Many characters portrayed by
The Office cast are based on the British version of the show. While these characters normally have the same attitude and perceptions as their British counterparts, the roles have been redesigned to better fit the American show. The show is known for its generally large cast size, with many of its actors and actresses known particularly for their
improvisational work.
Main •
Steve Carell as
Michael Scott, Regional Manager of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch. Loosely based on
David Brent, Gervais' character in the British version, Scott is a dim-witted and lonely man, who attempts to win friends as the office comedian, usually making himself look bad in the process. •
Rainn Wilson as
Dwight Schrute, who, based upon
Gareth Keenan, is the office's top-performing sales representative. •
John Krasinski as
Jim Halpert, a sales representative who is co-manager for part of this season, and is based on
Tim Canterbury. •
Jenna Fischer as
Pam Beesly/Halpert, who is based on
Dawn Tinsley, the office's former receptionist who is now part of the sales team. She is shy, but in many cases a cohort with
Jim Halpert, whom she marries and has a baby with. •
B. J. Novak as
Ryan Howard, who had previously left Dunder Mifflin to travel to
Thailand, only to be subsequently re-hired in the fifth season "
Michael Scott Paper Company" story arc. After making enemies with the recently promoted Jim, Ryan is subsequently moved to a closet office. •
Ed Helms as
Andy Bernard, who had appeared regularly since the opening of the
third season, is added to the starring cast from the episode "
Sabre" onwards.
Starring •
Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson, a grumpy salesman. •
Brian Baumgartner as
Kevin Malone, a dim-witted accountant, who is based on Keith Bishop. •
Creed Bratton as Creed Bratton, the office's strange quality assurance officer. •
Kate Flannery as Meredith Palmer, the
promiscuous supplier relations representative. •
Mindy Kaling as
Kelly Kapoor, the pop-culture obsessed customer service representative. •
Ellie Kemper as
Erin Hannon, the receptionist and new love interest of Andy. •
Angela Kinsey as
Angela Martin, a judgemental accountant. •
Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson, the sad-eyed human resources representative. •
Oscar Nunez as
Oscar Martinez, an intelligent accountant, who is also gay. •
Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, the warehouse manager. •
Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Vance, a motherly saleswoman.
Special guest star •
Kathy Bates as Jo Bennet, the CEO of Sabre Industries.
Recurring •
Andy Buckley as
David Wallace, Dunder Mifflin's CFO. •
Linda Purl as Helene Beesly, Pam's mother, who previously appeared in the season two episode "
Sexual Harassment", although the role was recast with Purl, who first appeared in "Niagara", and made two more appearances. •
Bobby Ray Shafer as Bob Vance, Phyllis’ husband, who runs Vance Refrigeration. •
Kelen Coleman as Isabel Poreba, Pam's friend who becomes interested in Dwight. •
Sam Daly as Matt, a warehouse worker that Oscar has a crush on. •
Zach Woods as Gabe Lewis, the director of Sabre sales. •
Nelson Franklin as Nick, the IT guy. •
Amy Pietz as Donna, who is cheating on her husband with Michael. •
Hugh Dane as Hank Tate, the building's security guard.
Notable guests •
Max Carver as Eric, an intern. •
Anna Camp as Penny Beesly, Pam's sister. •
Rick Overton as William Beesly, Pam's father. •
David Costabile as Eric Ward, an investment banker. •
David Koechner as Todd Packer, a rude and offensive traveling salesman, and Michael's best friend. •
Christian Slater as himself, hosting a Sabre welcoming video. ==Reception==