The Office is one of the defining TV series of the ’00s and early ’10s, known around the world as it became an icon of that era and continues to stand the test of time today.
As beloved as it is, when it originally ended, some actors were ready and exited to move past their particular roles, to mixed results and feelings.
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Kevin Malone is an undeniably iconic character from ‘The Office’.
Dunder Mifflin accountant and renound chili enthusiast, Kevin Malone was absolutely hilarious and has become extremely well-loved by the show’s fans.
However, there was a time when the man who played him, Brian Baumgartner, really wanted to separate himself from the role.
The show ran for nine seasons over eight years.
When it finally finished, Baumgartner was more than ready to move on.
“I wanted to distance myself,” he told Entertainment Weekly , “I thought, ‘I don’t want to be Kevin Malone forever.'”
He began to notice a pattern with the roles he was being offered.
They all felt very similar to Kevin, the sort of straight-faced yet clumsy comedy relief, and he wasn’t too keen on being typecast.
“I spent a long time turning down roles that I felt were too similar or wanted a similar sort of feeling and character.”
However, his thoughts have changed since then.
Especially since The Office proved itself to be such a cultural staple, continuing to receive endless love from fans everywhere.
Baumgartner realized that he might not ever be able to fully leave his role as Kevin, and that might not be a bad thing. It all just built this momentum, which was like, ‘Well, I don’t think I’m going to be escaping this one anytime soon.'”
Now, he thinks of the role as a ‘blessing’.
“I consider it a blessing, especially the amazing fans who talk about how The Office gave them comfort, how it helped them during a difficult time,” Baumgartner said. “I mean, countless stories, way more than I can mention. That’s an amazing thing.”
h/t: People
