‘The Office’ has been a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its blend of humor, and awkwardness. Now, the franchise is expanding with an Australian adaptation, and at the helm is Felicity Ward, who plays the boss, Hannah Howard.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ward discussed the challenges of stepping into the iconic role of boss. She also talked about the differences between the Australian, British, and American versions of the show, and the inevitable online backlash.
Felicity Ward Is Very Happy To Be A Part Of ‘The Office’ Despite Backlash
In the interview, Felicity Ward was asked about her experience with joining such a huge and established sitcom. Ward admitted that she experienced a rollercoaster of emotions when she landed the role. “When I got the job, I just cried because I was so happy,” she said. “To get the lead in any sitcom is very, very exciting, but to get to be a part of The Office! It’s like forever,” she added.
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However, the excitement was quickly tempered by a sense of dread. “Five minutes later, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna get fucking dragged by the internet. They’re really gonna come for me,‘” Ward confessed. The actress has learned to tune out the negativity and avoid engaging with online trolls.
She claimed that she doesn’t get on the internet at all. “It’s none of my business. I don’t read comments, articles, headlines, nothing. Not for me. Not for my eyes,” she stated. Ward’s decision to avoid online negativity is a wise one. The internet can be a toxic place, and engaging with trolls can only lead to more stress and anxiety.
Felicity Ward’s Approach To ‘The Office’
In addition to discussing the challenges of taking over ‘The Office‘, Felicity Ward also touched on the differences between the Australian, British, and American versions of the show. She noted that the Australian adaptation is more “edgy” and “darker” than the others.
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Additionally, she claimed that it features a more diverse cast. Ward also revealed that she intentionally avoided watching other versions of the show before filming began. She believed that watching the American or British versions would not serve any purpose and might even hinder her ability to bring a fresh perspective to the role.
“I didn’t actually watch an episode of the American Office until we’d finished filming,” Ward explained. She wanted to bring a fresh take to the character. Ward’s decision to avoid watching previous versions of ‘The Office’ paid off. Moreover, she was able to create a unique and original portrayal of Hannah Howard.
