Improvisation played a big role in making “The Office” a timeless comedy. Melora Hardin, who played Jan Levinson on the show, shared how creative tools like a “candy bag” helped the actors deliver some of the most memorable scenes.
Melora Hardin on Office Improvisation
In a recent podcast, Hardin explained the idea of the “candy bag.” This was a collection of optional lines given to the actors after they filmed scenes as written. “We’d do it as it was written, and then they’d hand us this candy bag of lines we could use if we wanted,” she said.
Hardin, who often worked with Steve Carell (Michael Scott), praised his skills in improvisation. “I’d throw a straight ball one time, and a curveball the next. He’d always catch it and throw it back perfectly,” she said. Both actors had strong backgrounds in improvisation, which made their on-screen chemistry shine.
Read also:- Bigg Boss 18 Contestants Break Down After Receiving Emotional Letters Ahead of Finale
The show encouraged improv even during the early episodes. Hardin recalled how the director, Ken Kwapis, once told her to keep her phone on during a scene. “He thought it would be hilarious if it rang and I answered it in character,” she said.
This freedom to play and trust in the actors’ abilities created an environment where creativity thrived. Hardin believes this is one reason the show remains so special to its fans.
Improvisation added a unique charm to “The Office,” making it more relatable and spontaneous. For fans, it’s fascinating to know that some of their favorite moments came from this “candy bag” approach.
