The Most Memorable Guest Stars On ‘The Office’

By Brent Furdyk. 24 Mar 2020 5:19 PM

March 24, 2020 marks 15 years to the day that “The Office” made its premiere in North America, and the show continues to be a cultural touchstone that continues to be discovered by new generations of fans. In celebration of this milestone, take a look back at some of the many guest stars to enter the doors of Dunder Mifflin over the course of the series’ nine-season run.

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Will Ferrell
NBC Universal
The "SNL" alum stepped in for star Steve Carell when Michael Scott made a brief attempt at moving to Colorado. Ferrell's character, Deangelo Vickers, became the new manager of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch for four episodes. In addition to having a peanut allergy, Deangelo also fancied himself a juggler — of invisible balls. An unfortunate basketball accident sent him to the hospital and, after one bizarre reappearance he was never seen again.
Rashida Jones
NBCUniversal
Rashida Jones joined the Dunder Mifflin staff in the show's third season. She wound up becoming a love interest for Jim and a potential stumbling block in the Jim-Pam relationship storyline. Her character moved on at the end of the season when Jones was cast in "Parks and Recreation".
Kevin McHale
NBCUniversal
Before his breakout role in "Glee", Kevin McHale guest-starred in season four as a pizza delivery driver who's taken hostage by a deranged Michael Scott episode "Launch Party", portraying a pizza delivery boy who is taken hostage by Michael Scott when he refuses to let the kid leave his office until he offers a 10-per-cent-off coupon.
Amy Ryan
NBCUniversal
Amy Ryan appeared in a six-episode arc in season four, playing Dunder Miffling HR rep Holly Flax, who inexplicably fell in love with Michael. She reprised the role in seasons five and seven.
Timothy Olyphant
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"Deadwood"/"Justified" star Timothy Olyphant guest-starred for two episodes in season seven as Danny Cordray, a travelling salesman for a rival paper company who stole one of Dunder Mifflin's biggest clients.
Tim Meadows
NBCUniversal
"SNL" alum Tim Meadows guest starred as a potential Dunder Mifflin client whom Michael wines and dines at a Scranton Chili's — where they memorably duet on the chain's baby-back ribs jingle.
Amy Adams
NBCUniversal
Amy Adams appeared in the first season of "The Office" as a handbag salesperson who both Michael and Dwight attempt to woo. Naturally, she winds up with Jim. The character appears in the second season, as Jim's date in the infamous "Booze Cruise" episode.
Kathy Bates
Chris Haston/NBC
In season six, Dunder Mifflin was purchased by the Sabre printer company, introducing Kathy Bates as Sabre's eccentric CEO. "You don't become the most powerful woman in Tallahassee by slacking off," Jo tells the staff. "You do it by working hard. Or marrying rich. I did both!"
James Spader
NBC Universal
After Steve Carell's exit from the show in season seven, James Spader brought some star power as Robert California, appointed by Jo Bennett as Sabre's new CEO. While Jim admits thar Robert creeps him out, he also added, "I think he might be a genius."
Josh Groban - The Office
NBCUniversal
Josh Groban guest-starred in season eight, playing the younger brother of Andy Bernard (Ed Helms), Walter Jr. In his first appearance, Walter Jr. was the apple of his parents' eye, much to Andy's dismay. The character's next appearance, the following season, saw the tide turn as Walter Jr. had become a drunk after his parents' money runs out.
Christian Slater
NBC
In a very brief cameo, Christian Slater played himself in a Sabre PSA that aired in the Dunder Mifflin Scranton office. Fun fact: John Krasinski, who directed the episode, was acquainted with Slater and reached out to his agent.
Ricky Gervais
NBC
It was only fitting that Ricky Gervais — who created and starred in the U.K. series upon which NBC's "The Office" was based — make an appearance. He reprised his character, David Brent, who bumps into Michael Scott while in Dunder Mifflin's building.
Idris Elba

The "Luther" star appeared in a six-episode story arc as Charles Miner, Dunder Mifflin's new VP of the northeast region, who swooped in and shut down all of Michael's various time-wasting activities. Michael then left and started the Michael Scott Paper Company, successfully stealing so many clients that Dunder Mifflin CFO David Wallace offered to buy out the company and give Michael his old job back. Michael got his revenge when he had Charles escorted from the office.
Joan Cusack
NBC
Joan Cusack guest starred as Erin's biological mom, while Ed Begley Jr. played her biological father.
Will Arnett
NBC
Will Arnett was one of many guest stars to appear in the season finale, vying for the job of Dunder Mifflin's regional manager in Scranton. He played applicant Fred Henry, who couldn't remember the name of the company he was interviewing with.
The Office
NBC
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett played an unnamed character who was also seeking the regional manager position.
Jim Carrey
NBC
Jim Carrey played another applicant for the position, known as "Finger Lakes Guy." He tells the camera crew that he left his family to drive down to Scranton for the interview, but needed to return quickly before they get worried, since "people disappear in the Finger Lakes."
Ray Romano

Ray Romano made a brief cameo in the series finale as Ray Bronte, another applicant for the regional manager job. Merv botches his interview after he bumps into fellow candidate Robert California (James Spader), who disparages Dunder-Mifflin in hopes of getting him to abandon the interview.

The Most Memorable Guest Stars On ‘The Office’

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