Though NBC and the producers of “The Office” have yet to comment publicly on Steve Carell’s recent statements that he plans to leave that comedy after its coming seventh season — one presumes they’re not thrilled — Mr. Carell has received a warm send-off from his trans-Atlantic counterpart, Ricky Gervais.
Mr. Gervais, a co-creator of the original BBC version of “The Office,” and who starred as David Brent, the oafish paper-company manager who inspired Mr. Carell’s Michael Scott character, wrote on his blog that Mr. Carell’s departure was “of course inevitable (and sad), but I wish him all the luck in the world.”
Mr. Gervais added:
It was expected of me, as executive producer, to persuade him to stay on. With syndication in full swing, the more successful the show remains, the more billions we all make. It was tempting, but the truth is, I believe he is doing the right thing. He’s fulfilled his contract and more, and is a huge film star now. (I knocked it on the head after 12 episodes and a Christmas special.) I’d be lying if I said he should do more. He shouldn’t. He should move on, continue to do great work, and buy a new house every time “The Office” is repeated somewhere.
No comment yet on the widespread suggestion that an ideal replacement for Mr. Carell on “The Office” could be Mr. Gervais himself.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Inter- ‘Office’ Memo: Ricky Gervais Wishes Steve Carell Good Luck
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