Summary
Bob Odenkirk reflects on his experience withThe Office, sharing an explanation for why he feels he ultimately lost out on the role of Michael Scott to Steve Carrell in the popular sitcom. While Odenkirk would build his name with sketch comedy series and writing for SNL, his role of sketchy lawyer Saul Goodman inBreaking Badand its spin-offBetter Call Saul, helped Odenkirk break out as a more serious actor. While Carell would lead the sitcom for seven seasons and the series finale as Scott, Odenkirk would make a guest appearance in season 9’s “Moving On”.
Odenkirk opened up toOffice Ladiespodcast hosts and series stars Jemma Fischer and Angela Kinsley about almost being cast as Michael Scott. The actor explainsthe earnest nature that helps him craft subtler and serious later performances left him unable to compareto the more unpredictable and energetic performance that Carrell could offer. Check out Odenkirk’s analysis below:
I am, in a strange way, a very earnest person for a person in comedy. I am oddly earnest, and … it’s one of the reasons I think Steve Carell is a better, you know — is the one who got the role [inThe Office]. There were other parts that I think I was up for that Steve got, and it’s because he’s better at being genuinely fun, I think I bring with me a little bit too much earnest seriousness, and it’s just kinda there. And there’s nothing I can do about it except play other roles where it’s helpful to have that. And, you know, you just don’t believe me as a purely light character. You just are looking for the darkness, and that’s actually great in drama. That’s a plus, you know? But in comedy, it’s not a plus.
How Odenkirk Moved From A Comedy Career To More Dramatic Roles
Odenkirk’s Early Career Was Behind The Camera
Odenkirk’s recognition soared and allowed him to prove himself as a capable actor.
For Odenkirk,comedy helped launch his career with his tenure as a writer forSaturday Night Live, an experience that helped him hone his craft and build up connections with friendships with stars including Conan O’Brien, Ben Stiller, and notably David Cross, who he would help develop HBO’sMr Showfrom 1995 and 1998. With the actor’s incredible links and solid footing within the world of comedy, he in turn would help comedic duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim build their own careers while starring in sitcoms. Everything would change for Odenkirk once he joinedBreaking Badin 2009.
WithBreaking Bad’s incredible successand its spin-offBetter Call Saulearning further accolades, Odenkirk’s recognition soared and allowed him to prove himself as a capable actor, beginning with his work onFargoseason 1 as Police Chief Bill Oswalt. ButOdenkirk wouldn’t limit his dramatic range to shows focusing on murky, morally complex criminals, showing his talent asThe Incredibles 2’s ambitious businessman Winston Deavor,Little Women’s Father March, andNobody’s former assassin Hutch Mansell. Despite this, Odenkirk hasn’t buried his comedy roots, working with Cross while taking on comedic guest roles.
While Odenkirk has more than proven himself a versatile and talented actor in his own right, it is clear that his evaluation of Carell highlights the actor’s contributions toThe Office. While characters like Saul are heralded among TV’s most celebrated figures and Odenkirk had the experience,recognition of Michael Scottextends beyond the series thanks to Carrell’s energetic, off-beat portrayal. As such, despite Odenkirk’s talent, it is hard to imagine anyone else other than Carrell playing Dunder Mifflin’s regional manager.
The Office
Cast
This mockumentary comedy series observes the mundane and humorous daily lives of employees at the Scranton branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. It offers insights into office dynamics, personalities, and the eccentric behavior of both management and staff, depicting an ordinary workplace with extraordinary characters.
