As part of the cast of NBC’s The Office, Kate Flannery plays the role of Dunder Mifflin employee Meredith Palmer. She has likewise been seen in such television shows as The Bernie Mac Show, Boomtown and Curb Your Enthusiasm. In the meantime, Flannery’s comedy may also be enjoyed via her lounge act, The Lampshades.

Kate Flannery recently participated in a brief Q&A with me, answering five questions regarding The Office. Following a hiatus due to the Writers Guild of America strike, the series will return with new episodes starting this Thursday, April 10, at 9/8c on NBC.

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Josh Armstrong: How did you become involved with The Office?

Kate Flannery: I auditioned for the part of Jan first. They obviously went a very different way. I didn’t do the pilot. That was in February.

Then, around Labor Day, I got a call to audition for another part that became Meredith. They told me not to wear any makeup. When I got to the audition, I saw a few actress friends who were working way more than I was at the time. I thought to myself, ‘They’re going to book this, not me.’ Later that day, I got a call to go to read it one more time at a different location. By the time I drove home, I found out I got the job.

JA: How did you approach playing Meredith Palmer, as far as deciding what mannerisms or characteristics she should have?

KF: I know a few Meredith’s. The family bar, being Irish and all, I know some working women who make drinking a priority. It is a Meredith attitude I put on that puts the character in my body.

JA: How do you feel Meredith has evolved over the course of the series?

KF: I love the Meredith secrets that have been revealed. She says less than the other characters, but she leaves a strong impression. I love that!

JA: Which season of The Office is your favorite thus far?

KF: Do I have to pick?! I can’t pick. I loved season two maybe the most - and not just because I was topless twice.

JA: Where do you see the series possibly heading in future episodes?

KF: I see more episodes per season. NBC will have ‘Office-vision’ - all Office, all the time!

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Kate Flannery may be seen on The Office, airing Thursdays, at 9/8c on NBC, and Tuesdays, at 10/9c on TBS.