Craig Robinson in ‘Mr. Robot’ and 14 Other Actors Who Have Played Against Type
The most surprising thing about the carefully-guarded Season 2 premiere of USA’s cult hit, Mr. Robot, aren’t any of the twists and turns of its labyrinthine plot. No, what will really catch you off guard is seeing funnyman Craig Robinson out of the Scranton, PA paper warehouse he occupied for nine seasons on The Office and taking up residence in Mr. Robot’s paranoia-laden version of New York City.
Related: Ken Tucker Reviews ‘Mr. Robot’ Season 2: Elliot Reboots Himself
The actor and comedian appears in the second half of tonight’s two-hour premiere as Ray, a neighbor of the show’s unstable hacker hero, Elliot (Rami Malek), who tries to get the jittery young man to adjust to his new surroundings. Robinson may be an unexpected addition to Mr. Robot’s universe, but remember that this is a show whose general M.O. is to defy expectations. And Mr. Robot isn’t the first series to take a big risk by placing a familiar performer in an unfamiliar milieu. Here are some past examples of actors popping up in shows and/or roles where you’d least expect to see them.
Mr. Robot airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on USA.