Steve Carell Reveals Paul Rudd Warned Him Against Auditioning for 'The Office' Steve Carell shared on Tuesday’s episode of the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast that Paul Rudd urged him not to audition for the iconic role of Michael Scott on The Office. Rudd, 56, reportedly “pulled [Carell] aside” to warn him against pursuing the project, telling him, “Don’t do it, man. Don’t audition.” Carell, 63, recalled the moment as a pivotal moment, noting that Rudd’s advice left him questioning whether the role was even feasible. The comedian explained that Rudd’s warning was rooted in the belief that Ricky Gervais’s portrayal of the UK version of the show was so compelling that Carell would struggle to imagine a different take. “If I watch a second more, I’m just gonna go on an audition with that,” Carell said, emphasizing that he didn’t want to risk being influenced by Gervais’s performance. He also mentioned that he only watched “a minute” of the UK version before auditioning, highlighting his determination to carve out his own version of the character. Carell acknowledged that The Office had a rocky start, with its pilot being labeled as the “lowest-testing” on NBC. At the time, the show faced significant criticism, with many viewers hating its premise. However, he admitted he didn’t fully understand how the show gained traction, calling it a “public service” that provided viewers with a sense of “safety and security.” He joked that his time on the series, from 2005 to 2011, allowed audiences to revisit the comedy for its comfort and familiarity. The actor also reflected on his final scenes in the mockumentary, revealing that he had discussions with producer Greg Daniels a year before leaving the show about Michael Scott’s final arc. He wanted the character to experience growth, even as he prepared to exit the series.#steve_carell #amy_poehler #the_office #paul_rudd #greg_daniels
