Introduction
In March 2005, a quirky new show about a paper company called Dunder Mifflin hit the airwaves. Little did viewers know that this seemingly simple premise would evolve into one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. "The Office" not only captured the hearts of millions but also sparked a friendship that would last long after the cameras stopped rolling.
"The Office BFFs" by Jenna Fischer offers an insider's look at the making of this iconic series and the deep bond that formed between two of its stars: Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin). While their on-screen characters rarely interacted, off-camera, these two actresses forged a friendship that would stand the test of time and Hollywood's fickle nature.
This book takes readers on a journey through the nine-year run of "The Office," sharing behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and the ups and downs of life in the entertainment industry. It's a tale of laughter, tears, and the power of friendship in the face of life's challenges.
The Path to Dunder Mifflin
Both Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey knew from a young age that they wanted to pursue careers in show business. Armed with dreams of making it big, they each made their way to Los Angeles, auditioning for various roles and hoping for their big break.
In 2003, that break finally came when TV producer and director Greg Daniels decided to adapt the British sitcom "The Office" for American audiences. Jenna was invited to audition for the role of Pam and eventually landed the part. Angela's journey to the show was a bit more circuitous. Initially, she auditioned but didn't get cast. However, weeks later, she was called back to try out for another role – Angela Martin of the accounting department. Her performance impressed the casting directors, and she joined the Dunder Mifflin family.
A Fateful Meeting
The stars aligned when Jenna and Angela walked onto the set of "The Office" in Culver City, California, for their first day of shooting. By chance, their characters' workstations were right next to each other, separated only by a partition. This proximity would prove to be the catalyst for their budding friendship.
Angela, known for her chatty nature, immediately struck up a conversation with Jenna. Over the next few days, this became their routine, laying the foundation for a friendship that would grow stronger with each passing day.
However, their initial bonding time was cut short. After filming the pilot episode, the cast and crew had to part ways for nearly three months while the episode was edited and NBC decided whether to turn it into a full series. For Jenna and Angela, this meant putting their newfound friendship on hold, but it was far from the end of their story.
From Co-Stars to Best Friends
When NBC green-lit "The Office" for a full series, the cast and crew reconvened, marking the beginning of a nine-year journey. The unique setup of the show, which required cast members to be present in almost every scene as background actors, provided the perfect environment for Jenna and Angela's friendship to flourish.
Their days on set were long, often stretching to 60 hours per week. But this time together allowed them to deepen their connection. They began each day catching up in the makeup trailer, shared lunch in Jenna's trailer (where their most heartfelt conversations took place), and continued chatting on their car rides home after wrapping up for the day.
As their on-set friendship grew, it naturally spilled over into their personal lives. They became each other's confidantes and support systems, sharing in life's big moments like having their first babies and moving into new homes. They were there for each other during holidays and even for mundane tasks like cleaning out garages. Their bond became a testament to the unexpected gifts that can come from working on a show like "The Office."
The Dunder Mifflin Family
The cast and crew of "The Office" quickly formed a tight-knit group. Despite many of them being strangers at the start, they collaborated seamlessly, creating an atmosphere of constant laughter and camaraderie without any of the drama often associated with Hollywood sets.
Jenna and Angela particularly appreciated the women of "The Office." Carey Bennett, the costume designer, went above and beyond, even visiting a real paper company to ensure authenticity in the characters' looks. Their co-stars Kate Flannery and Phyllis Smith were there from the beginning, and as the show progressed, more talented women joined the cast, including Melora Hardin, Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, and Rashida Jones.
Behind the scenes, women played crucial roles in keeping the show running smoothly. Script supervisor Veda Semarne, first assistant director Kelly Cantley, co-executive producer Jen Celotta, writer Carrie Kemper, and camera operator Sarah Levy all contributed to making "The Office" a truly magical workplace.
The men of "The Office" were equally important to Jenna and Angela. Steve Carell, as the show's lead, set a high standard of professionalism and earned the respect of the entire cast. Jenna formed close bonds with her on-screen love interests, David Denman and John Krasinski. Angela found a work husband in Oscar Nuñez and a finance guru in Brian Baumgartner, her fellow accounting team members.
Other memorable cast members included Rainn Wilson, Creed Bratton, Leslie David Baker, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Craig Robinson, and Ed Helms. Each brought their unique talents and personalities to the set, contributing to the show's success and the cast's tight-knit dynamic.
Rising to Fame
The chemistry among the cast and crew of "The Office" was evident on screen, and it didn't take long for the world to take notice. In 2006, the show experienced a pivotal moment when Steve Carell won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series, followed by the show winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
These accolades catapulted "The Office" to new heights of fame and launched the careers of its cast members. The once-unknown actors became household names, and the show's popularity soared. This success brought new challenges and opportunities, but the cast remained grounded, supporting each other through the whirlwind of sudden fame.
Saying Goodbye to Michael Scott
As "The Office" entered its seventh season, the cast and crew faced a significant change. Steve Carell's contract was coming to an end, and he made the difficult decision to leave the show. His reasons were personal – he wanted to be more present for his family and felt that his demanding schedule as an actor was causing him to miss important milestones in his children's lives.
The episode featuring Michael Scott's departure was emotional for everyone involved. The cast surprised Steve with a goodbye song, catching his raw, genuine reaction on camera. Both Angela and Jenna had touching one-on-one moments with Steve during his final days on set.
Angela interviewed Steve in his trailer for her "Adventures with Angela" segment, where he shared that although he was leaving the show, he would remain friends with the cast and crew in real life. Jenna's moment came during the airport scene, where she took the opportunity to express her gratitude to Steve for his support both professionally and personally. The scene was so emotional that they both ended up in tears, requiring a reshoot to capture a shorter version.
Steve's departure marked the end of an era for "The Office," and the show faced challenges in the following season as it adjusted to life without its central character. However, true to the spirit of show business, the cast and crew persevered, determined to continue delivering laughs to their devoted audience.
The Work Bus Episode: When Breaking Bad Met The Office
One of the most memorable episodes in the show's history came in Season 9 with "Work Bus." This episode stood out not only for its hilarious premise but also for the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during its production.
The episode was directed by none other than Bryan Cranston, fresh off his success with "Breaking Bad." The irony of Cranston transitioning from directing a show about a shady RV to one about quirky paper salespeople crammed into a bus was not lost on the cast and crew.
However, what truly made this episode unforgettable were the two near-death experiences the cast faced during filming. The first incident occurred while shooting a scene meant to showcase Dwight's erratic driving skills. The stunt driver's maneuvers were so intense that not only were the actors tossed around, but all the unsecured props on the bus became projectiles. The cast found themselves buried under a pile of heavy office furniture, narrowly avoiding serious injury.
After a break for lunch, the cast returned to the bus to resume filming. It was then that Jenna noticed a strange odor. Initially dismissed, concerns grew when the camera operator also reported feeling unwell. Upon investigation, they discovered that the intake hose of their portable air conditioning unit had been placed next to the vehicle's exhaust pipe, filling the bus with carbon monoxide.
Despite these harrowing experiences, the cast and crew persevered and completed the episode, which went on to become a fan favorite. This incident serves as a testament to their dedication and professionalism, as well as the sometimes dangerous nature of television production.
The Final Season
As "The Office" approached its ninth season, the cast and crew faced a pivotal moment. Greg Daniels returned as showrunner with both good and bad news. The good news was that NBC had ordered two additional seasons of the show. The bad news was that only Jenna and John Krasinski were contracted to be present for the entire run of these new seasons.
With many of the original cast members' contracts ending and new projects on the horizon, Greg proposed wrapping up the series with Season 9. This would allow them to give the show a proper sendoff while the core cast was still intact, providing closure for both the characters and the audience.
The decision was not an easy one. After nine years of living and breathing the world of Dunder Mifflin, letting go was emotionally challenging for everyone involved. However, they ultimately agreed that ending on a high note with the original cast was the best way to honor the show and its fans.
The Emotional Finale
The days leading up to the finale were filled with tears and goodbyes. The cast and crew had to bid farewell not only to their characters but also to the incredible team that had become like family over the years. From the talented hair and makeup artists to the hardworking crew members and the caterers who kept them well-fed, every goodbye was heartfelt.
One of the most emotional aspects of the finale was the return of Steve Carell as Michael Scott. His appearance was kept secret from most of the cast and crew, adding an element of genuine surprise to the on-screen reunions. Angela herself was unaware of Steve's involvement until she saw him on set the day of shooting.
The finale episode served as a fitting conclusion to the nine-year journey of "The Office." It brought closure to the characters' storylines while celebrating the show's impact on popular culture. For the cast and crew, it was a bittersweet moment – the end of an era, but also a celebration of the incredible experience they had shared.
Life After Dunder Mifflin
While "The Office" may have concluded, the friendship between Jenna and Angela continued to thrive. Despite busy schedules and new projects taking them in different directions, they remained as close as ever. They developed a habit of sending each other daily voice memos they called "Ramblies," where they would share anything and everything about their lives.
However, both women began to feel the strain of the entertainment industry on their personal lives. They found themselves missing important moments with their children and spending less time at home. This realization led them to dream of a new career path – one that would allow them to be more present for their families while still pursuing their passions.
The idea for their next venture came from an unexpected source: Oliver Hudson, Jenna's co-star at the time, who suggested they try podcasting. Despite their lack of experience in the medium, Jenna and Angela were intrigued by the possibility. They researched the industry and eventually settled on the concept of a rewatch podcast, focusing on none other than "The Office."
The Birth of Office Ladies
With their concept in mind, Jenna and Angela recorded a demo at Angela's house and played it for Earwolf cofounder Jeff Ullrich. Impressed by their natural chemistry and insider knowledge of the show, Jeff provided valuable advice and encouragement.
Soon after, the duo accepted an offer from Earwolf to produce their podcast, which they named "Office Ladies." The show was an instant hit, garnering two million downloads within weeks of its launch. Its popularity continued to soar, eventually reaching an impressive 200 million downloads and even earning a billboard in Times Square.
The success of "Office Ladies" is a testament to Jenna and Angela's hard work, their enduring friendship, and the lasting appeal of "The Office." It allowed them to reconnect with their former castmates, share behind-the-scenes stories with fans, and create a new chapter in their careers on their own terms.
The Power of Friendship
The story of Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey is more than just a tale of two actresses who starred in a popular sitcom. It's a testament to the power of friendship and the unexpected connections that can form in the workplace.
Their journey from co-stars to best friends illustrates how shared experiences, mutual support, and genuine care for one another can create bonds that last a lifetime. Through the highs of "The Office's" success and the lows of saying goodbye to the show, Jenna and Angela's friendship remained a constant source of strength and joy.
Their ability to transition from on-screen colleagues to real-life best friends, and then to successful podcast co-hosts, demonstrates the value of nurturing relationships beyond the confines of work. It shows that true friendship can not only enhance our personal lives but also open doors to new opportunities and shared successes.
The Legacy of The Office
"The Office" left an indelible mark on television history and popular culture. Its unique blend of cringe comedy, heartfelt moments, and relatable characters resonated with audiences around the world. The show's impact extends far beyond its original run, with new generations of viewers discovering and falling in love with the employees of Dunder Mifflin through streaming platforms.
The enduring popularity of "The Office" is evident in the success of "Office Ladies" and the continued interest in behind-the-scenes stories and reunions. It speaks to the show's ability to capture the humor, awkwardness, and unexpected moments of joy that can be found in everyday work life.
Moreover, the friendships formed on set, particularly the bond between Jenna and Angela, serve as a reminder that sometimes our most meaningful relationships can emerge from the most unexpected places. The legacy of "The Office" lives on not just in reruns and quotes, but in the real-life connections it fostered among its cast and crew.
Conclusion
"The Office BFFs" offers readers a unique perspective on one of television's most beloved shows. Through Jenna Fischer's eyes, we get to experience the joy, challenges, and unexpected twists that came with bringing "The Office" to life. More importantly, we witness the birth and growth of a friendship that has stood the test of time and the pressures of Hollywood.
The book serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen when the right people come together at the right time. It celebrates the power of laughter, the importance of supporting one another, and the joy of finding your person in this vast, often overwhelming world.
For fans of "The Office," this book provides a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into their favorite characters and episodes. For those unfamiliar with the show, it's a heartwarming tale of friendship and perseverance in the face of life's challenges.
Ultimately, "The Office BFFs" is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are unplanned. Jenna and Angela's friendship, born on the set of a quirky sitcom, has blossomed into a partnership that continues to bring joy to themselves and others long after the cameras stopped rolling at Dunder Mifflin.
Their story encourages us all to remain open to new connections, to nurture the relationships that bring us joy, and to remember that our "person" might be waiting for us in the most unexpected places. After all, as Jenna and Angela's journey shows, having that special someone by your side can truly be a superpower, capable of turning even the most ordinary days into extraordinary adventures.