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It’s official. Steve Carell has confirmed that the seventh season of The Office will be his last. “I think [season] 7 will be my last year,” Carell, who plays inept boss Michael Scott on the NBC sitcom, told EW.com at the recent premiere of his new animated comedy film, Despicable Me. “I want to fulfill my (Office) contract. I think it’s a good time to move on.”
Carell’s reason for splitting? “I just want to spend more time with my family,” he explained, though one could conclude that his burgeoning film career -- including July’s Dinner With Schmucks with the ever-charming Paul Rudd -- might be a factor.
Michael Scott, we'll miss you so! Now that Carell is too big for television (it happens!), we can think of three other TV stars who should also think about moving on.
Ed Westwick: As Gossip Girl's badass Chuck Bass, Westwick is arguably the breakout star on a series that, you have to admit, has gone from sizzling to fizzling in just four short seasons. Now that the hype has died down, it’s time for Westwick to strike out on his own by starring in some fun, edgy indie fare, perhaps a Gus van Sant film.
Mindy Kaling: Let’s face it -- as ditzy Kelly Kapoor, Mindy Kaling steals scenes whenever she’s on The Office. But the series keeps her busy behind-the-scenes as a writer and co-executive producer -- meanwhile, we want to see more of her hilarious antics on camera. We've seen glimpses of her brilliance when she's done cameos or costarring roles in movies like 40 Year Old Virgin and License to Wed. But Mindy, we believe in you! We think you could totally hold your own in star vehicle.
Charlie Sheen: After three seasons on Spin City, the sitcom on which he replaced the affable Michael J. Fox, Sheen found his niche on Two And A Half Men (costarring Jon Cryer), essentially playing his smarmy self for seven seasons. Sure, he’s got a good thing going -- the show stuck by him despite tons of negative press about his personal life, and a recently announced jail sentence for domestic violence against wife Brooke Mueller. But Sheen often seems like he'd welcome some down-time, off the job. We say: good riddance! There’s only so long audiences can continue to ignore the actor’s personal failings before realizing that he’s not just playing a gross womanizer on TV. The question is: after years on sitcoms, does Charlie still have the chops to sizzle on the big screen? (And would moviegoers who know too much about his off-camera scandals embrace him?)
Which TV star do you think should depart for film stardom? Chime in below!
Like This? Read These:
- Steve Carell in Despicable Me
- Charlie Sheen's Wife Leaves L.A. with Their Twins
- The Office Star Mindy Kaling to Make Romantic Comedy
