Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson has performed in many roles and his latest, to be seen on the NBC screening network Peacock, has him as a newspaper editor, a job that itself can involve a bit of acting. Below is a report on Gleeson's adoption of the role by Darcie Zudell.
When the production team of “The Paper” first reached out to Toledo, Ohio-born journalist Riley Runnells, she had no idea what was next.
The initial message made no mention of Peacock or NBC, nor did it hint at the connection to creative minds behind the hit American TV show “The Office.” Runnells — then editor of Toledo City Paper — was surprised when renowned Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson showed up, seeking her advice.
Gleeson sought out Runnells and other journalists to research his new role as editor on the TV show “The Paper,” a spinoff of “The Office.”
Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson sought advice from newspaper editor Riley Runnells.
Gleeson, best known for his roles in Harry Potter and sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, wanted insights on the struggling newspaper business and the American Midwest.
The show is a mockumentary, combining comedy with serious commentary on challenges facing journalism in general and newspapers in particular.
It is set in Toledo, Ohio, which endured loss of population and manufacturing jobs after the industrial peak in the 1960s and 1970s. Located 60 miles/nearly 100 km south of Detroit, Toledo is nicknamed “The Glass City” for its historic role in glass manufacturing.
Past stars of TV and media came from Toledo: Jamie Farr, Danny Thomas, and Gloria Steinem. Gleeson plays a young, inexperienced editor named Ned Sampson at fictional newspaper “Toledo Truth Teller.”
To learn more about newspapers and the American Midwest, Gleeson spent a day with Runnells in 2024. She was editor of Toledo City Paper for two years and now works for a business group trying to attract and retain young professionals in Toledo.
Runnells graduated in 2022 from Ohio University with a journalism degree and experience at student publications. When “The Paper” began streaming in September, Gleeson’s character (Ned the editor) said he went to Ohio University and — like Runnells — worked for the student newspaper.
Runnells told Gleeson that journalists are passionate about their roles as storytellers and truth seekers, despite declining print subscriptions.
“I talked a lot about how, especially if you’re working in a smaller market, you’re not in it for the money or for fame,” Runnells says. Gleeson asked Runnells about newsroom dynamics, her college training, and her appreciation for hometown Toledo.
“I worked really hard to explain to (Gleeson) that I love my city so much, and that is a huge reason why I’m invested in local journalism,” Runnells says.
“Not just because of the principle of local journalism, which is a huge part of it for me, but because I don’t think there are enough people who dedicate their lives to getting the word out to their own community.”
Editor Gleeson rallying his troops. Photo by Aaron Epstein/Peacock.
The show pokes fun of Toledo and newspaper journalism.
But Runnells is impressed by Gleeson’s portrayal of a struggling editor. “I think they’re doing a really good job of finding ways to pay homage to the history of journalism and why it’s important to preserve that history and uphold it today,”
Runnells says. After watching “The Paper,” Runnells sees in Gleeson’s character the ambition and sense of duty that also define many local reporters.
“The Paper” has been renewed for a second season in 2026. In Toledo, Runnells looks back on the hours she spent with Gleeson as one of the most surreal and meaningful experiences of her young career.
She can’t quite grasp that her words may have shaped a character now seen by global audiences.
“Even if I did, I’ll never bring myself to admit that because that is just bonkers to me,” Runnells says.
“It just doesn’t make sense to my brain that I would be able to have a conversation with (Gleeson) and help to influence a show about journalism.
It makes my heart want to explode.”
Darcie Zudell grew up in Vermilion, Ohio. She is a senior at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University where she was editor-in-chief of Backdrop, a student-led lifestyle and culture magazine. Darcie is currently living in Washington, DC, interning at Wild Side Media.
