Toby H. Flenderson is the Human Resources Representative in the popular American sitcom, The Office. Originally airing on NBC from 2005-2013, this five-time Primetime Emmy-winning mockumentary series delves into the lives of the employees at the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. It is an adaptation of the 2001 BBC Britcom The Office.
Throughout the seasons, Toby tries his best at enforcing corporate policies and maintaining professionalism in the office. However, his unassertive and mild manner makes it easier for him to get dismissed. For the most part, Toby is an independent presence in the office, with only occasional involvement in the tight-knit office clique.
Who is Toby in The Office?
Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is eventful and unpredictably chaotic under Michael Scott’s leadership and Toby is the lone figure making an effort to rein in the fun. His rivalry with Michael adds a comedic dimension to the show. He is often left out of office activities and the other employees rarely ever stand up in his defense. His direct appointment by the corporate office exempts him from the reach of Michael’s regional management.
His messy professional life follows him into his personal life as well. His crush on Pam Halpert leads him astray from his usual professionalism. Toby is currently divorced and has a daughter named Sasha with his ex-wife Cathy. He is revealed to have pursued Cathy earlier in his life. Moreover, his parents’ divorce impacted him severely as a child as it landed him in the middle of a fierce custody battle.
Who plays Toby in The Office?
The character of Toby is played by actor, director, producer, and screenwriter Paul Lieberstein. A graduate of Hamilton College, he hails from Connecticut and is best known for his iconic role in The Office. Apart from his onscreen role as Toby, he is also a writer on the show and a co-executive producer. He has recently starred in the 2023 film Not an Artist.
Lieberstein has been a comedy enthusiast since his youth and had originally considered it as a hobby. He ventured into the finance and the business world but eventually revived his interests in comedy and creative writing. His debut as a writer was through the American teen sitcom Clarissa Explains It All (1991).
He has worked as a writer and executive producer in the animated series King of the Hill (1997), the TV sitcoms The Drew Carey Show (1995) and The Bernie Mac Show (2001), among several others. He boasts 12 award wins and 31 nominations across his career, including 2 Emmys.
Also read: Who is Creed in The Office?
FAQs about The Office
A. They are not related in the show. However, Angela Kinsey was previously married to Paul Lieberstein’s brother Warren Lieberstein.
A. Paul Lieberstein is married to Janine Poreba.
A. Steve Carell plays Michael Scott in The Office.
A. The Office is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Peacock.
