Behind the Scenes: How ‘The Paper’ Secured an Unexpected Guest Star Cameo!

In the fifth episode of The Paper, titled “Scam Alert,” viewers are in for a surprise with the appearance of Josh Holloway, known for his roles in Lost and Yellowstone. He plays himself in a storyline involving a catfishing scam that’s troubling the residents of Toledo. The scammer adopts Holloway’s likeness and even uses Cameo videos to mislead victims, posing as a soldier in Germany looking for help to return home for Thanksgiving.

During a staff meeting, the editor, Ned (Domhnall Gleeson), reveals details about the scam. Esmeralda (Sabrina Impacciatore) sneaks out mid-meeting, only for the team to later discover she’s been scammed too. This turn of events quickly excites Nicole (Ramona Young), who has had a rocky relationship with Esmeralda. When Ned tries to get Esmeralda’s take on her experience, she insists the scammer, “Jarson,” is genuine and truly loves her.

The twist? As Esmeralda shows off a picture of Jarson, everyone realizes he looks exactly like Holloway. Oscar (Oscar Nuñez) is quick to identify him: “Sawyer from Lost!” To lend credibility to the scam, “Jarson” even sends a video message, but it’s clear to everyone but Esmeralda that it’s a setup.

The creators of the show, Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, explained how they chose Holloway. They wanted someone immensely attractive and recognizable. Once they reached out, Holloway was on board quickly, filming just days later. This choice adds humor to the episode, as viewers share in the absurdity of Esmeralda’s predicament.

In a humorous twist, Holloway records a Cameo message for Nicole, clarifying to Esmeralda that he’s not her love interest, “Jarson,” and affectionately mentions his wife. The episode closes with Esmeralda watching Lost where Holloway’s character faces a beating, adding a comic touch that rounds out the story.

This episode highlights a growing concern about online scams. Recent statistics from the Federal Trade Commission reveal that Americans lost over $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, with catfishing being a significant contributor. The fact that people can be tricked into emotional relationships online emphasizes the need for awareness.

The choice of such a recognizable actor like Holloway not only elevates the comedy but also connects the audience with the broader themes of trust and deception in the digital age. Celebrity involvement in everyday issues, like scams, opens a dialogue about how public figures can influence and shape perceptions in society.

In the end, this episode cleverly combines humor with relevant social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Josh Holloway,Peacock,The Paper