Ahead of the premiere of his new HBO series Rooster on March 8, Steve Carell is once again stepping into the spotlight, this time in a role that marks a new chapter in his ever-evolving career. But before audiences tune in to see what the Emmy-winning actor has in store next, L’OFFICIEL is taking a moment to look back at the era that made him a household name.
Long before prestige television and dramatic roles became part of his repertoire, Carell defined a generation of comedy. At the center of it all was his unforgettable turn as Michael Scott in The Office, where his awkward charm, painfully sincere management style, and endlessly quotable moments turned the mockumentary workplace series into a cultural phenomenon. During the show’s prime in the mid-2000s, Carell quickly became one of television’s most beloved comedic actors.
That same era also cemented his place on the big screen. In 2005, Carell led the Judd Apatow comedy The 40-Year-Old Virgin, a breakout hit that showcased his ability to balance absurd humor with surprising warmth. The film’s success opened the door to a string of iconic roles throughout the decade, from the chaotic newsroom satire Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy to family favorites like Get Smart and later the animated blockbuster Despicable Me.
Now, with Rooster set to debut, Carell returns to television in a project that signals yet another evolution in his career. L’OFFICIEL revisits throwback photos from the height of his Office days and the early 2000s comedy boom.






