Melvin Gregg’s role in The Paper marks an exciting milestone as he steps into a series inspired by the iconic mockumentary style popularized by The Office. Premiering on September 4 and already renewed for a second season, the show combines deadpan humor and relatable characters, giving Gregg an opportunity to revisit a format he admires and knows well from his previous work in Netflix’s American Vandal.
Gregg’s casting as Detrick Moore, an ad sales representative who becomes a reluctant reporter at a struggling local Ohio newspaper, allowed him to explore a new career path for his character, switching from the basketball courts he had portrayed before to the newsroom’s hustle. His connection with the mockumentary format and admiration for the original source material fueled his excitement for the role.
Breaking Down the Role: From Salesman to Reluctant Journalist
In The Paper, Detrick Moore volunteers to help revive the Toledo Truth Teller, a local newspaper facing tough times, working alongside a diverse team including The Office veteran Oscar Nuñez and actors like Sabrina Impacciatore, Domhnall Gleeson, Ramona Young, Tim Key, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, and Chelsea Frei. Moore’s transition into journalism reveals his insecurities and challenges within a new environment, including an unreciprocated workplace crush.
Gregg describes his character as insecure, unsure, and underestimated — qualities quite unlike his own confident persona. He acknowledged how difficult it was to embody these traits, requiring him to mentally immerse himself in Moore’s world to deliver a genuine performance.
Immersing Fully in an Uncomfortable Mindset
Discussing his approach, Gregg shared,
I go into the headspace of who the character is and stay there to see his world and how the world sees him,
—Melvin Gregg.
It wasn’t enjoyable being in his space, but that’s the character. The work environment, cast and team were great to work with. But Detrick has a lot of room to grow. I didn’t like being in that headspace.
This intense emotional immersion was critical to portraying the subtle battles the character faces in the newsroom and social dynamics.
Despite these difficulties, Gregg found himself rooting for Moore’s growth and evolution.
I wanted to coach him,
he reflected.
Halfway through the season, I was like, ‘He needs to hold his head up.’ I wanted him to be better. But that’s part of our craft to lean into these spaces and explore these characters. I was hoping that he could learn something from me, but I’m going to be there to navigate him.
This personal connection contributed to the depth of the character’s journey on screen.
The Audition and What Drew Gregg to the Show
Gregg recalled his audition experience with enthusiasm.
I did so well in my audition that I recorded a video when I left, saying, ‘I got it,’
—Melvin Gregg.
A few weeks later, I got a call that they wanted to cast me. At the top of the year, I noted all of the different things that I wanted in my next project that would help me move to the next level in my career. This show checked a lot of those boxes. It’s a blessing, and I’m grateful.
The role challenged Gregg especially because Moore is not a reporter but a salesperson temporarily stepping into the newsroom. Gregg researched newspaper work and consulted with real professionals to capture the nuances of the sales-reporter dynamics accurately, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity.
Balancing Character and Reality on Set
Moore’s struggle to fit in socially and professionally resonated with Gregg, who described the character’s desperate attempts to gain approval, especially from a romantic interest, as a painful but relatable position. While preparing for comedic moments, Gregg emphasized a serious dedication to understanding and justifying Moore’s actions in this environment.
Gregg praised his co-star for the chemistry they developed during filming:
She was great. We have chemistry on so many levels. I don’t want it to seem like I was method acting for a comedic sitcom, but it’s just part of the process. I have to justify the character’s actions. Sometimes it affects me as an actor because you have to be open to be affected. When I’m going through these things, she was there. She was a great sounding board for me to talk to and ask,
What do you think about this?
Overall, she’s a great person outside of that. We have great chemistry and rapport. I couldn’t ask for a better scene partner.
Meeting the Original Office Cast and Entering a New Legacy
Joining The Office universe also gave Gregg a chance to meet some of the beloved stars from the original series for the first time. Reflecting on that experience, he said he encountered Steve Carell and John Krasinski casually on set, noting his nervousness and how the cast made him feel welcome without any pressure.
Gregg recounted,
I saw them while walking to my trailer. I had on my suit and said, ‘Hey, how you doing?’ They said, ‘Nice to meet you.’ Then, they went into the makeup trailer. I didn’t tell them I was a part of the show. I was nervous, and they probably thought I worked on the lot because I’m wearing a suit. I went into the makeup trailer while they were there and hung out– not trying to be in the way. I’m laughing at the jokes, but trying not to be the weird guy who hops in. They didn’t make me feel that way. That was all me. They were there spreading love and being a model of what could potentially be.
Maintaining the Spirit of The Office While Establishing Something New
Gregg acknowledged the inevitable comparisons between The Paper and The Office, but he stressed that both can coexist. He emphasized that while they share DNA—the mockumentary tone, style, and even actor Oscar Nuñez—the shows are distinct with different characters, settings, and storylines. He reassured fans that The Office would remain available and beloved while The Paper offers something fresh.
He noted,
It’s human nature to compare one thing to another, but they both can coexist. You can still love The Office. It’s not like they’re going to take The Office off the streaming platforms and replace it with The Paper. You can continue to love The Office and, now, The Paper. Although they come from the same creator, it’s different shows.
Looking Ahead: Character Growth and Future Roles
Gregg’s aspirations for Detrick Moore in Season 2 focus on his growth into a more confident reporter and individual who matures through his life and work challenges. He envisions Moore evolving from an unsure salesman into a man who holds his own professionally and personally.
Beyond The Paper, Gregg expressed interest in exploring diverse genres, particularly action and romantic comedies. He described dating stories as universally relatable and rich with complexity, making them compelling topics he hopes to engage with in future projects.
Trust in Creative Collaboration as a Foundation
Throughout the process, Gregg highlighted the importance of trust in the creative team, explaining that it allowed him to surrender control and fully inhabit the character’s world. This trust gave him confidence that the final product would be authentic and impactful, reinforcing his enthusiasm for the project.
His journey from audition to on-screen presence reflects a thoughtful, intense engagement with his craft, marrying his admiration for the legacy of The Office with a passion for developing distinct and meaningful characters within the same comedic mockumentary tradition.
