21 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About ‘The Office’
While The Office has been off the air for a while now, its presence in our culture is still strong. Chances are, you’ve heard a reference to the show recently, or you’ve just been re-watching it over and over on Netflix.
The series, which began in 2005, was based on the British series of the same name, but it quickly took on a life of its own, and lasted an incredible nine seasons.
Here are 21 facts you probably didn’t know about The Office:
1. Phyllis Smith, who plays Phyllis on the series, was a casting associate for The Office, but the creators liked the way she ran lines with those auditioning so much that they created a role just for her. Now it’s hard to imagine the show without her.
2. The footage of Scranton, PA that appears in the opening credits was actually shot by John Krasinski, who plays Jim Halpert, on a research trip.
3. B.J. Novak was the first person hired, and he was brought on as both a writer and a cast member. That began the tradition of hiring writers who would also perform on the show. Mindy Kaling, of course, was hired as a writer-performer as well.
4. Paul Lieberstein, who plays Toby Flenderson, was a writer and producer for the series as well, and served as showrunner from Seasons 5-8.
5. Because John Krasinski had to cut his hair while filming the 2008 film, Leatherheads, he had to wear a wig for much of Season 3.
6. On “Gay Witch Hunt,” Michael was only supposed to keep hugging Oscar. The kiss was improvised by Steve Carell.
Nuñez recalled the scene in an interview, stating: “That particular take he came in really close, and I’m like, “Where is he going with this?” Oh, dear, yes here we go. And then I’m just thinking, “Oh God, nobody laugh so we can use it.” And they didn’t, and it worked perfectly. It was a lot of fun.”
7. Dwight’s cousin, Mose, was played by writer and co-executive producer of The Office, Michael Schur. Since The Office, Schur has gone on to co-create Parks and Recreation (along with Greg Daniels, original showrunner for The Office) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He also created NBC’s The Good Place.
8. The most expensive shot on the series was Jim’s proposal to Pam, which was filmed with an elaborate replica of a rest stop and included some high-tech special effects, rain machines, and a lot of planning.
It was also a last-minute decision for the sound to be left in so the audience could hear the dialogue.
9. The Office wasn’t originally intended for NBC. It was developed with FX or HBO in mind at first, until BBC America began airing the British version. Once that happened, Greg Daniels felt that if the show were on cable, it would be “overshadowed by the original.”
10. Pam’s goodbye to Michael in the airport was really Jenna Fischer’s goodbye to Steve Carell.
Fischer recalled this in an interview: “I remember that the director just said, ‘Jenna, it’s not going to be mic-ed. Just walk up to him and say goodbye to Steve. Just tell Steve how much you’re going to miss him.'”
11. Angela Kinsey, who plays Angela on the show, first auditioned for the role of Pam. While the producers really loved her, they felt she was “a little too feisty for Pam.” Even though that role didn’t work out, Kinsey was called back later for another part in the pilot, and the rest is history.
12. Kate Flannery initially auditioned for the role of Jan, but she didn’t get the part. She was called back later to audition for another part and was told to come in without any make-up. That role was for Meredith Palmer.
13. John Krasinski was originally considered for the role of Dwight, but Krasinski insisted on reading for Jim Halpert instead.
14. Craig Robinson, who plays Darryl on the show, was nearly cast as Pam’s fiance, Roy.
15. James Spader was only supposed to have a cameo on The Office Season 7 Episode 24, “Search Committee,” but they liked him so much they pursued him for a larger role.
16. Though Steve Carell was considered for the role of Michael first, he wasn’t available when it was initially cast. Instead, Bob Odenkirk was cast in the role, but was replaced when Carell’s other project fell through.
17. Other casting possibilities: Actor Seth Rogan was considered for the role of Dwight as well, while both Adam Scott and John Cho were considered for the role of Jim. Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet auditioned to play Kevin.
18. The Office Season 9 Episode 17, “The Farm,” was originally supposed to act as the backdoor pilot for a Dwight spin-off of the same name. Unfortunately, NBC didn’t pick up the new series.
19. Parks and Recreation could have been a spin-off of The Office, except that Rashida Jones was already cast on Parks and Recreation as a different character.
20. Ed Helms was missing for several episodes during Season 9 because he was filming The Hangover Part III.
21. Steve Carell’s return for the series finale was actually kept a secret from the network. During table reads, his lines were given to Creed. How’s that for a surprise?
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.