Brian Baumgartner has ‘meta’ approach to ‘Office’ character
Brian Baumgartner hasn’t landed a high-profile role since playing awkward accountant Kevin Malone on “The Office.” But he’s too busy leading tours down memory lane to complain.
The actor started a podcast last year that serves as the main source for his new book, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Oral History of the Office.” In addition, the 49-year-old has become one of the top three most requested celebrities on Cameo, the video service in which fans get a personalized message from stars.
NBC aired the American version of the British sitcom of the same name from 2005 to 2013. The mockumentary centered on a group of people working at a paper company run by a deluded boss.
This interview with Baumgartner has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: You’re not the only “Office” cast member who has spent a considerable amount of time still talking about the show. I don’t recall the actors on “Cheers” or “Seinfeld” doing the same thing. Why are you folks different?
A: At one time, we were NBC’s No. 1 show, but we weren’t “Friends.” We weren’t on billboards … or on the cover of Vogue. We were always the underdog. When Nielsen started including streaming numbers, we learned that we’re now the No. 1 show on TV. That includes “Succession” and “Squid Games” and all these shows everyone is talking about. To explore what has happened, to look for the clues, is almost like therapy.
Q: Do you worry that by revisiting “The Office,” you’re making it harder for Hollywood to think of you as anyone other than Kevin?
A: Here’s where I’ve landed on that. You’re right. I have to spend a lot of time distancing myself from Kevin. I say no to a lot of roles that are too similar. But there’s no escaping it. You can’t pretend it doesn’t exist. So my approach is kind of meta: Redefine myself by talking about Kevin rather than straying away from him.
Q: Two characters in “The Office” get laughs just by popping up on the screen without saying a word: Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Kevin. Why do you think that is?
A: I definitely have felt that out in the world. It’s difficult for me to talk about. Rainn and I were given a tremendous amount of physical comedy to do. And when Steve Carell left, the producers had me lean into it even more.
Q: Why do you think Kevin became a breakout character?
A: I think there’s something about Kevin’s heart that resonates with people. The show was about celebrating the beauty of ordinary people. The scene most people want to talk about is the one in which Kevin makes chili. Every year, he makes a giant pot of chili and wants to share it with the people he cares about. And then he spills it. There are people who think it’s the most hilarious scene ever and others who say they can’t watch it anymore because they feel so badly for him. It’s this one chance at a small victory, and it fails. But you know that he’s going to try again next year.
Q: That connection has to be a big reason you’ve become a superstar on Cameo.
A: It’s crazy. I’m a very private guy. I said no for quite a while, and I was encouraged by others to give it a try. I don’t think it’s about me. I view it through the eyes of the father who used to watch “The Office” with his daughter, and they have a special place in their heart for Kevin. They can reconnect over fond memories of the show … I never do them as Kevin, in full makeup or wardrobe. That would be weird. But I try to give them some “Kevin” flavor.
Q: Reboots and reunions are popular. What are the chances “The Office” gang will get back together?
A: I know there’s a lot of interest from NBC. It’s really up to (creator) Greg Daniels. If he comes up with an idea, I hope he gives me a call. It’s tricky, though. If you remember how the show ends, Michael is in Colorado, Stanley is retired and living in Florida, Kevin has been fired and is running a bar. I don’t know how you bring the characters back … But I think there’s a reasonable chance the band will get back together for a special event.