Timothy Olyphant Is 'Disappointed' He 'Could Not Keep a Straight Face' During ThisOfficeScene with Steve Carell

Mar. 15, 2025

Steve Carell and Timothy Olyphant in ‘The Office’ in 2010.Photo:NBC

NBC

Steve CarellhadTimothy Olyphantin stitches when he guest starred onThe Officeback in 2010.TheAlien: Earthstar joined fellowOfficealumniJenna FischerandAngela Kinseyon the most recent episode of their podcastOffice Ladiesto reminisce about his two-episode arc on the beloved comedy. Olyphant appeared in the show’s seventh season as rival paper salesman Danny Cordray, and while he didn’t remember it being difficult to get used to the show’s mockumentary filming style, he did remember laughing a lot on set.“I’m sure I screwed up what would have been a really good scene with[Steve] Carellwhere I was — I just couldn’t stop laughing because it was so intense and funny,” Olyphant, 56, recalled. “And there’s a little bit of disappointment still there that I could not keep a straight face.”Timothy Olyphant in ‘The Office’ in 2010.NBCKinsey and Fischer immediately knew the scene Olyphant was referring to. In “The Sting,” Carell’s Michael Scott,John Krasinski’s Jim Halpert andRainn Wilson’s Dwight Schrute enlist the whole Dunder Mifflin team to stage a fake meeting with Olyphant’s character so they can analyze his more successful sales technique. Of course, the plan goes hilariously wrong, with Danny storming out of the office when he discovers the ruse, only to have Michael block his exit as he attempts to convince Olyphant’s character to come work for Dunder Mifflin.Olyphant recalled Carell being “incredible” in the scene.“He’s fully committed. And I’m quite certain — I haven’t seen it — you know, that I’m the one busting up more than he is,” theDeadwoodstar said. “I’m sure I’m busting up and that’s making him then laugh. But he was really impressive.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Timothy Olyphant in 2023.Steve Granitz/FilmMagicKinsey confirmed that outtakes of Olyphant cracking up have been included in the “bloopers” feature, presumably onThe OfficeDVD releases.Olyphant only appeared in one other episode, 2010’s “Costume Contest.” But Kinsey and Fischer noted that he also appeared in a deleted scene from another season 7 episode, “Michael’s Last Dundies.” The moment — which Kinsey was sure would be edited back in to Peacock’s extended “Superfan Episode” version — finds Danny accepting the award for “Hottest in the Office” remotely, Carell’s character having sent a camera crew to his home.Olyphant said he didn’t remember filming the cameo. “I do remember getting a Dundie though, and they sent it to my house,” he recalled. “I got the little trophy.”

Steve CarellhadTimothy Olyphantin stitches when he guest starred onThe Officeback in 2010.

TheAlien: Earthstar joined fellowOfficealumniJenna FischerandAngela Kinseyon the most recent episode of their podcastOffice Ladiesto reminisce about his two-episode arc on the beloved comedy. Olyphant appeared in the show’s seventh season as rival paper salesman Danny Cordray, and while he didn’t remember it being difficult to get used to the show’s mockumentary filming style, he did remember laughing a lot on set.

“I’m sure I screwed up what would have been a really good scene with[Steve] Carellwhere I was — I just couldn’t stop laughing because it was so intense and funny,” Olyphant, 56, recalled. “And there’s a little bit of disappointment still there that I could not keep a straight face.”

Timothy Olyphant in ‘The Office’ in 2010.NBC

Kinsey and Fischer immediately knew the scene Olyphant was referring to. In “The Sting,” Carell’s Michael Scott,John Krasinski’s Jim Halpert andRainn Wilson’s Dwight Schrute enlist the whole Dunder Mifflin team to stage a fake meeting with Olyphant’s character so they can analyze his more successful sales technique. Of course, the plan goes hilariously wrong, with Danny storming out of the office when he discovers the ruse, only to have Michael block his exit as he attempts to convince Olyphant’s character to come work for Dunder Mifflin.

Olyphant recalled Carell being “incredible” in the scene.

“He’s fully committed. And I’m quite certain — I haven’t seen it — you know, that I’m the one busting up more than he is,” theDeadwoodstar said. “I’m sure I’m busting up and that’s making him then laugh. But he was really impressive.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Timothy Olyphant in 2023.Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Kinsey confirmed that outtakes of Olyphant cracking up have been included in the “bloopers” feature, presumably onThe OfficeDVD releases.

Olyphant only appeared in one other episode, 2010’s “Costume Contest.” But Kinsey and Fischer noted that he also appeared in a deleted scene from another season 7 episode, “Michael’s Last Dundies.” The moment — which Kinsey was sure would be edited back in to Peacock’s extended “Superfan Episode” version — finds Danny accepting the award for “Hottest in the Office” remotely, Carell’s character having sent a camera crew to his home.

Olyphant said he didn’t remember filming the cameo. “I do remember getting a Dundie though, and they sent it to my house,” he recalled. “I got the little trophy.”

source: people.com