After turning in one of summer’s best cameos as the bouncer in Knocked Up ("You old, she pregnant. Can’t have a bunch of old pregnant bitches running around"), Craig Robinson, aka Darryl from the warehouse on The Office, is branching out of the paper business. His 2008 slate includes no fewer than four movies, including July’s Step Brothers (from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay), August’s Pineapple Express (written by and starring Seth Rogen), and the now-filming Zach and Miri Make a Porno (starring Rogen, written and directed by Kevin Smith).
I think two things about this: 1. It’s always nice to see a little ethnic diversity in the white-dude comedy zeitgeist, and 2. This particular comedy zeitgeist is really starting to remind me of a very high-budget community theater project, where bit players resurface time and time again and are rewarded with ever-larger roles. I couldn’t be happier that Robinson’s taciturn stylings are going to be playing at my local cineplex with regularity. What about you? And what other supporting characters from the Apatow/Rogen/Office/FunnyorDie universes would you like to see break out?
Comments (1-22) of 22 Add your comment
“I can’t let you know cause you’re old…for this club, you know, not for the Earth.”
Also, “I’m only allowed to let in five percent black people.”
That was definitely one of the funniest scenes in the movie, and he frequently delivers on “The Office”. Although I wouldn’t mind ANY of the bit players on “The Office” becoming yoooge stars, I’d especially like to see one of the women (Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey) hit it big. More romantic comedies with those two in it, less with Jessica Alba/Biel.
Darryl! In all honestly, I will probably not see a single one of those movies (I’m not really into this “comedy zeitgeist”), but I am glad to see that he’s getting roles. He’s a great source of comic relief in The Office, esp. on the episode when he and Michael both want raises.
Craig and I are childhood friends and I am so happy for his success. He has paid his dues and I deserves all that is coming to him.
Go Chi-town!
Although I love the repertory players in this comedy zeitgeist (especially Paul Rudd), it is already wearing thi, particularly the WIll Ferrell “let’s take abrasive characters and a weird sport” genre. Done tom death already. Idiot man-child chaaracters try stepping/figure skating/racing/ping-pong/whatever… sooooo over it.
I think Craig Robinson is hysterical, and I can’t wait to see him in “Zack and Miri” (get the spelling right). My favorite line of Daryl’s from “The Office”: “Are you wearing lady clothes?”
Martin Starr- I fell in love with “Bill” while watching “Freaks and Geeks” and considering that Bill was the ultimate nerd, that says a lot. I think Starr is so naturally hilarious he deserves a star turn.
I was about to type the same thing, Lynny. I loved Bill so much. Would love to see him in a starring role.
What about Kevin from the office? He’s always dropping the best one-liners when you least expect them. I could do without his band but whenever he’s chatting it up with Jim, you know you’re getting the funny.
Yeah, Craig! He is great on “The Office” so it’s good to see him with a burgeoning movie career. (He can also sing! Check out the YouTube clip of him singing “Creep” last year.) I’d be happy with any of the Apatow favorites to break out, but have to go with Lynny and Kathleen and vote for Martin Starr. He is awesome.
Busy Phillips. Martin Starr. John Francis Daley (who plays wide-eyed and innocent better than anyone–Blades of Glory would have been a better film with him in it instead of Napoleon Dynamite). Jay Baruchel. Jarrett Grode. Timm Sharp. David Krumholtz. Ken Jeong.
Rogen was always my favorite from the Apatow shows, but if I was going to pick a minor character, I’d go with Jarret Grode (the guy who played Perry on Undeclared). His delivery was hilariously deadpan. The scene with the game of truth or dare is one of my favorites from the series:
i’d have to say john krasinski. Yes, he is getting lead roles in movies, but those movies are “license to wed”-style schlock. he really needs judd apatow to take him under his wing.
Would love to see some of the women get better/bigger roles than they have. Would especially like to see more Leslie Mann and Mindy Kaling (Kelly is one of the best parts of watching The Office). I also think Melora Hardin (Jan) is supremely talented. Give her jobs!
LOVES me some Craig Robinson. Am I the only one who thinks of the legendary Billy Preston when I see the guy??
The one good think about Apatow is that he’s always shown more diversity than other comedy directors. Glad to see he’s continuing the trend.
Mindy Kaling for sure.
Good for Craig! Did you see him play the electric piano in one episode? he’s good…
breakout star? We NEED more Pearl the Landlord!
TOBY!!!
So happy for Craig’s success
Craig has been deserving of this success since he was Mutha on Lucky.
gxalpukr tjdfvqmz rtdevy qhivp cyxvze dvwxb pyjm
It’s good! rolex watch?
luxury watch?