Dunder Mifflin may not have been the flashiest workplace, but it sure attracted some A-list talent. While Michael Scott’s antics and Jim and Pam‘s will-they-won’t-they romance stole the show, there were a bunch of surprise celebrity appearances on ‘The Office‘ that might have slipped your mind.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most unexpected guest stars on ‘The Office.’
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1. Stephen Colbert (Season 9, ’Here Comes Treble’)
Before he graced our screens with his signature wit on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert donned a Cornell blazer to play Broccoli Rob, Andy Bernard’s former acapella buddy. Additionally, Rob’s smug demeanor and his boastful tales of a cappella success perfectly encapsulate the kind of character Colbert excels at portraying.
You can practically hear him sneering as he throws shade at Andy’s musical abilities. It was a masterclass in comedic timing by Colbert, perfectly capturing the kind of character who thrives on self-importance and thrives on diminishing others.
2. Will Ferrell (Season 7, ‘The Seminar’)
Will Ferrell already made a guest appearance on The Office! He played Deangelo Vickers, who replaced Michael Scott as the branch manager for a short stint in Season 7.
Deangelo’s character was quirky and somewhat incompetent, known for his love of juggling and Southwest Airlines. However, his arrival wasn’t well-received by fans, as it felt like a jarring shift from the established dynamic of the show.
3. Idris Elba (Seasons 5 & 6)
Before he was Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or even Luther, Idris Elba appeared in the office for a few episodes as the serious and no-nonsense Charles Miner, the Vice President from Wallace Corp. Elba’s portrayal is a stark contrast to Michael’s buffoonery.
Charles is all sharp suits, steely stares, and a complete lack of tolerance for Michael’s antics. Moreover, their interactions are pure comedic gold, with Michael clearly intimidated by Charles’s professionalism (and perhaps a little jealous of his undeniable charisma).
4. Amy Adams (Season 4, ‘Dundee Mifflin Infinity’)
It’s hard to imagine Amy Adams as anything other than Lois Lane or a Disney princess these days. However, back in Season 4, she played Katy, a rival salesperson from a nearby branch.
Additionally, her self-assured demeanor and drive to win went head to head with Pam’s more shy disposition. This episode also hints at Pam’s own latent desire to be an artist as she connects with Katy over graphic design.
5. Rainn Wilson (Season 4, ‘Dunder Mifflin Infinity’)
This one might be a bit of a stretch. However, it’s still very intriguing. Rainn Wilson who of course is known for the character Dwight Schrute actually tried out for the role of Dwight Schrute’s rival Jim Halpert.
Although John Krasinski got the role in the series, one can only imagine what the chemistry between Rainn and Steve Carebell would be like if the latter had the role. There is no doubt that Krasinski absolutely nailed the part. However, Rain as Jim also sounds promising.
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6. Ricky Gervais (Season 2, ‘Diversity Day’)
‘The Office’ cannot be imagined without the British version created by and starring Ricky Gervais. Therefore, it only made sense that he had a cameo in the American version of the show as well. Gervais portrayed the character of David Brent, the tactless and politically incorrect manager of the Wernham Hogg paper company.
Watching Michael and David interact is a hilarious exercise in comparing awkwardness on an international scale. It’s clear that Michael aspires to be at David’s level of (delusional) leadership. However, thankfully, it lacks the social graces to pull it off quite as smoothly.
7. Jim Carrey (Season 7, ‘Search Committee’)
The unattainable dream of finding a suitable branch manager for the new branch received a comical twist when Jim Carrey appeared as an unnamed candidate in the interview process.
Carrey’s typical fervent performance is captured to the core as he provides an impromptu tour guide of the Finger Lakes leaving the rest of the committee look utterly perplexed. Additionally, it is a brief but memorable performance.
8. Warren Buffett (Season 6, ’The Banker’)
The world of finance meets the world of paper when billionaire investor Warren Buffett makes a surprise appearance. Buffett portrays himself, offering his wisdom (and a hefty check) to keep Dunder Mifflin Scranton afloat. Seeing the Oracle of Omaha share a scene with Michael Scott was let’s just say hilarious!
Michael continues to act like the salesman who came to get a big investment from the man. However, Buffett does not react to this and gives his piece of advice with a touch of humor. Even CEOs are not immune to the hilarity that goes on in the office of Dunder Mifflin.
9. Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba might have joined ‘The Office‘ as a stunning UPS delivery lady, whom Dwight has a crush on. Dwight, as suave as he is socially inept (or perhaps because of it), tries to woo her by using beet imagery. However, the delivery person is not explicitly stated to be Alba.
It’s a fun fan theory or a way to imagine the scene with a specific actress, but there’s no confirmation within the show itself. The focus of the scene is on Dwight’s awkwardness, not the identity of the delivery person. Additionally, in the scene, Dwight’s social awkwardness especially with females comes into play adding to the hilariousness of the whole situation.
10. Steve Carell (Season 2, ‘The Dundies’)
Only those who paid attention to the details will understand and appreciate this cameo. Steve Carell was actually on ‘The Office’ before he was Michael Scott, he played the role of Brick Tamland, a television weatherman from a competing station.
Brick’s speaking in a monotonous and making silly statements are some of the things viewers would later see in Michael. Additionally, the only problem is that it’s hidden so well. It’s a neat little easter egg for fans who know where to look.
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