James Spader to Exit NBC's THE OFFICE

According to the Huffington Post, actor James Spader will be leaving the NBC comedy THE OFFICE at the end of the current season.

In a statement, the show's executive producer Paul Lieberstein announced, "James came to 'The Office' to play a role that was two scenes long in the Season 7 finale. He instantly brought so much life and intrigue to the part that those two scenes became a season. James always wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television."

Lieberstein continued, "He's been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I'm grateful for that. I'm already looking for ways to work with him again."

Spader had reportedly asked to be released from his contract. The actor has been portraying Dunder Mifflin branch manager Robert California since Steve Carell's 'Michael Scott' exited the Scranton office in Season 7 of the show. 

In has been previously reported that actors Mindy Kaling and Rainn Wilson may also have one foot out the door of the long-running NBC comedy. Kaling is heading to Fox for a new comedy pilot which she will write and star in, while Wilson is in talks to star in a possible 'Office' spin-off beginning next year. 

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