John C. McGinley revealed that his deep respect for Steve Carell motivated him to accept a minor role simply to collaborate with the admired actor. Speaking at the March 3 premiere of the series Rooster in New York City, McGinley reflected on his admiration for Carell’s remarkable talent.
McGinley Praises Carell’s Exceptional Acting
During the event, McGinley described Carell as one of the most impressive performers he has encountered. He stated,
“He’s the most cerebrally agile and nimble actor I’ve ever worked with,”
and added,
“And capable of pivoting on a dime with such elegance and grace you can’t even believe what just happened.”
McGinley also highlighted Carell’s unique comedic ability, noting it as unlike anyone else he has seen.
Taking a Small Role to Share the Screen
McGinley’s admiration for Carell was so profound that he took on a very small part in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, where Carell portrayed Bobby Riggs. The movie retells the famous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, with Emma Stone playing King. McGinley admitted, I admire him so much, and said,
“I took a tiny role in the Billie Jean King movie, the Bobby Riggs movie. I only did it because I wanted to work with him. I was practically an extra, and I didn’t care.”
When asked if Carell remembered him from that project, McGinley joked,
“Of course. He acted like he remembered. He didn’t. I was an extra.”
The New Series Rooster and Reunions
In Rooster, McGinley plays college dean Walter Mann, who supports Greg Russo, played by Carell, in pursuing a career in teaching. The series also charts Greg’s relationship with his daughter Katie, portrayed by Charly Clive, who is a professor dealing with personal challenges. Other cast members include Danielle Deadwyler, Alan Ruck, Phil Dunster, and Lauren Tsai. The show was created by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses.
McGinley has reunited with Bill Lawrence previously for the revival of Scrubs, which premiered in February, reprising his role as Dr. Perry Cox alongside Zach Braff.
Rooster premiered on March 8 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO, marking another collaboration between McGinley and Carell and continuing to showcase their dynamic on-screen partnership.
