The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention
Actresses Jackie Debatin and Shira Scott Astrof sat down with me via Zoom before the convention to discuss their upcoming appearance and careers.
Both interviews are below.
Jackie Debatin played “Elizabeth the Stripper”, a recurring character who appeared in three episodes of The Office.
To listen to the interview with Jackie Debatin, click the play button below (or click here to open the audio player in a new tab/window).
Shira Scott Astrof played “Jamie”, Andy’s girlfriend, on The Office.
To listen to the interview with Shira Scott Astrof, click the play button below (or click here to open the audio player in a new tab/window).
Jackie Debatin, Shira Scott Astrof, and many other cast members from The Office will be appearing at The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention.
The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention takes place on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill.
Tickets and more information are available on the convention’s website.
Mike Reflects
The Office is a cultural phenomenon. There’s not really another way to say it.
Very few other shows, let alone prime time half-hour network sitcoms, could spawn a fanbase (or convention) like this.
I actually got into the show later than most, closer to the end of the run than the beginning.
I often tend to get into popular shows late. Probably for the best, as shows I love from inception have a tendency to be cursed with only one season, if that. So I assume I’m sort of jinx.
I don’t remember when I first started watching The Office, but my best guess is 2010 or thereabouts. And, naturally, I enjoyed it as much as everyone else.
I think part of what allows for conventions like this one, with guests like Jackie and Shira and most of the others isn’t just how memorable the stories or characters are, but also how well casted and well acting the roles were.
A lot has to come to together in a show like this for lightning to strike. And The Office had that.
When Steve Carrell left (shortly after I started watching—I told you, I’m a jinx), there was a lot of talk about how he was the show, but that wasn’t fair or accurate.
He was brilliant, sure. There’s no denying that. But they all were.
And that’s what the show so great.