Timothy Olyphant’s Hilarious Fail Working with Steve Carell on The Office

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When Timothy Olyphant’s Laughs Ruined a Perfect Scene with Steve Carell

Even the coolest actors can crumble in the face of Steve Carell’s comedic genius. Timothy Olyphant, known for his stoic roles in shows like Justified, discovered this the hard way during his two-episode arc on The Office.

On the Office Ladies podcast with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, Olyphant admitted he “screwed up what would have been a really good scene” because he couldn’t stop laughing. The deleted scene featured Carell’s Michael Scott blocking the exit of Olyphant’s Danny Cordray, asking, “Do you want your life to be better, or worse, or stay the same?” After Danny’s deadpan reply, “Get out of my way,” Carell delivered the line “Danny, look at me” so perfectly that Olyphant lost it.

“Carell was incredible,” Olyphant said. “He was so committed, and I just couldn’t hold it together.” While the scene didn’t make the final cut, it lives on in the Season 7 deleted scenes.

Olyphant also hilariously admitted he barely remembered details about his character. When reminded that Danny once ghosted Pam (Jenna Fischer) for being “a little dorky,” Olyphant laughed, “Oh yeah, I do remember that.”

Despite breaking character, Olyphant has fond memories of working on the show. “I just remember enjoying the whole thing,” he said, praising Carell’s dedication.

So, while Danny Cordray may not have lasted long at Dunder Mifflin, Olyphant’s cracking-up moment proves even the toughest actors can’t keep it together when faced with Carell’s comedic brilliance. And honestly, who could blame him?