“The Office” star Steve Carell will bow out of the smash-hit NBC sitcom that made him a household name in a 50-minute finale in April, the network said Monday.
Carell’s final appearance on the comedy series, in which he has played the lead role of Michael Scott since 2005, will air April 28.
Ricky Gervais, who created the original BBC version of the series, comedian Will Arnett and former “SNL” cast member Will Ferrell are all on the roster of A-listers slated to appear on “The Office” in the next few months after Carell’s departure.
Carell, a former correspondent from “The Daily Show,” revealed last April that he would be leaving the Emmy Award-winning show.
In recent years he has developed a movie career with films including “Get Smart” and “Date Night” and is expected to turn his attention toward his box office projects.
“I don’t think it should be made into a big deal,” Carell, 48, said in an interview last year about his departure from “The Office.”
“The show is going to continue,” he added. “It’s such a great ensemble, there would be no reason to not continue.”