Office Ladies Podcast Episode Summary: "An Interview with Clark Duke"

Introduction

In the March 19, 2025 episode of "Office Ladies," hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey welcome special guest Clark Duke, who is best known for his role as Clark Green in the ninth season of "The Office." This episode delves into Clark’s experiences on the show, his career trajectory, and personal anecdotes, providing fans with an in-depth look behind the scenes.

Clark Duke’s Journey to The Office

Clark begins by sharing his diverse background in the entertainment industry. Originally from Arkansas, he has worn many hats as an actor, writer, director, and producer. Prior to joining "The Office," Clark created the web series "Clark and Michael" with his friend Michael Cera during his time at Loyola Marymount University. This project, which he describes as his college thesis, significantly influenced his approach to his role on "The Office" ([03:36]).

Notable Quote:

"The project that I did, that was my college thesis, actually really informed my role on The Office." — Clark Duke ([03:36])

Landing the Role on The Office

Clark recounts the serendipitous phone call that led him to join "The Office." After building a rapport with Greg Daniels, the show's creator, Clark was unexpectedly offered the chance to join the cast as Clark Green, a new customer service representative. Excited and honored, he accepted the role without hesitation, feeling it was a "full circle" moment given his admiration for the British version of the show ([11:24], [13:00]).

Notable Quote:

"I was like, of course I would love to be on The Office." — Clark Duke ([13:00])

Character Development and Early Impressions

Discussing his character, Clark emphasizes the autonomy he had in shaping Clark Green. The lack of restrictive guidelines allowed him to infuse personal elements from his web series into the role, creating a seamless blend between his real persona and his character ([13:31]).

Notable Quote:

"It was more like, I think they kind of just wanted me to be me, you know, whatever that is." — Clark Duke ([13:32])

Behind the Scenes: Casting and Potential Spin-Offs

Clark touches on the initial discussions about a potential spin-off that would feature him and Jake Lacy’s characters carrying the show forward. While much of this footage, including scenes with Dakota Johnson, was ultimately not utilized, Clark remains hopeful that some of it may surface in future Superfan episodes ([14:03]-[15:32]).

Notable Quote:

"It was like the last week of my life because we shot all this stuff and then they never used any of it." — Clark Duke ([15:03])

Integration into the Office Family

Joining "The Office" late in its run, Clark likens the experience to being a transfer student in senior year. He found the transition smooth, thanks to the supportive and family-like atmosphere fostered by the existing cast ([15:42]-[16:17]).

Notable Quote:

"It’s very much like a family because... you spend more time with those people on set than you do with your actual family." — Clark Duke ([16:17])

Favorite Episodes and Memorable Moments

Clark shares his favorite episodes, highlighting "Stairmageddon" as particularly memorable due to the uncontrollable laughter it evoked during filming ([19:06]-[19:46]). He also expresses fondness for the introductory episodes and "Suit Warehouse," where his character’s interactions are particularly engaging.

Notable Quote:

"I couldn’t hold it together. It was the funniest episode to shoot." — Clark Duke ([19:46])

Adapting to the Fast-Paced Production

Clark discusses the rigorous shooting schedule of "The Office," noting that they often completed 10-12 pages a day without the need for frequent lighting changes. This efficiency kept the energy levels high and allowed actors to maintain their performance consistency ([21:22]-[22:32]).

Notable Quote:

"It was really easy. Everybody had way more energy again, you know, to kind of carry you through." — Clark Duke ([22:32])

Transition to Writing and Directing

Post-"The Office," Clark transitions to writing and directing, successfully completing his feature film "Arkansas." He reflects on the challenges of indie filmmaking, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the premiere plans but ultimately led to successful VOD releases ([37:04]-[42:27]).

Notable Quote:

"It felt like an anticlimactic... but it ended up doing great on VOD." — Clark Duke ([41:19])

Collaborating with Family and Future Projects

Working closely with his brother Chandler, Clark discusses their collaborative efforts on the film "Stranglehold." They established a dedicated workspace during lockdowns, which facilitated their creative process and enabled them to draft multiple scripts despite external challenges such as strikes ([42:27]-[43:07]).

Notable Quote:

"We started going over there and we just started writing every day." — Clark Duke ([43:07])

Call Sheet Questions

In a lighthearted segment, Jenna and Angela pose several fun questions to Clark, revealing personal tidbits:

1. First Entertainment Job: Clark began acting in commercials and a pilot at the age of six or seven.
2. Languages and Instruments: While he doesn’t speak other languages, Clark plays the guitar and had a stint as a DJ under the name "Show Business" ([49:17]-[53:50]).
3. Favorite Travel Destination: He loves London for its historical charm and enjoyed extensive stays there during filming ([53:14]-[55:36]).
4. Favorite Comics: "Uncanny X-Men" and "Watchmen" are his top picks, reflecting his appreciation for seminal works in the comic industry ([63:11]-[63:56]).
5. Favorite Midnight Snack: Clark indulges in cereals like Fruity Pebbles and prefers full milk, humorously noting his nostalgic use of a Robert Forster letter opener ([64:11]-[62:02]).

Notable Quote:

"Uncanny X-Men, like the prime 1980s Chris Claremont, Uncanny X-Men... like Watchmen." — Clark Duke ([63:14])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks as Jenna and Angela express their admiration for Clark’s contributions to "The Office" and his ongoing creative endeavors. They humorously discuss the idea of using fax machines for staying in touch, emphasizing the strong camaraderie shared among the hosts and their guests.

Notable Quote:

"This was a pleasure." — Clark Duke ([65:05])

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Versatile Career: Clark Duke exemplifies versatility in the entertainment industry, successfully navigating roles in acting, writing, directing, and producing.

• Positive On-Set Environment: His experience on "The Office" was enhanced by a supportive, family-like cast, which facilitated a smooth transition despite joining late in the series.

• Creative Ambitions: Transitioning to behind-the-camera roles allowed Clark to pursue his passion for storytelling, though he expresses a longing for the comedic elements of acting.

• Personal Anecdotes: Through engaging stories and memorable quotes, Clark provides a personal glimpse into life on "The Office," highlighting both humorous and heartfelt moments.

Notable Quotes Summary:

1. "I was like, of course I would love to be on The Office." — Clark Duke ([13:00])
2. "It felt like hanging out with friends, I think." — Clark Duke ([34:07])
3. "I couldn’t hold it together. It was the funniest episode to shoot." — Clark Duke ([19:46])
4. "Uncanny X-Men, like the prime 1980s Chris Claremont, Uncanny X-Men... like Watchmen." — Clark Duke ([63:14])

This comprehensive interview not only celebrates Clark Duke’s contributions to "The Office" but also offers valuable insights into his multifaceted career and personal experiences within the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to "The Office," this episode provides a rich and engaging exploration of one of its beloved characters.