Facts About The Office Cast You Probably Didn’t Know
When The Office first hit the airwaves in 2005, it became an instant hit. Everyone loved the mockumentary-style sitcom and its quirky office-based characters. From Jim and Pam’s sweet romance to Dwight and Michael’s bromance, it had something for fans of all ages. After 9 awe-inspiring seasons, The Office ended in 2013, but the incredible actors who made up the cast have left a lasting impression. Read on to find out some fascinating facts about The Office cast that you probably didn’t know.
John Krasinski
John Krasinski became an instant celebrity when he landed the role of Jim Halpert in The Office. What you may not know is that:
• John Krasinski hasn’t always been an actor. Before trying his luck in Hollywood, he worked as an assistant at a financial services firm.
• He was recommended for the role of Jim Halpert by showrunner Greg Daniels’ daughter, who saw him in a play.
• He had no acting experience before The Office and learned on the job.
• The character of Jim Halpert and John Krasinski’s real-life relationship with Emily Blunt inspired the beloved couple ‘Jim and Pam’.
Jenna Fischer
Jenna Fischer’s star-making performance as Pam Beesly in the show made her a household name. Apart from that, here are some other interesting facts about Jenna:
• Jenna Fischer’s full name is Regina Marie Fischer.
• Before acting, she worked as a waitress and in 2006, she joined her former co-worker, Sandra Nazemi, to open a talent school for kids in Los Angeles called ‘The Little Actors Network’.
• Jenna is the national spokesperson for ‘Mercy for Animals’, a group that works for the welfare of animals.
• Jenna and John Krasinski had such a strong chemistry on-screen that many of their love scenes required just one take.
Steve Carell
No mention of The Office is complete without mentioning Steve Carell, who gained immense recognition and love playing Michael Scott. Here are some lesser-known facts about him:
• Steve Carell was an improvisational comedy performer in ‘The Second City’ in Chicago and ‘The Upright Citizens Brigade’ in New York City.
• He was considering quitting the show after Season 4 but was convinced by the showrunners to stay.
• His favorite episode is the 5th Season’s ‘The Duel’.
• A former writer on the show, Mindy Kaling, had a crush on him during the first two seasons.
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson played Dwight Schrute, the Assistant to the Regional Manager and Michael’s sidekick, in The Office. Rainn’s unique performance certainly stood out and here are some other interesting facts about him:
• Rainn Wilson is an avid animal lover and even launched a charity for animals in 2016 titled ‘Lomi’.
• His son, Walter Stephenson, has autism and Rainn Wilson is a big advocate for autism research.
• Rainn’s parents were both potters and he has a degree in Psychology which comes in useful while he acts.
• Some of his most notable projects besides The Office include ‘Super,’ ‘Backstrom,’ and ‘Six Feet Under.’
B.J. Novak
B.J. Novak played Ryan Howard, the temp-turned-boss on the show, and won the hearts of many fans. Here’s what you may not know about him:
• B.J. Novak was the only cast member to serve as a producer, director, and writer in addition to his onscreen role.
• B.J. Novak wrote one of the best episodes of the show – ‘The Duel’.
• Novak and Kaling, who played Kelly Kapoor, were romantically involved in real life.
• B.J. and Mindy Kaling even wrote a book titled ‘Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)’ in 2011.
Ed Helms
Edward Helms joined the show in the third season as the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Scranton and here’s what you didn’t know about him:
• Ed Helms was once a full-time correspondent on ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.’
• Ed Helms formed an all-comedy rock band called ‘The Lonesome Trio’ and they were nominated for two Grammys in 2019.
• The character of Andy Bernard was originally written as a one-time appearance, but Helms’ performance made the writers and producers extend his role.
• Ed Helms has a law degree which he earned at the University of Georgia.
Leslie David Baker
Leslie David Baker played Stanley Hudson, a grumpy salesman of the paper company, on The Office. Here are a few details about him that you probably didn’t know:
• Leslie David Baker was a schoolteacher before he became an actor
• He spent 5 years working as an investment banker
• His classic ‘Phil Dunphy’ character was inspired by his own father.
• He was so successful on the show that he received 2 Emmy nominations.
Angela Kinsey
Angela Kinsey was not only a fan-favorite on The Office, she also bagged the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy in 2006. In addition to that, here are some other interesting facts about the talented Angela:
• She was once part of an all-girl musical comedy troupe whose other members were all writers from The Office.
• She was much more relaxed on the set than her character Angela Martin, because in real life she was a player for the team ‘Legally Blonde Softball’.
• She was featured as a guest speaker at the famous TED Conference in 2007 in Monterey.
• Angela also voices the character Surly in ‘The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature’.
Brian Baumgartner
Brian Baumgartner played the role of Kevin Malone, a funny accounting employee with a fondness for food. He was one of the most beloved cast members of the show and here’s what you didn’t know about him:
• Before landing his role in ‘The Office’, Brian Baumgartner worked as a bartender in his hometown of Atlanta.
• The actor loves golf so much that he had a golf driving range installed in his house.
• Baumgartner has made a name for himself in the voice acting industry and is well known for voicing characters on ‘American Dad’ and ‘Family Guy’.
• He is the founder of the Atlanta-based golf company, ‘Bluegolf’.
The Office was filled with talented actors and every character was as unique as the other. While each of the characters made their own mark and memories, the cast members each had a different story and experiences of their own. From John Krasinski’s career beginnings to Edward Helms’ law degree, the trivia around The Office cast keeps fascinating us, even 7 years after the show ended. The Office not only made us laugh but it also made us feel; these wonderful actors and the characters they portrayed have left an everlasting impression on us all.
