Steve Carell and John Krasinski unexpectedly visited the set of the new show The Paper on the first day of filming, delighting the cast and crew. This surprise happened while both actors were shooting a commercial nearby, marking a memorable start to the production at Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles. The visit created a buzz, given Carell’s iconic role in the original series and fan excitement surrounding the new spin-off.
Cast Member Sabrina Impacciatore Recalls the Memorable Encounter
Sabrina Impacciatore, a devoted fan of Carell’s previous work on The Office, vividly described the surreal moment when Carell and Krasinski entered the makeup trailer. Preparing alongside her co-stars Domhnall Gleeson and Chelsea Frei, Impacciatore was anxious about the filming day ahead. Suddenly, a knock on the trailer door revealed the unexpected guests.
“No makeup yet. We are very anxious. Like, oh my God, we’re so scared. And then we hear, knock, knock,”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
The Italian actress continued,
“Someone enters the trailer, and it’s Steve Carell and John Krasinski! We’re fainting. Like, what? Can you imagine? Isn’t it crazy? The first day of shooting!”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
The actors dropped by simply to offer encouragement and good luck for the new series. This gesture was all the more special given Carell and Krasinski were filming an Italian coffee commercial next door, harmonizing with Impacciatore’s own Italian heritage and daily routine.
“I thought, this is a blessing. Italian coffee, which is the coffee that I’ve been drinking all my life,”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
Impacciatore’s Personal Connection to Steve Carell
Before this surprise visit, Impacciatore had never seen The Office but quickly became hooked after binging the series in preparation for her role in The Paper. Carell’s work made a strong impression on her, inspiring a spontaneous trip from Rome to New York. Learning that Carell was starring in a Broadway production of Uncle Vanya, she booked a last-minute flight to personally meet him.
Impacciatore asked the show’s creator, Greg Daniels, to pass along a message of admiration to Carell, who was then in New York.
“I said, ‘Greg, if you are still in contact with Steve, can you please tell him that I think he’s one of the most incredible artists on this planet?'”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
Her gamble paid off as she saw the show and met Carell backstage. The encounter was nerve-wracking but deeply encouraging to her.
Impacciatore describes the moment:
“I’m Sabrina! Can you bless me? I needed his blessing [for The Paper]! He was the sweetest. He was so warm. He was encouraging me so much. He said, ‘These people are brilliant. You are going to have the best experience of your life. You’re going to be great.’”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
She added,
“He was giving me confidence,” and concluded,
“I will never forget that. Never. It was so right to do that.”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress
The Paper and Its Link to The Office
The Paper launches on Peacock with a fresh documentary-style look at the workings of a struggling newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, called The Truth Teller. The show introduces a new cast led by Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson, an energetic editor-in-chief set on reviving the paper’s fortunes. Among the newsroom’s eccentric staff is the spirited managing editor Esmeralda, who finds her world upended by Ned’s arrival and his bold vision.
The series cleverly connects to the legacy of The Office by bringing back a recognizable face from the original show, this time teaming with an ensemble cast to navigate the challenges of local journalism. The dynamic between the documentary crew and newsroom staff drives both humor and drama.
Impact of Carell and Krasinski’s Support on Cast Morale
The brief but meaningful visit from Steve Carell and John Krasinski on the first day of filming provided a boost of confidence and excitement for the team behind The Paper. Impacciatore’s story shows how their presence symbolized support not only from respected actors but also from key creators closely tied to the original successful series.
This encouragement is especially important considering the anxious anticipation and high hopes surrounding the spin-off. With Carell’s personal goodwill and Krasinski’s involvement, the cast felt reassured as they embarked on telling a new story within the same beloved universe.
As The Paper debuts, viewers can expect to see familiar creative influences while enjoying fresh, character-driven narratives centered on the evolving landscape of journalism. The visit from these iconic figures underscores the continuity and high expectations accompanying this new show.
