Bob Odenkirk Reflects On Almost Being Michael Scott In “The Office”
Bob Odenkirk, known for his dramatic roles, recently opened up about his 2013 guest appearance on The Office during a visit to the Office Ladies podcast with hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. The podcast, which aired on July 9, delved into his career and how he almost became Michael Scott before Steve Carell was cast.
Bob revealed that he auditioned for the role of Michael Scott, a part that eventually earned Carell six Emmy nominations. Reflecting on why he didn’t get the role, Bob said, “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.”
“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,” he added.
Despite not landing the iconic role, Bob did get a chance to showcase his version of Michael Scott in the final season of The Office. In the episode “Moving On,” he played a character strikingly similar to Michael Scott. His character was the manager of a Philadelphia real estate company where Jenna Fischer’s character, Pam, interviewed for a job.
Jenna Fischer recalled the intent behind this casting, saying, “The idea was, Pam’s gonna go in for an interview at this real estate office. And they thought it would be really funny if it was like her life was gonna repeat itself now in Philadelphia. And her boss is basically Michael Scott.”
Bob’s appearance was also a nod to their original audition together, where they prepped for their Office auditions, with him playing Michael and her playing Pam. Jenna even shared how Bob brought his guitar to the screen test and improvised a song about her character.
When Bob guest-starred on The Office, he performed a similar song, singing Pam’s résumé to her. “I told [showrunner Greg Daniels], ‘You have to tell Bob to bring his guitar,’” Jenna said. This moment was a heartfelt homage to their audition days.
Reflecting on his shift from comedy to drama, Bob said, “You just are looking for the darkness, and that’s actually great in drama. But in comedy, it’s not a plus.” This insight highlights why he believes Carell was a better fit for Michael Scott.
