Mindy Kaling: 'Ferrell is naturally funny'

Mindy Kaling has praised Office guest star Will Ferrell for his ability to be effortlessly funny.

While being interviewed on The Late Show with David Letterman, the star, who portrays self-obsessed Kelly Kapoor on the NBC sitcom, insisted that Ferrell never has to struggle to make others laugh.

"Will Ferrell is one of those people who is funny even when he's not talking," Kaling said.

She added: "I feel bad for him a little bit because I had to do scenes with him… I was just like [telling myself], 'Look at his ear, don't make eye-contact with him' and I would have to think about sad things so I wouldn't laugh."

Kaling went on to suggest that the cast and crew of The Office were thankful that the Anchorman star agreed to guest star in a four-episode story arc as part of Steve Carell's exit from the NBC series.

"He's amazing," she beamed. "We were so lucky to have [had] him on the show. He [even] did an episode after Steve left so it was really fun."

Earlier this week, Kaling's co-star John Krasinski explained that he was also pleased to have been able to work with Ferrell.

The Office returns with new episode 'Garage Sale' on March 24 on NBC.