Robby Hoffman Says She ‘Botched’ Every Interaction She Had with Steve Carell on “Rooster” Set (Exclusive)

Comedian Robby Hoffman recently shared her excitement about working with the revered Steve Carell on the set of the upcoming HBO series, “Rooster.” At the show’s premiere in New York City earlier this month, Hoffman admitted she was “starstruck” by the Hollywood icon, a sentiment echoed by many who admire Carell’s work.

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, the 36-year-old comedian reflected on what it was like to interact with the star of “The Office,” expressing her disbelief at meeting someone she has long admired. “I’ve botched it every time that I said hi to him, because it’s impossible not to be starstruck with him, and he’s such a classy man,” Hoffman explained with a touch of humour. She recounted her brother’s encouragement to ask Carell about his iconic role on the beloved sitcom, which ultimately prompted her to break the ice with a simple compliment about how much her brother enjoyed Carell’s performance in the show.

Hoffman’s role in “Rooster” is significant, as she portrays Mo, the roommate of Sunny, played by Lauren Tsai. Initially cast for a single episode, her performance impressed the creators, who expanded her role, allowing her to feature in multiple episodes. “It was amazing to take on the role, and I’m just grateful to be here tonight,” she shared, noting the surprising turn of events that led her to the premiere.

The storyline of “Rooster” centres on the character Greg Russo, portrayed by Carell, a fiction writer who takes on a new chapter in his life as he becomes a writer-in-residence at the same New England college where his daughter, Katie, played by Charly Clive, serves as a professor. What begins as a visit to support Katie evolves into a journey of self-discovery for Greg as he navigates the collegiate lifestyle.

The series, which is comprised of ten episodes, is the brainchild of creators Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses, and features a talented ensemble cast that includes Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Tsai, as well as the appearances from Hoffman and Connie Britton. The collaborative nature of the production stood out to Carell, who described it as feeling like a “true ensemble”.

At a press conference on 3 March, Carell expressed his admiration for the cast, highlighting the camaraderie and genuine kindness he experienced during filming. He remarked, “You don’t know what the energy’s going to be like, you don’t know what each of them are going to be like as people. But there was just such a pervasive kindness and generosity. And honestly, it reminds me of my experience on ‘The Office’ in terms of that.”

Carell also shared the instant connection he felt with Clive when they first met, which mirrored the chemistry that developed among the entire cast. Their immediate rapport was evident during their first table read, and Carell’s early confidence in Clive’s suitability to play his daughter proved well-founded throughout the production process.

As “Rooster” gears up to air its new episodes, audiences can tune in every Sunday at 10 p.m. ET on HBO, eager to witness the comedic chemistry and heartfelt moments that the series promises to deliver. For Hoffman, the chance to be part of such a notable project has been a dream come true, especially with the opportunity to work alongside one of her idols.

With its blend of humour and heart, “Rooster” is poised to resonate with viewers, while Hoffman’s journey adds an inspiring touch to the narrative surrounding the show. As she continues to embrace this thrilling chapter of her career, the buzz surrounding “Rooster” suggests it may quickly become a fan favourite.