An Ode To Steve
You know him, you love him, our very own Steve Carell. With his widening acting portfolio and irrevocable stage presence, he made his way onto the big screen and into our hearts. Whether that be as the World's Best Boss in The Office or the world's best father in Beautiful Boy (2018), he runs a captivating performance that leaves you wondering if it was a performance at all. Pure talent meets its match with his hilarious charisma and wit. Both on and off screen, Mr. Carrel gives the world a character to hold in great esteem.
Born in 1962 in Concord, Massachusetts, his northern roots took him to university in Ohio, where he graduated. Later, he joined The Second City troupe in Chicago, where he taught an improv comedy class. That's the thing with Steve; his fabric is innately stitched with "off-the-top" laughs. Some folks have it, and some don't. He certainly does.
Though he is known for much more renowned acts, he transcended to the big screen in 1991 as Tesio in Curly Sue (1991). He didn't make his way to the UK original The Office until 2005, which eventually gained a viewership of 22 million people. Jim and Dwight fans, please see your way out; Michael carried this—you know it, and so do I.
Aside from his television success, he was the leading man in the 2005 box-office hit The 40-Year-Old-Virgin, a convincing performance indeed. In 2011 he co-starred alongside Ryan Gosling in Crazy, Stupid, Love, where he shows us that even through midlife crises, love can still prevail. True love, that is. Nothing short of a roller coaster, he takes us through the complex emotions that come with marriage and relationships. Trials and tribulations to multiple degrees.
His father figure roles continue, gaining him a great audience who were able to appreciate his broadened acting portfolio, giving fans more Steve facets to enjoy and appreciate. As the voice of Gru in Despicable Me (2010), he fathers Margo, Edith, and Agnes. He shows us not only insane voice talent, offering more to his range, but also a softer and more empathetic side. While he played an animated character, Steve still bled through the screen with seamless talent.
In Beautiful Boy, he gave us a heart-wrenching performance standing against drug addiction—from the hardest perspective, which was that of a father. We saw Steve in a more serious, stern, but loving role that, personally, changed the way I viewed him as an actor.
To display such a sensitive subject and evoke emotion from a viewer that extends past his usual joy and laughter—pure talent, I say!
He is an actor who deserves every ounce of praise because it is for nothing other than his insane acting capabilities.
Steve, if you ever read this, know this is an ode to you.
Strike Out,
Rosemary Aziz
Boca Raton
Rosemary Aziz is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. A health and wellness junkie who finds leisure in writing, all things coffee, and observing the human condition– but people-watching is better with friends. Or in her next article. You can reach her by email at r.m.aziz0204@gmail.com or on Instagram @rosemary.aziz.
