Rudd Warned Carell Against The Office Audition

Steve Carell has sensationally revealed that his friend Paul Rudd urged him not to audition for his breakout role as Michael Scott on the American version of The Office. The actor shared the anecdote on the podcast 'Good Hang with Amy Poehler,' recalling Rudd's specific advice to 'Don't do it man. Don't audition.'

Carell's portrayal of Michael Scott propelled him to TV stardom upon the show's premiere in 2005. Coincidentally, that same year saw Carell achieve leading man status in the film 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin,' which also featured Rudd.

Amy Poehler, co-host of the podcast, echoed the sentiment of initial skepticism towards the US remake. She mentioned discussing her doubts with writer Michael Schur, who would later become integral to The Office. Poehler and Schur, like many others, were devoted fans of the original BBC series and questioned the necessity of an American adaptation.

Despite widespread apprehension, Carell pursued the role, which ultimately became one of the most beloved sitcoms ever. However, Carell noted that the pilot episode "was the lowest-testing pilot in the history, I think, of NBC." Poehler's own sitcom, 'Parks and Recreation,' also faced a difficult launch, with critics initially comparing her unfavorably to Carell, deeming her a 'poor man's version' of him.