A casting director has claimed Steve Carell wasn't the TV network's first choice for his role on The Office.
Allison Jones has revealed A-list dramatic actors were originally considered for the role of hapless office manager, Michael Scott.
During a recent interview for the Office Ladies podcast, the casting expert explained that when the ensemble was first being assembled, NBC network executives expected her to bring on a major movie star to play the character.
"I remember vividly the first meeting we had with the network when (the show's creator, Greg Daniels) had a list of names and they were like, Let's try Philip Seymour Hoffman. And then, you know, let's go for Paul Giamatti or whatever," Allison recalled.
She described the prevailing attitude towards TV comedy at that time as less than positive, explaining she was "so jaded", she was sure neither actor would consider joining the cast.
"Nobody did TV," Allison said. "Comedy was the bottom of the barrel."
By the time the casting team began looking at comedians for the part, Steve, 62, was unavailable.
"Steve Carell, who would ultimately be cast as Michael Scott, was part of... Tom Papa's Come to Papa, meaning he couldn't audition for The Office," the 69-year-old added.
However, when Come to Papa was cancelled after its first four episodes, Steve was freed up to audition.
The show ultimately ran for nine seasons and Steve went on to win a Golden Globe Award for his performance.