Mindy Kaling Always Knew Idris Elba Was The Sexiest Man Alive
Kaling celebrated the newly minted Sexiest Man Alive with a throwback to 'The Office' that proved she knew it all along.
When Idris Elba was named People's Sexiest Man Alive, most people went, "finally!" Others, like Mindy Kaling, thought, "duh." In fact, Kaling celebrated Elba's Sexiest Man Alive win with a flackback to The Office that proved she was way ahead of the curve.
On Tuesday, November 6, Kaling posted a clip from a 2009 episode of The Office. In '09, Elba had a guest arc on Season 5 of the NBC hit as Charles Miner, a new boss sent in by corporate to watch over (and then, take over for) Michael Scott (Steve Carell). See where this is going?
"Kelly Kapoor was clearly way ahead of the curve #SexiestManAlive #TheOffice," Kaling wrote, tagging both Elba and Office costar (and one-time romantic rival) Angela Kinsey. In the clip, Kelly and Angela are competing for Elba's attention. They try to one-up each other in the battle for Charles's affections until Kelly literally closes the door on the accountant. The clip lays the groundwork for a brilliant Elba line. After some competitive banter between Kelly and Angela, the camera cuts to the actor in another room where he deadpans, "I'm aware of the effect I have on women."
It's short, it's genius, and it's perfect.
Also, what a wonderful thing that Kaling remembers the series as well as her fans do.
For those who can't recall specific, decades old episodes of The Office, Elba's character sticks around for a short (and pivotal) character arc. His takeover of the Scranton branch is what propels Carell's character to leave Dunder Mifflin. From there, the show gives Pam Beesly more of a backbone, reintroduces the nefarious Ryan Howard, and introduces Kelly "Erin" Hannon, who would remain a lead character for the rest of the series. Charles eventually leaves Scranton as part of a deal the CFO strikes to absorb the Michael Scott Paper Company.
Before that happens, though, viewers witness the best scene between Kelly Kapoor and Charles Miner. Elba's character frequently calls for the receptionist, who (for a time) went by her real first name, Kelly. Kaling's character would rush in at every opportunity, breathlessly asking, "You wanted me?" in the hopes that it would convince him to, you know, want her.
As salesman Jim Halpert observes, it's not her worst plan. It is incredible, and so perfectly Kelly.
Later still — and remember, he was just on a handful of episodes! — Elba's character inspires Angela and Kelly to steal his personal items. When he leaves the office without them, they both panic and *literally* run out into the rain to try to find him and return his "misplaced" things. Wouldn't you, for Idris Elba? Even Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was charmed just looking at him.
Kaling's quick Office TB perfectly captures the love for Elba that society has pretty much always had. He's a uniquely talented actor that's also a musician, a great dad, an enchanting chap, and a handsome AF individual. You have to wonder why he wasn't named Sexiest Man Alive before 2018. Not that anyone's complaining, of course!
So whether you know him from The Office, BBC's Luther, HBO's The Wire, the Thor series, or that one with Kate Winslet that was marketed as "Don't worry, the dog lives!" you *definitely* know and are absolutely in love with Idris Elba — even if you didn't realize it. He is the sexiest man alive in this and any parallel universes.
Congrats to Mindy Kaling for always knowing — and being confident enough to show it off!
