‘Office’ stars visit Kingsville
“For nine years we were on a closed set; we didn’t get to see our fans. Now we’re making up for that nine-year period of not seeing people and we get to travel the country and meet new people and that’s fantastic,” hit tv show “The Office”character Stanley Hudson or otherwise known as Leslie David Baker said in an interview during the annual Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) Spring Lectureship series.
The night started off with an exclusive meet and greet with Baker and other “Office” character Meredith Palmer who is played by actor Kate Flannery.
The excitement of meeting fans of the “The Office” wasn’t just an act however, Baker and Flannery were both loud and energetic and it was apparent they were there to put on a show for everyone in attendance.
Baker and Flannery spoke about what it was like to work with Steve Carrell, do their own stunts and why they thought “The Office” was such a success.
“Some of the characters you see in the show are universal in any job you work. Sorry about that, that’s the curse of it. But you know you can see these people and find the humor and navigate through your workday,” Baker said.
With “The Office” success and relatability, it put it into a special category that Baker and Flannery both talked about, and they also talked about what it was like to be a part of such an iconic show.
“It’s incredible, We’re so lucky. When we were first shooting the office, ‘Friends’ had just ended and there was a spin-off called ‘Joey,’ and it bombed. And thank God it bombed because we wouldn’t have lasted. They wouldn’t have been interested in us at all,” Flannery said.
After the meet and greet Baker and Flannery went to talk to the almost full Jones Auditorium where the eager “Office”fans waited patiently.
This part of the night included questions from the crowd on why they decided to come and talk to college campuses, some of their favorite moments on set and advice on life beyond college.
“When I was in college there wasn’t a whole lot of master’s programs. But I took one with one of the original actors from Broadway’s ‘The Chorus Line’ who really told it like it was. So anytime you can give back, especially when you have so much to give. It just feels like the right thing to do,” Flannery said.
After the initial questions the floor was opened to students who were able to express their feelings and were given the chance to be able to ask for advice from people who have had their fair share of experiences.
“I think it’s really beneficial, especially since they’re older, so they have a lot more knowledge in their career, and they could help give knowledge to us, which could help us lead our path, because at this age we’re a lot, we’re extremely lost, and just hearing adults say, or give us advice, could really help us,” Cariana Flores, a student at TAMUK who attended the Lectureship, said.
Towards the end of the event, Flannery and Baker reflected on what it was like to visit a new city like Kingsville which offered new experiences and opportunities to help another college campus.
“I didn’t know this place was 100 years old. I’ll have what they’re having. I mean this place is great and I really think the people are nice. It is always nice to see a part of the country you wouldn’t see,” Flannery said.
To end the whole thing off Flannery stood up proud on her chair and chanted “Dunder” then the crowd followed with “Mifflin” ending the lecture with a loud swing of energy.