Alumni News
GSSM Graduate Cast in “The Office” Spinoff
July 8, 2008
Aziz Ansari, a 2000 graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM), recently was selected as the first cast hire for a spinoff of NBC’s “The Office,” set to premiere this winter on Thursdays at 9:30 p.m.
Ansari has sealed a one-year talent hold with Universal Media Studios as part of his deal to join the cast, the studio confirmed.
“We met him pretty early on and thought he was very funny,” said executive producer Greg Daniels. “We loved his work in 'Human Giant,' which I'm a huge fan of, and we have a good character for him.”
Beyond that, the network, studio and producers continue to keep the new show under wraps and won't yet comment on show specifics. Still, it's looking more likely that the show may not be a spinoff in the traditional sense.
The new show has already started putting together a writing team, including “Everybody Loves Raymond” alum Tucker Cawley, “Late Night With Conan O'Brien” vet Dan Goor and “South Park” scribe Alan Yang.
A rising star on the standup circuit, Ansari has earned raves, including best standup at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival, for his irony-laced takes on life.
Ansari, originally from Bennettsville, graduated from New York University in 2004.
For more information on the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, please contact Jacqulyne Pouncey at the GSSM Foundation.
