‘The Office’ Star Announces Retirement from Comedy at 53

Craig Robinson is hitting pause on comedy — and leaning into something that, according to him, might be even bigger. “The Office” fan favorite, 53, surprised his followers with a personal “life update” on Instagram, teasing a significant shift in focus.

(Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

“Hey, everybody! Just wanted you to hear it from me: I am quitting comedy,” Robinson said in a video. “But not for nothing — it’s been an amazing run, and y’all have been amazing and wonderful, but I’m following something bigger.”

He ended the message with heartfelt gratitude: “So thank you so much. I love you, and stay tuned.”

He captioned the clip: “Life update: I’m officially quitting comedy to focus on my true calling. Stay tuned. I’m working on something huge. 👀”

Robinson’s Mysterious New Venture

Robinson followed up the post with another update, this time seeking advice from fans on small-business ownership.

“Turns out having a dream and building a business with your friends are two VERY different things,” he admitted. “I can’t go into detail just yet, but for real though any help would be huge.”

While he didn’t share exactly what this new venture is, his followers and friends had plenty to say about it.

Support and Jokes Roll In From Fans and Friends

The comments quickly lit up with love and lighthearted speculation.

“Being a dancer is tough, but go for it ❤️,” joked Howie Mandel. Arsenio Hall chimed in with, “You been called to preach? ‘If loving you is wroo0ng — I don’t wanna be riiiiiight’! #getitdawg #goodluck 🍀.”

David Arquette added, “I hope it involves Music! You’re brilliant at whatever you chose to do.” The Office fans couldn’t resist referencing his iconic character, Darryl Philbin. “Opening a warehouse for paper perchance??” one wrote. Co-star Kate Flannery simply cheered him on: “We love you, Craig!!! Go big, my friend!!! ❤️❤️❤️.”

A Career That Blended Comedy, Music, and Heart

Though he’s best known for making audiences laugh, Craig Robinson has always worn many hats.

In addition to his role on “The Office”, he has starred in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”, “The Cleveland Show”, “Ghosted”, and various comedies, including “Pineapple Express”, “Hot Tub Time Machine”, “This Is the End”, and “Sausage Party”.

But Robinson is also a lifelong musician. He’s been performing with his funk/hip-hop band, “The Nasty Delicious”, since 2007 — a passion that runs deep.

In 2022, Robinson described on the Good One podcast how transformative performing with the band has been. “When I am with the band, I feel like I can fly — like being at an Earth, Wind & Fire concert,” he said. “Sometimes I’m a straight musician, sometimes I’m doing comedy and music, sometimes it’s straight comedy and the band is quiet. It’s all-encompassing.”

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