Interview: The Office's Oscar Nunez

Oscar
Nunez might be best known now as Oscar Martinez from the hit TV show The
Office,
but he's been around for awhile. With roles in The Proposal, Curb Your
Enthusiasm, Reno 911, and co-creating and staring in Halfway Home, the
real
Oscar proves his acting talents stretch all boundaries. With the
season
finale of The Office on May 20, Oscar Nunez gives OC Weekly writer Ali Lerman the scoop on
the real
Oscar both on and off screen.

]
OC Weekly (Ali Lerman): How has the gay community responded to Oscar Martinez? 
Oscar Nunez: I don't know about them responding as a whole, but the people I meet are like, “Hey, good job!” You know, he's not crazy acting and he's very responsible. He's the voice of reason. 

Are you like that in real life?  
Oh no! Are you kidding me? I can't add two and two. And he's an accountant! 

How was Steve Carell's breath for that kiss during the “Gay Witch Hunt” episode? 
Oh yeah, he's very professional! Everyone is professional. Everyone is considerate and gargles. 

Ha! So Steve isn't an a-hole like his character? 
He's nothing like Michael Scott, thank god! He's a nice fella. 

What kind of music do you like to listen to when you're filming The Office? 
I just got the new Peter Gabriel CD (Scratch My Back) so that's what I'd be listening to at The Office.  I also just downloaded the Alicia Keys song about New York (“Empire State of Mind”). Do you know that song? 

Ummm yes! You're kind of late on that I think! 
I'm so late! The only reason I got it was because it was on Stephen Colbert's website and I saw him performing it with Alicia. He changed the lyrics a little bit, it's very cool. 

What kind of music would Oscar Martinez listen to? 
He'd listen to the same things I do, but maybe a little poppier.

By the way, what's it like playing a character with the same name? 
I wish I could say it was great, but now when people say “Oscar” I don't know if they know me or they're just people who watch the show.  

Are there any plans for an all-outtakes show? 
I don't know! Every time we get together for an end-of-the-season party they do show a video of outtakes. It's so funny. 

What has been the biggest highlight for you this season?
Oh Kathy Bates! It was fun having her on for a couple of episodes. It was such a treat. It was very cool because her character has two Great Danes and they were on the set to for awhile. 

What's next for The Office? 
I think we have a Monopoly game coming out. 

Betty White or Betty Bush? 
Betty White. Jay-Z and Betty White, them together on SNL was pretty cool. 

Don't miss the season finale of The Office on May 20. NBC is the channel; Thursday at 9:00 to be exact. Set the DVR's, folks!