‘The Office’ Cast and Character Guide (And What They’re Doing Now)
The Office is a mockumentary sitcom that originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013. Developed by Greg Daniels (Parks and Recreation) and based on Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s British series of the same title, the show follows the day-to-day lives of a group of employees at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It’s one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, with new fans being introduced to the series every day.
The Office is currently available to stream on Peacock, with a new season of “superfan episodes” recently dropping on the streaming service. Superfan episodes are extended, unseen cuts of much-loved episodes – meaning long-time fans are once again eager to dive back into the world of Dunder Mifflin. If you need a refresher on who’s who, or you’re lucky enough to be watching The Office for the very first time, below is a helpful guide to the characters and cast members.
Steve Carell as Michael Scott
Michael Scott is the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton. He likes to think of himself as the “World’s Best Boss”, however, if you asked his employees, they’d tell you that that couldn’t be further from the truth. Michael’s number one priority at work is to entertain, but his cringe and over-the-top jokes often fall flat with his reluctant audience. Despite this, Michael thinks of the Dunder Mifflin team as his family, and he loves every single one of them – apart from Toby in HR, who is Michael’s arch-nemesis.
Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute
Dwight Schrute is a sales representative at Dunder Mifflin, and proudly holds the title of Assistant (to the) Regional Manager. Some might say Dwight’s position is fabricated, but he nevertheless takes his role very seriously. He is said to have a “dog-like obedience to authority”, and is a stickler for the rules. Dwight never shies away from calling out his co-worker’s malfeasance, making him very unpopular in the office. He has an ongoing feud with his deskmate Jim and is a combat and martial arts enthusiast.
Dwight Schrute is portrayed by Rainn Wilson. Wilson’s upcoming projects include the comedy-drama movie Inappropriate Behavior, and the animated movie Hitpig. It has also been announced that Wilson will star in and executive produce the pandemic comedy Code 3.
John Krasinski as Jim Halpert
Jim Halpert is a sales representative at Dunder Mifflin, but unlike his deskmate Dwight, he has no passion for the job. He is often bored at work and passes the time playing elaborate pranks on Dwight and chatting with receptionist Pam, whom he has a crush on. Jim is one of the more sensible members of the Dunder Mifflin team and is often seen giving one of his trademark deadpan looks to the camera when his co-workers do something ridiculous.
Jim Halpert is portrayed by John Krasinski, who has taken Hollywood by storm since his time on The Office, creating and starring in many well-known movies. His upcoming projects include IF and Apartment 7A, and he has had a major starring role as the title character in the Prime Video political thriller series Jack Ryan. Krasinski has also made a name for himself behind the camera, having directed, co-written, and starred in the 2018 sci-fi horror film A Quiet Place, which has since spawned its own franchise.
Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly
Pam Beesly is the office receptionist. When we first meet Pam, we learn that she is engaged to her high school sweetheart Roy, a warehouse worker at Dunder Mifflin. The two are in somewhat of a stale relationship and have been engaged for many years with no wedding date in sight. Pam is meek and kind and is a talented artist. She spends her days at work chatting with her best friend Jim and trying to keep her boss Michael out of trouble.
Pam Beesly is portrayed by Jenna Fischer. Fischer currently hosts the Office Ladies podcast with friend and Office co-star Angela Kinsey. In her most recent television role, Fischer starred as Lena in ABC’s Splitting Up Together.
B. J. Novak as Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard is initially a temporary employee at Dunder Mifflin, thus earning him the nickname “Temp”. Ryan lives in fear of becoming “one of the guys” at the office, preferring to keep his head down and interact with his co-workers as little as possible. He has a quietly sarcastic nature, is very immature, and is understandably dissatisfied with his job.
Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson
Stanley Hudson is a senior sales representative at Dunder Mifflin. When he’s not fantasizing about his not-so-distant retirement, Stanley spends his days in the office solving crossword puzzles and dozing. He has no time for anyone’s nonsense and is often seen leaving the room in exasperation when Michael’s staff meetings get a little too ridiculous for his liking.
Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Lapin
Phyllis Lapin is a senior sales representative at Dunder Mifflin and is also a member of the office’s Party Planning Committee, where she is treated badly by the head of the committee, Angela. Phyllis is initially somewhat shy and reserved. Michael refers to her as the “grandmother” figure of the group – although they were in the same class at the local high school.
Phyllis Lapin is portrayed by Phyllis Smith. Following The Office’s conclusion, Smith was a main character in the Netflix mystery drama The OA and appeared in the comedy movie Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar in 2021.
