Playing an iconic character on primetime television is a dream for actors. But Rainn Wilson revealed he was not paid enough on The Office and was unhappy most of the time, despite how popular his character had become.
From 2005 to 2013, Wilson played Dwight Schrute on the hit sitcom The Office. The show launched the careers of many of the actors, including that of Wilson. And while he was initially happy to no longer be a struggling actor, having secured a spot on one of the hottest shows to hit primetime in years, that happiness did not last long.
Wilson was unsatisfied with the trajectory of his career and the money he was making. This caused him to grow more and more unhappy as the years passed by. Instead of being grateful for the large salary he was receiving from The Office, Wilson wanted more. And it was because of this that Wilson spent many years on The Office in a poor state of mind.
How Much Rainn Wilson Thought He Should Be Making
During the first three years on The Office, it was reported that Wilson was making $20,000 per episode. Not bad for an actor who was previously working but not consistently. As the show gained popularity, Wilson made $100,000 per episode. This amount dramatically changed the net worth of not only Wilson but his castmates as well. But Wilson thought he should be making more, which contributed to his discontent on the series.
"When I was on The Office, I was clutching and grasping at, okay, I was making hundreds of thousands," Wilson explained. "I wanted millions, and I was a TV star, but I wanted to be a movie star."
Those hundreds of thousands eventually help Wilson amass a $14 million fortune. But because Wilson always wanted more, there was no being satisfied with where he was during those eight years on a hit show. And as a result, he grew increasingly more unhappy while on The Office.
Why Rainn Wilson Was Not Happy On 'The Office'
Outside of the fact that Wilson wanted to be making more money, he also struggled with watching his co-stars like Steve Carrel and John Krasinski go on to ink big and small screen roles during the hiatus of The Office. And as the years went on when the same was not offered to Wilson, he was decidedly unhappy with where his professional life was heading despite being on a hit television show.
"When I was in The Office, I spent several years really mostly unhappy because it wasn't enough," Wilson explained. "I’m realizing I’m on a hit show, Emmy nominated every year, making lots of money, working with Steve Carell and Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski and these amazing writers and incredible directors like Paul Feig. I’m on one of the great TV shows. People love it."
Wilson went on to say, "I wasn’t enjoying it. I was thinking about, 'Why am I not a movie star? Why am I not the next Jack Black or the next Will Ferrell? How come I can’t have a movie career? Why don’t I have this development deal?'"
As unhappy as Wilson was during this time, he has since come to see his time on The Office in a positive light. All thanks to the pandemic.
Why Rainn Wilson Appreciates 'The Office' Now
Though he may not have been happy during his time on The Office, Wilson has since come around to understand just how lucky he was to be part of such a special show. This came to light during the pandemic when fans were commenting that they were using the show to find some levity during a time that was so dark.
"One thing that's been really gratifying for me is during this really dark time, I've heard from so many people that they've really appreciated having The Office there," Wilson explained to Variety. "That it has a warmth and humanity to it, kind of a family feel that makes it a special thing and that's helped them during this time, and even helped their mental health."
While Wilson did not get all he thought he wanted while starring on The Office, he got exactly what he needed. And while he cannot turn back time to be appreciative in the moment of what he had, Wilson has the ability to be grateful now, which he certainly is.
