Who is Robert California in The Office?

Last Modified Mar 12, 2025 03:48 EDT
Who is Robert California in The Office?
Robert California in The Office (Source: Screengrab from the show)


Robert California, also known as Bob Kazamakis, is a fictional character in the American comedy series The Office. He is portrayed by the American actor James Spader. The character is introduced in the seventh season of the series.


He became the CEO of Dunder Mifflin after convincing Jo Benett. Later, he was replaced by David Wallace when the latter purchased the company. He is a character who didn't appear in the British edition of the series.


Who is Robert California in The Office?


Who is Robert California in The Office?
Robert California in The Office (Source: Screengrab from the show)


Robert California is a main character introduced in the seventh season of the series portrayed by James Spader. He was the CEO of Dunder Mifflin for a brief period.


Robert was a mysterious man who frequently inspired and frightened the employees of the Scranton branch office, particularly Regional Manager Andy Bernard. According to the Sabre Corporation website, Robert might have some Native American ancestry. When it is revealed in "Turf War" that "Robert California" is not his own identity, he introduces himself to David Wallace as "Bob Kazamakis" in the following episode. However, it is unclear if "Kazamakis" is his real last name or another alias. The other characters generally call him "Robert California" throughout the series.


Robert appears to frequently resort to lying to control circumstances. He has also been revealed to have countless unhealthy, obscene beliefs and appetites throughout his appearances. Robert has consistently shown an urge for intimacy. His desire, which he essentially stated from the beginning, influences his business decisions. Robert has made multiple attempts to persuade the workers to have group sex with him. His bisexuality has also been hinted at in a few episodes. The eighth-season finale makes the most explicit reference to this.


Robert’s personal life in The Office


After "Mrs. California", Robert's third wife, Susan, left him. Robert has been married three times. In a talking-head interview from that episode, Susan claims that the last time she worked, she "hated the boss' wife" as well, revealing that she is referring to one of Robert's ex-spouses. She makes this claim in reference to the staff's directed distaste for her. This would imply that Sarah and Robert first crossed paths while she was working for him, and that they may have started dating when he was still married. Bert is Robert's kid. Whether Robert fathered him with Susan is uncertain.


Who played Robert California in The Office?


Who is Robert California in The Office?
Robert California in The Office (Source: Screengrab from the show)


James Spader plays the character of Robert California in The Office. He has a reputation for portraying strange and morally grey characters. Before going into television, where he was praised and won numerous honors, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, and ten Screen Actors Guild Awards, he started his career with critically acclaimed independent films.


Also read: Who Is Dwight in the Office?

FAQs about Robert California in The Office

Robert California was replaced by David Wallace, when the latter purchased the Dunder Mifflin.

Robert convinces every employee to share their worst fears during the celebration. He persuades them not to allow fear to rule their lives by using all of their anxieties in a terrifying story before he departs.

Robert first appeared in the finale episode of the seventh season titled, “Search Committee”.

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