Jenna Fischer Says Steve Carrell Didn’t Want To Return For ‘The Office’ Finale

Actress Jenna Fischer recently revealed that cast members from The Office worked overtime to ensure Steve Carrell’s surprise appearance in the final episode.

The Office ended in 2013 after its ninth season. Carrell portrayed Michael Scott, the show’s main character, for seven years.

Fischer, who portrayed the receptionist Pam, revealed details from planning the finale.

Fischer remembered Carrell’s surprise final appearance in the Oct. 30 episode of the Office Ladies podcast, which Fischer hosts alongside her former Office co-star Angela Kinsey (who played Martin in the show). 

“Well, it was [series creator Greg Daniels’] idea to have Steve come back. He had wanted that for a very long time, and he asked him pretty early in season 9,” she explained.

Fischer went on, “But Steve was reluctant. He felt like Michael’s story had really really ended. He didn’t want to reopen it, and he did not want to come back after two years and have this finale episode be about him.”

Ultimately, it was agreed that it was only realistic for Carrell’s character to make an effort to attend an important event with the rest of the characters. “It was a creative reason that was supported by history, you know,” Fischer said.

Fischer also noted that a lot of effort went into keeping Carell’s appearance a secret, adding that it was “really epic to pull off.” The majority of cast members, including Kinsey, were not informed of Carrell’s return.

Fischer told Kinsey, “It was really hard not to tell you … and you did not find out until he showed up on set that day.” 

Kinsey remembered her surprise when she saw Carrell on set again. “The set PA turned to me and said, ‘Steve is here.’… I said, ‘What?’ And I opened the door, and there he was — he was sitting in hair and makeup.”

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