Steve Carell Eased Sabrina Impacciatore’s Nerves About Joining “The Paper” by Telling Her This

**Sabrina Impacciatore Seeks Steve Carell’s Blessing Before Joining The Paper**

In an effort to gain confidence before stepping into the world of *The Office*, actress Sabrina Impacciatore recently revealed that she flew from Rome to New York City to seek advice from the show’s beloved star, Steve Carell. Her journey for reassurance took a personal turn as she aimed to secure Carell’s blessing before joining the cast of the new spinoff series, *The Paper*.

During a panel discussion at the ATX TV Festival, moderated by journalist Hunter Ingram, the 58-year-old actress expressed her initial apprehensions about the role. “When I was chosen, I didn’t sleep for many nights,” Impacciatore admitted. She feared that she could be easily dismissed from the project, a common concern when stepping into the legacy of such an iconic series.

The new show, *The Paper*, explores the lives of a documentary crew that previously chronicled the employees of Dunder Mifflin as they shift their focus to a struggling Midwestern newspaper. The series showcases Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand, alongside co-stars Domhnall Gleeson and Oscar Nuñez, who reprises his role from *The Office*.

To quell her nerves, Impacciatore made the spontaneous decision to attend Carell’s performance in a Broadway production of *Uncle Vanya* to gain his insight. “I thought, ‘How many days do I have?’” she recounted of the whirlwind decision. After watching the show, she managed to meet with Carell in the green room, hoping to receive some reassuring words.

To her delight, Carell was incredibly supportive during their brief encounter. Impacciatore described him as “so encouraging” and “sweet,” recalling how he embraced her warmly with comforting words: “Don’t worry.” She noted that Carell provided her with valuable assurance by sharing his positive experiences of working alongside *The Paper*’s co-creator, Greg Daniels.

“He said, ‘You will see how incredible it is to work with Greg,’” she recalled. “He will put you in the best conditions to give your best.” This encouraging dialogue helped dispel some of her insecurities, making her feel more at ease with the transition into this new role.

After her heartfelt meeting with Carell, Impacciatore adopted a new strategy once filming commenced. She resolved to put *The Office* out of her mind entirely and focus solely on her own performance. “When I arrived on set, I decided to forget about *The Office*, never think about it, and just live in the moment,” she explained. This approach allowed her to fully embrace her character without constantly measuring herself against the legacy of the original series.

A highlight of her comments was how this mindful approach resulted in a more authentic performance, as she sought to bring all of herself to the character of Esmeralda. “I tried to give everything I can give and more,” she said, indicating her dedication to the role and desire to carve out her own identity within the *The Office* universe.

With its first season already available for streaming on Peacock and a second season confirmed, *The Paper* aims to carry on the comedic legacy of its predecessor while exploring new dynamics and narratives. Impacciatore’s journey to confidence serves as a reminder of the psychological challenges faced by actors stepping into established franchises, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support within the industry.

As audiences eagerly await the further development of *The Paper*, fans of *The Office* can appreciate the transitions that new cast members like Impacciatore are making as they join such a well-loved franchise. Her experience encapsulates not just the fears and anxieties of entering a renowned universe, but also the importance of connection and reassurance from those who have previously navigated the same waters.