Honestly, the way people talk about sitcom guest stars usually feels like a checklist. You get the A-lister, they do a bit, everyone claps, and we move on. But Will Forte 30 Rock appearances weren't just "guest spots." They were tactical strikes of pure, unadulterated weirdness that somehow managed to ground the show's most unhinged character, Jenna Maroney.
If you’re a casual fan, you probably remember him as Paul L'Astnamé. You know, the cross-dressing Jenna impersonator who turned a joke about vanity into the most functional relationship on the entire show. But die-hards know the truth. Before he was Paul, he was Tomas. And if you weren't paying attention during Season 1, you missed the birth of a legend.
The "Who Is This Guy?" Era: Tomas the Butler
The first time we see Will Forte on the set of 30 Rock isn't in a wig and heels. It’s in Season 1, Episode 12, titled "Black Tie." He plays Tomas, the deadpan, slightly terrified assistant to Prince Gerhardt Hapsburg (the guy with the tiny hand played by Paul Reubens).
It’s a tiny role. Basically a glorified background gag. But Forte brings this weird, jittery energy to a character who has to keep a centuries-old, inbred royal alive with nothing but a syringe and sheer willpower.
Most shows would never bring a guy back after a specific bit like that. Tina Fey isn't most showrunners. She saw the potential for more. Or maybe she just liked seeing how much paint and latex Forte was willing to put on his face for a paycheck.
Paul L'Astnamé: The Only Man Who Could Tame Jenna Maroney
Fast forward to Season 4. Jenna Maroney is a black hole of need. She’s dating a "normal" guy or spiraling out of control, and then enters Paul L'Astnamé.
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Basically, the premise is ridiculous: Jenna falls for a man who makes his living pretending to be her in a drag show. It’s the ultimate narcissistic endgame. If Jenna loves anyone, it has to be herself, right?
But here’s the thing—it actually worked.
- The Meeting: They met at a Jenna Maroney lookalike contest. Jenna came in fourth. Paul won.
- The Dynamics: They didn't just date; they "normalized." Remember the episode where they tried to do "normal" things like shop at Bed Bath & Beyond just to see if they could handle the boredom? It was more scandalous to them than their usual kinky roleplay.
- The Commitment: Will Forte didn't play Paul as a caricature. He played him as a man deeply, truly in love with a monster.
There’s a wild sincerity in the way Paul calls Jenna a "delicious whore." It’s weirdly sweet. In a show where Liz Lemon's boyfriends were constantly fleeing her lifestyle, Paul was the only one who looked at the chaos and said, "Yeah, I want to be buried head-to-pelvis with that."
Why the "Wool" Storyline Still Divides Fans
You can't talk about Will Forte in 30 Rock without mentioning the "Wool" council. It’s one of those Season 6 plots that people either love or think signaled the show was jumping the shark.
Jenna and Paul decide to become "Sitter-outers" for the Summer Games, which leads to a bizarre sponsorship with the Wool Council. We’re talking a boardroom full of people in sheep masks. It’s David Lynch-level stuff.
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Some fans felt it pushed Jenna too far into "cartoon" territory. Honestly? I disagree. 30 Rock was always a live-action cartoon. Adding Forte’s brand of high-commitment absurdity was just fueling the fire. He has this "superpower" of commitment—something Mike Schur once pointed out about Forte's SNL auditions—where he will do the most humiliating thing possible with 100% seriousness. That’s what Paul needed to be.
A Quick Note on the Live Episodes
Forte showed up for the live episodes too. In "Live from Studio 6H," he’s right there in the mix. It’s a testament to how much the cast trusted him. You don't bring just anyone into a live broadcast where the timing is that tight unless they’re a pro.
The Weird Connection: Is Tomas Paul?
There’s a fun fan theory that floats around Reddit every few months. Some people think Tomas the Butler eventually snapped after Prince Gerhardt died, moved to New York, changed his name to Paul L'Astnamé, and started the drag circuit.
Is it true? Probably not. 30 Rock loved reusing actors (shoutout to Rachel Dratch playing about 15 different people). But it’s a fun way to look at Forte’s evolution on the show. He went from the guy holding the tray to the guy becoming the star.
Final Take: The Legacy of Paul and Jenna
Looking back, Paul and Jenna were probably the healthiest couple on the show. Think about it.
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- They were honest about their needs.
- They supported each other's careers (even if Paul's career was mocking Jenna).
- They grew together.
By the series finale, they’re married. It’s a happy ending for two people who probably shouldn't be allowed near the general public. Will Forte took what could have been a one-off joke and turned it into the emotional heart of Jenna's entire arc.
If you're looking to revisit the best of Will Forte 30 Rock moments, start with the episode "Argus" in Season 4. It's the perfect introduction to the Paul saga. From there, watch "Christmas Attack Zone" just to see them dressed as two black swans. It’s peak television.
To really appreciate the craft, pay attention to Forte’s facial expressions when he’s not talking. The guy is a silent film actor trapped in a modern sitcom.
Next Steps for the 30 Rock Fan
- Watch the "Wool" episode (Season 6, Episode 16): Even if you hate it, the visual of the sheep council is something you can't unsee.
- Compare Tomas vs. Paul: Pull up "Black Tie" (S1E12) and "Argus" (S4E19) back-to-back. The range is actually impressive.
- Track the cameos: See if you can spot other SNL alums like Fred Armisen or Chris Parnell who, like Forte, became essential to the show's DNA.