That’s what she said

'The Office' newcomer Amy Ryan on bonding with the funniest crew in television

 

 

INTERVIEW. As fans of “The Office” know, poor Michael Scott (Steve Carell) hasn’t had much luck in the ways of love. This season, it’s actress Amy Ryan as the Dunder-Mifflin Scranton branch’s new human resources rep Holly who steals his heart. But will it last beyond the first totally irrelevant staff meeting? We caught up with the star, Oscar-nominated for her turn in last year’s “Gone Baby Gone,” to find out.

What was it like walking into that bonded group on “The Office”?
You feel like a transfer student from another school that is, collectively, one of the most grounded, down to earth, hilarious groups of successful actors. They went out of their way to make me feel welcomed, but also spent a lot of time teasing me. Why would I possibly be nominated for an Oscar and then come be on a sitcom? They said I had it all backwards, but I disagree whole-heartedly. It was a new avenue for me to go down — comedy — not looking for my dead baby under a bus.

How much room did you have to improvise?
Most of my stuff was with Steve Carrell. He leaves so much room for you to play with him. He never tells you to stand back and watch him go even though that’s what you want to do.

Since your “Office” episodes are only going into November, that must mean that things don’t work out between Michael and Holly. That’s such a bummer.
[Laughs] It means something. Um, yeah, poor Michael and Holly. I really think there’s a lid for every pot. They do try, I will say that. Who knows what will happen. ...

Which character from “The Office” do you identify with the most?
As myself, I feel like I identify most with John Krasinski’s character, the one on the outside going, “What the hell is going on?” I thought I was signed on to be some sweet love interest for Steve, but as the writers got to know me, they realized how goofy I am in real life. There’s a little bit of all of us at Dunder-Mifflin.

In between filming a weekly sitcom now, do you have any time to follow the election?
Oh my God, I can’t sleep at night! I find it exciting and fascinating and horrifying all at once. It’s the most involved that I’ve ever been in an election just in terms of educating myself on both sides. I’m grateful for the crash course I’m getting — I think I’m enrolled in the same course Sarah Palin’s getting. What, wait? Who said that? Was that my thought? Was that out loud?