Domhnall Gleeson

OF THE NEW SITCOM THE PAPER, ABOUT A STRUGGLING MIDWESTERN newspaper and its staff, Domhnall Gleeson is quick to note that while it shares a universe with The Office (they share the same mockumentary crew and a cast member), its motivation is different. “I think the people who go into work in this workplace, their reason for going to work is very different than a lot of people in The Office.” And he credits that delicate balance of nostalgia and newness to creator Greg Daniels. “Part of what makes him great is that he is continually interested in the next thing.” Gleeson adds, “he’s looking at the next funny idea.” At the show’s center is Gleeson’s Ned, the editor-in-chief who Gleeson describes as “hopeful and optimistic”—both his greatest asset and flaw. “He thinks the world is a better place than it is, and he wants the world to be an even better place.” Ultimately, Gleeson hopes The Paper has a similar impact on the fans as The Office did. “It’s nice to be a part of something that hopefully will make people happy or give people a warm place to spend time.”

- -H. Alan Scott

Is this role unexpected for you?

The people in my life know that I love comedy and have always loved television comedy, and so to them I think it's probably no surprise that if Greg [Daniels] and Michael [Koman] call and wanna do something.... I just wanna work with great people, and they're such great people. They're like the best at what they do.

Any anxiety about The Office legacy?