Oscar Nuñez admits he was broke when he landed role that changed his career

Oscar Nuñez has opened up about the humble beginnings that came before he became a familiar face on one of television’s most beloved comedies.

The actor, 67, who played accountant Oscar Martínez on The Office, revealed that he was struggling financially when he landed the role and arrived at the pilot shoot in what he described as a “junk car.”

Speaking to Awards Radar, Nuñez recalled the difficult period before his breakthrough moment.

“When I first got The Office, I was waiting tables and babysitting,” he said. “And I showed up in my junk car to work to do the pilot.”

The role eventually changed the course of his career, turning Nuñez into a recognizable television star and leading to new opportunities, including the upcoming spin-off series The Paper.

Nuñez said joining the new project was an easy decision, especially because it allowed him to return to the style of comedy he enjoys most.

“I like physical comedy. I like all that. I like slapstick,” he explained.

The actor added that he enjoys playing characters who remain calm while being placed in awkward or embarrassing situations.

“I like being put in a position where you’re being embarrassed by someone, but you have to be the cool one or the straight one. And that’s always funny,” he said.

While returning to the world of The Office, Nuñez admitted that sharing the same first name as his character has created some funny moments, especially with his daughter August.

He recalled a time when they were walking together and someone called out “Oscar,” leading his daughter to wonder if people knew her father personally.

Nuñez said she eventually understood that people recognized him from television.

In The Paper, Nuñez joins a new cast featuring Domhnall Gleeson and Alex Edelman, and he said he enjoyed working alongside fresh talent.

“It was nice meeting new people. I loved the cast,” he shared, praising the dedication and passion of his new co-stars.

Nuñez also highlighted Gleeson’s versatility, describing him as an actor who can handle both comedy and drama.

After years of success following his breakout role, Oscar Nuñez continues to bring his unique comedic style to new projects while returning to the world that helped make him a household name.