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    An Interview with Phyllis Smith

    en-usJune 19, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Unexpected OpportunitiesAn unexpected connection during 'Bad Teacher' led Phyllis Smith to voice the character Sadness in Inside Out, highlighting the importance of being open to new opportunities.

      Phyllis Smith, best known for voicing the character Sadness in the Inside Out films, got her role after a producer saw her in the movie "Bad Teacher." This unexpected connection led to a successful voice acting career. The Office Ladies, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, shared this behind-the-scenes story during their podcast interview with Phyllis. They also discussed Phyllis's time on The Office and her new movie, Inside Out 2. The ladies' unique perspective as former co-stars allowed them to ask insightful questions and reminisce about their shared experiences. The interview revealed Phyllis's passion for the Inside Out project and her appreciation for the distinction of various emotions in the movie. Overall, the podcast episode showcased the value of seizing opportunities and the power of storytelling in connecting people and projects.

    • Unexpected opportunitiesBeing open to new experiences and unexpected opportunities can lead to surprising and rewarding outcomes, as demonstrated by Phyllis's unexpected audition and landing the role of Phyllis on 'The Office'.

      Sometimes opportunities come unexpectedly, and being prepared and willing to step out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and exciting outcomes. Phyllis, a casting associate, found herself unexpectedly auditioning for and landing the role of Phyllis on "The Office." She had been working in casting for 19 years and had paid her dues, but she never imagined she would be an actor on the show. Her experience demonstrates the importance of being open to new experiences and the unexpected twists and turns that can come with them. Additionally, the power of chemistry and reaction in auditions can lead to the creation of new and memorable characters. Phyllis's audition with the future Michael and Angela led to the birth of their iconic relationship. So, be open to new opportunities and the unexpected, as they can lead to surprising and rewarding outcomes.

    • Phyllis's wardrobe developmentPhyllis's iconic wardrobe was a collaboration between her and the costume team, with little input from her during the first fitting but resulting in a recognizable look that added depth to her character.

      Phyllis, played by Phyllis Smith, brought brilliance to her character on "The Office" through every line she delivered and every look she gave. Her iconic wardrobe, featuring purple tones and statement necklaces, was not a choice she made but rather developed through collaboration with the costume team. Phyllis shared that she didn't have much input during her first wardrobe fitting, but she was grateful for the mix-and-match closet created for her character. Standing out by just the look, Phyllis's character was easily recognizable, and she had many favorite scenes and storylines throughout the show's run. From Jim's confession of love to Pam in the parking lot to the silly scene between Dwight and Michael, Phyllis's character added depth and humor to the office environment. One of her most memorable storylines involved her dislike for the office administrator at Advanced Refrigeration, which could have been explored further. Despite some challenges, such as holding back laughter during filming, Phyllis's performance left a lasting impact on the show.

    • Shared memories and joy of reminiscingFormer Office co-stars Phyllis's conversation highlights the importance of shared memories and the joy of reminiscing about past experiences, including the difficulty saying 'pungent', Emmy win, and memorable boat ride. Diverse backgrounds and careers added to the bond.

      Key takeaway from Phyllis's conversation with her former co-stars from "The Office" is the importance of shared memories and the joy of reminiscing about past experiences. Phyllis shared several anecdotes from their time on the show, including the difficulty they had saying the word "pungent," their Emmy win, and their memorable boat ride. She also mentioned the items she took from the set as keepsakes. Another theme that emerged was the diverse backgrounds and careers of the cast members before they joined "The Office." Phyllis revealed that she started her career as a dancer and went on to perform in various shows before transitioning into casting. These shared experiences created a strong bond between the cast members, making their time on the show a memorable and enjoyable experience.

    • Unexpected experiencesUnexpected experiences, though sometimes embarrassing or challenging, can lead to significant opportunities and personal growth. Embrace resilience and adaptability to navigate life's twists and turns.

      Unexpected experiences, even those involving torn pantyhoses or struggling with musical instruments, can lead to significant opportunities and personal growth. Phyllis's embarrassing audition incident led her to a long-lasting career in casting, while Jenna's commitment to learning the guitar despite injuries ultimately led her to let it go. Both women's stories illustrate the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating life's twists and turns. Additionally, their shared experiences with live musical theater at the Muni in Saint Louis highlight the impact of childhood memories and community involvement on personal development.

    • French butter, Inside Out 2Voice actor Phyllis Smith shares her fond memories of the Cannes Film Festival and French butter, and discusses the upcoming release of Inside Out 2, the expansion of Riley's emotions, and her excitement about new emotions joining the cast.

      Phyllis Smith, the voice actor behind Sadness in Pixar's "Inside Out," shared her fond memories of attending the Cannes Film Festival in France and her love for French butter. She also discussed the upcoming release of "Inside Out 2" and the expansion of Riley's emotions. Smith expressed her excitement about the new emotions joining the cast and how they will fit into Riley's mind. She also mentioned the impact of the first movie on audiences and how it has helped children and adults alike understand and deal with emotions. Smith also reminisced about her time on "The Office" and her memorable wedding scenes. In conclusion, Smith's interview provided insights into her experiences and upcoming projects, as well as her passion for food and film.

    • Memories of Steve CarellThe Office Ladies shared heartwarming memories of working with Steve Carell, expressing their appreciation and love for him, and reminiscing about his confidence in the show's success.

      Key takeaway from this episode of Office Ladies is the shared fond memories of working with Steve Carell on The Office. Phyllis reminisced about Steve's confidence in the first season, expressing his belief that it would be the best show they've ever done. Jenna and Angela expressed their love and appreciation for Phyllis, and the interview was filled with heartwarming moments that even made the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. The episode ended with a reminder to catch Phyllis in Inside Out 2 in theaters and a promise to return next week with part 1 of Moving On. Office Ladies is produced by Earwolf, Jenna Fischer, and Angela Kinsey, with senior production by Cassie Jerkins, audio engineering by Jordan Duffy, and associate production by Ainsley Bubba Co. The theme song is "Rubber Tree" by Creed Bratton.

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