‘The Paper’ star Domhnall Gleeson has been hearing a lot from journalists lately. And reporters often say they’re grateful that their profession is seen as struggling to maintain its footing. “The common theme was that people who watch this show and are in journalism seem to like it and recognize that we care about it,” Gleason said on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “And that was a great aspect to the whole thing.”
But sometimes it can be a little depressing. Most of the reporters he meets are big fans of the Peacock series — it’s just, “They’re like, “That’s the sad side of it, too. What you’re seeing is the reality that the building and the various newspaper offices that we went to in preparation are now in smaller spaces than they used to be. And on our show, that’s kind of exemplified by the fact that we’re sharing half the floor with a toilet paper company.”
Gleeson spoke on the Awards Circuit Podcast about what to expect from Season 2 of The Paper, which just wrapped filming, including the relationship between his character Ned and Chelsea Fry’s Mare. He also talked about his first time appearing on a variety show (and his early career) and answered a 10-question quiz.
Also in this episode, comedian Marc Maron talks about his latest special, HBO’s “Panic,” and gives an update on what’s going on post-podcast and, more importantly, how his cat is doing. Listen below!
“The Paper” recently finished filming its second season at the Los Angeles Times’ actual offices in El Segundo. It was Gleason’s first time back at a real newspaper since season 1, when he did research in an Ohio newsroom. “I was really happy because some people had been watching the show. It was very rewarding to talk to journalists about the show since then,” he says.
Regarding the relationship between Toledo Truth Terror editor-in-chief Ned Sampson and reporter Mare Pretty, Gleason noted that the relationship developed very carefully and quietly in the first season, right up to the shocking finale. (If you haven’t seen it yet, I’ll leave you with spoilers.) “I thought they had a really great scene in the finale, a beautiful scene in the hallway.”
Ned and Mare’s pace is much different than “The Office” couple Jim and Pam. One reason is that “The Office” has 22 episodes per season, while “The Paper” only has 10. “I didn’t think it was a given to get them together early by the end of episode 10. I think it just creates problems in a really good way for next season,” he says.
Gleason first appeared in a review of his play The Lieutenant of Inishmore on March 6, 2006, in Variety magazine, and received critical acclaim for his performance. Then, on May 11, 2006, VPage appeared at the “Inishmore” party, where Gleeson was seen next to a cake celebrating the show.
Gleeson says he first appeared in playwright Martin McDonagh’s Inishmore while at university in London. Then he and some West End theater people did a show on Broadway. “We’ve all been nominated for Tony Awards,” he says. “I think the suit (in the photo) was bought at a thrift store. I had to go there, so I haven’t had any money coming in for a while. When I’m working, I don’t get paid right away. So I had a lot of used suits that didn’t fit or had stains that couldn’t be removed!”
10 Questions with Domhnall Gleeson:
1. Childhood Nickname: “My mother used to call me ‘Dodo’ and no one else has. I have this strange name spelled DOMHNALL, with an ‘M’ but not pronounced. It’s an unusual looking name. When I was in elementary school there was ‘Donal Orge’, which means ‘Young Domhnall’ because there was an older Domhnall. Only a few people in my life have called me that.” ‘Dodo’, it always makes me feel special. ”
2. Something you loved as a kid but can’t believe you’re into now: Maybe you love Enid Blyton’s books. Maybe I loved them a little too long.
3. Song you go to karaoke with or sing in the shower: “There’s a song by Fontaines DC called ‘What’s Hoarse?’ and it’s been my shower song for a long time.”
4. What is another title for your show? “‘The Investigations of Ned Sampson.'” No, “The Paper” is good. ”
5. What is your secret talent?: “I can put my feet behind my head.”
6. Favorite ice cream flavor: Affogato, a very delicious vanilla with espresso.
7. The one item I can’t live without: “My dad gave me my grandfather’s watch on my wedding day, and I wear it. I mean, I might lose it someday, but I’d rather wear it and remember my grandfather than put it in a drawer and forget about it.”
8. What TV show in history do you wish you were a part of?: “I’m Alan Partridge” It’s the perfect comedy. ”
9. Fictional character you most admire: “Strangely, when I played a serial killer in The Patient with Steve Carell, my wife said that was the happiest time I’ve ever worked. And, strangely, I feel like I identify with him a lot.”
10. Your Favorite Opinion: “One is that the sport of snooker should be bigger than it is in America. And I think people should have a party song. It can be a song that you know and can sing from beginning to end, or it can be a poem. So if you’re in a group and it’s getting late and everyone’s having a good time, you walk around and everyone will do a party song.”
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tunkay, Emily Longeretta and Michael Schneider, who also serves as a producer, is your one-stop destination for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode’s “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talents and creators, discussions and debates about the awards race and industry headlines. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download your podcasts.
