Sara Paxton Reflects on Working with Steve Carell Before His Big Break

Sara Paxton, known for her role in the 2004 teen comedy Sleepover, recently shared her memories of working with Steve Carell before he became a household name. Paxton, now 36, starred in the film alongside Alexa PenaVega, Kallie Flynn Childress, Brie Larson, and Mika Boomer. The movie followed a group of 8th-grade girls whose sleepover turned into a wild scavenger hunt.

In Sleepover, Carell played Sherman Shiner, a bicycle-riding security officer who crossed paths with the girls during their night of adventures. Paxton recalls a scene where Carell improvised some lines, leaving a lasting impression on her.

"I remember opening the door in one scene, and it was him, the security guy. He was riffing and saying really funny things," Paxton told PEOPLE in a recent interview. Even as a teenager, she recognized Carell's talent, saying, "I was like, 'That guy's going places.'"

Carell, now 62, went on to star in the hit TV series The Office and has since earned numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination, Emmy nominations, and a Golden Globe win.

Paxton has also built a successful career in Hollywood. She recently appeared in season 2 of Peacock’s dark comedy Based on a True Story, playing Paige, the Copycat Killer. Speaking about joining the established cast, Paxton shared how welcoming the experience was.

"It felt like starting at a new school, but everyone was so warm and inviting," she said. "I felt nervous at first, but that quickly disappeared."

Both stars have come a long way since Sleepover, proving that talent and hard work can lead to incredible success.