James Spader Joins The Office Full Time

James Spader has been cast as a series regular on The Office, reprising his role as a sexually charged salesman. Spader appeared at the end of last season as Robert California, one of the candidates vying for Michael's (Steve Carell) job. Entertainment Weekly reveals that he will get the job, and move up in the ranks quickly becoming CEO of the company. This will leave the office manager position open to one of the regular cast members.

This is the second time Spader has joined a popular cast in lieu of a departing lead. In 2003, he joined The Practice for its final season after Dylan McDermott (and much of the main cast) was fired due to budget cuts. Spader transitioned his character successfully into the spin-off series Boston Legal, eventually winning three Emmys for the role.

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