David Harbor on His Role in *DTF St. Louis*

In a recent conversation with David Harbor about his role in the film *DTF St. Louis*, I was tempted to interrupt him to say, “Could you speak up? No one can hear you.” This line, recurring throughout Steve Conrad’s HBO series, came to mind as we began. I had been eager to discuss the show, which debuted in March, and whether anyone—anyone—had a sense of humor about it. If there was a leading character, it had to be the man behind the series—Harbor, who not only starred but also executive produced it for nearly five years.

As we connected via Zoom, I was intrigued by his performance. *Variety* noted that “David Harbor proves he’s more than just a genre star,” a fact he seemed to reflect on himself, sharing the praise for his work in the show and behind the scenes. I found myself caught up in his narrative, almost hesitant to interrupt. I mean, it was hard not to just soak it all in. Eventually, I got the notion: this was serious for him. Harbor deeply cares about *DTF St. Louis*, and that passion is palpable. It’s probably why he deserves an Emmy nod this year—and maybe even a win.

The first appearance of Floyd Smirnich—Harbor’s character—is striking. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, it’s a challenge to make him seem vulnerable. Yet, almost immediately, the audience is encouraged to sympathize with him. We see Floyd navigate personal struggles, from his weight gain to his role as an ASL interpreter for a local weatherman. Combined with moments like dancing to Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss,” it creates a layered and engaging physicality that any acting coach will likely cite as a hallmark of true immersive performance.

“People who have known me for years said they were impressed with the way I used my body in this film. It felt intuitive,” Harbor shared about stepping into Floyd’s shoes. He compared Floyd’s physicality to using sign language—not just an escape but an essential way to express himself. Floyd battles embarrassment and insecurity stemming from various life issues, including past modeling experiences. His physical expression encapsulates the struggle to connect and find joy in simple things, like friendship and movement.

Harbor characterized his dance scenes as “dedicated,” albeit “not incredible,” yet the joy he exudes resonates with viewers. Honestly, I can’t recall a TV character who has brought me so much happiness in such a short time. Despite being a mini-series of just seven episodes, *DTF St. Louis* leaves viewers longing for more, not because of the story itself, but because of characters like Floyd Smirnich and the myriad emotions he evokes.

This desire for continued narrative speaks volumes about the effort Harbor poured into fully realizing Floyd’s character. Since the series began, I’ve maintained that Floyd was the best character of 2026. After reliving the series, especially in light of Floyd’s tragic demise, I appreciate Harbor’s performance even more.

Harbor also focused on the significant preparation, which included learning ASL. He attained fluency enough to converse with an interpreter. Beyond the dancing and physicality, what stands out is the haunting quality of his performance—it’s funny, sincere, and speaks to the true depths of human experience. In a season filled with talent, Harbor truly shines, making every scene feel thoughtfully crafted and genuine.

I believe contradictions are just part of life; they often coexist within us. I found this true while watching the finale, “No One’s Normal, It Just Looks That From Across the Street,” which left me grappling with despair yet filled with gratitude. This emotional push is precisely what Harbor and Conrad had in mind while developing this poignant series about loneliness, hoping to create something memorable.

<p“Floyd invites you to open up due to his struggles. Yet, hopefully, there’s a joy in the experience as well,” he added. “We often feel shame about how to present ourselves. Embracing joy, regardless of circumstances, feels crucial.” Making light-hearted yet meaningful television can serve as a constant reminder of that joy—this key takeaway is what Harbor hopes viewers remember from the series.

Near the end of our chat, I showed Harbor a TikTok post where someone candidly expressed, “Heartbroken, I finally realized at 53 that I’m Floyd Smirnich,” over a photo of an empty backyard. The tone resonated with the themes of the show: it was both reflective and humorous, striking a chord that inspired countless comments and reactions. We both shared a laugh, and it was clear Harbor understood how significant this role had been for him beyond any awards.

“Ultimately, I wanted to touch people, to make them feel warmth and heartache, and a sense of safety,” he said, his smile reflective. “Knowing that audiences connect with Floyd is deeply gratifying.”

*DTF St. Louis* is now streaming on HBO Max.