# **Ben Stiller Attempted to Enlist Barack Obama for a Cameo in *Severance***
Ben Stiller, the executive producer and frequent director of the popular Apple TV+ series *Severance*, recently disclosed that he tried to enlist former U.S. President Barack Obama for a cameo in the show’s second season. Although Obama ultimately turned down the invitation, his reply affirmed that he is an admirer of the critically lauded sci-fi drama.
## **Obama’s Reply to the Cameo Proposal**
During a segment on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*, Stiller recounted the tale of how he reached out to Obama through a mutual acquaintance. Rather than contacting him directly, Stiller opted to send an email via Obama’s lawyer. To his astonishment, he received a personal reply from the former president just two days later.
Stiller noted that Obama’s message read:
> *”Hey Ben, big fan of the show, love Season 1, can’t wait for Season 2 … Don’t think I have time in my schedule to make this happen.”*
While Obama declined the offer, his excitement for the series was clear.
## **What Part Would Obama Have Taken?**
Stiller had imagined Obama lending his voice to the animated Lumon building in the *”Lumon is Listening”* video, which featured earlier in Season 2. This role was eventually taken on by another Hollywood legend—Keanu Reeves.
## **Obama Joins a Roster of Celebrity Admirers**
Obama’s fondness for *Severance* isn’t surprising, considering the show’s extensive appeal. The series has risen to become the most-viewed Apple TV+ show so far, attracting a devoted fanbase that includes prominent figures like Keanu Reeves.
As Season 2 continues to expose the show’s dystopian enigmas, even a former U.S. president is keenly following along—just like the rest of us.
### **Watch Ben Stiller Share the Story**
For those curious to hear Stiller narrate the incident, his complete interview on *Jimmy Kimmel Live* can be viewed [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiE1pDsDo70).
