with Seasons 1 and 2 of Colin From Accounts also streaming there. For more binge-worthy reads, explore our Binge (https://www.news.com.au/topics/binge) and Foxtel (https://www.news.com.au/topics/foxtel) topics.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Hollywood truly open to international talent like Dyer, or do Aussies and others face hidden biases that make it tougher? Some argue that shows like DMV prove the industry's evolving, while others wonder if it's just tokenism. Do you think Aussie actors get the recognition they deserve overseas, or is the system rigged against them? And what about workplace comedies – are they still fresh, or have we seen enough? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own star-making stories!
