The Office star makes shock retirement announcement from comedy

A star from the beloved NBC sitcom The Office has made the shock announcement that he is stepping away from comedy in order to pursue ‘something bigger.’

Craig Robinson – who played the character of Darryl Philbin in the hit series – took to his main Instagram page this week to share the news with his fans.

The actor, 53, first uploaded a clip while saying, ‘Hey, everybody! Just wanted you to hear it from me: I am quitting comedy.’

Robinson continued, ‘But not for nothing. It’s been an amazing run and y’all have been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger. So, thank you so much. I love you and stay tuned.’

In the caption alongside the reel, he penned: ‘Life update: I’m officially quitting comedy to focus on my true calling. Stay tuned. I’m working on something huge.’

Craig then followed up with a second video to further tease his next career endeavor – although he has yet to unveil the exact details.

A star from the beloved NBC sitcom The Office has made the shock announcement that he is stepping away from comedy in order to pursue ‘something bigger’

Craig Robinson – who played the character of Darryl Philbin in the hit series – took to his main Instagram page this week to share the news with his fans

‘Hey, guys!’ Robinson began. ‘Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I’m trying to get my business afloat?’

The actor further added, ‘I hit a few bumps in the road and I sure would appreciate your guys’ tips. Thank you!’

Craig is not only known for his role in The Office – which additionally starred Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, Mindy Kaling, Leslie David Baker and Kate Flannery.

The star also appeared in the comedy Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) as well as the sequel which was released in 2015.

He played Doug Judy (The Pontiac Bandit) in the series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and also took on roles in The Cleveland Show as well as Mr. Robot.

Over on the big screen, Robinson had the chance to further showcase his comedic skills in Pineapple Express (2008), Shrek Forever After (2010), This Is The End (2013) and Sausage Party (2016).

Throughout his career, the actor has garnered a number of nominations – such as a Daytime Emmy Award.

He also took on a leading role in the Peacock series Killing It alongside Claudia O’Doherty and Scott MacArthur.

The actor, 53, first uploaded a clip while saying, ‘Hey, everybody! Just wanted you to hear it from me: I am quitting comedy’

Robinson continued, ‘But not for nothing. It’s been an amazing run and y’all have been amazing and wonderful. But I’m following something bigger. So, thank you so much. I love you and stay tuned’

Craig then followed up with a second video to further tease his next career endeavor – although he has yet to unveil the exact details

‘Hey, guys!’ Robinson began. ‘Big shoutout to all my small business owners. Hey, you guys got any advice for me while I’m trying to get my business afloat?’

He played Doug Judy (The Pontiac Bandit) in the series Brooklyn Nine-Nine (seen above), and also took on roles in The Cleveland Show as well as Mr. Robot

Social media users and other celebrities jumped to the comment section of his latest videos to offer thoughts on what Craig’s career move could be.

Howie Mandel jokingly wrote, ‘Being a dancer is tough, but go for it,’ followed by a red heart emoji.

The TV personality could possibly be referencing to Robinson’s past hosting gig of The Masked Dancer from 2020-2021.

One fan also made a reference to The Office by sharing, ‘opening a warehouse for paper perchance??’ while his former co-star Kate Flannery wrote, ‘We love you..craig!! Go big, my friend!!!’

Robinson also received supportive messages as another typed, ‘Love you buddy!! You’re going to crush everything.’

Some Instagram users made references to his role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and his passion for music – which he often incorporates into his comedy sets.

‘Doug Judy: The Musical,’ one penned, and another added, ‘Yeah we ain’t falling for that, Doug Judy!’

A fan commented, ‘I hope you’re doing something in music bro!! Whatever you end up doing I’m sure it’s gonna turn into Gold.’

Throughout his career, the actor has garnered a number of nominations – such as a Daytime Emmy Award; seen in 2022 in New Jersey

Social media users and other celebrities jumped to the comment section of his latest videos to offer thoughts on what Craig’s career move could be

During a past interview with Consequence, the actor reflected on his time on The Office.

He expressed, ‘The Office is like everybody’s friend. Everywhere I go, I know I’m good.

‘I can go to any bar and, you know, somebody’s going to buy me a drink. Some people will be like, this is my third time doing the whole series.’

Robinson continued, ‘People will have different numbers of how many times they’ve watched it, or they’ll be like, my mother was sick, or my family we don’t even talk, but we come together and watch.

‘So it means all these different things to all these different people. So if I enjoy being Doug Judy, imagine how it feels being Darryl.’

He expressed, ‘The Office is like everybody’s friend. Everywhere I go, I know I’m good’; seen above in the show with Steve Carell

Last month in June, Robinson was seen performing on stage during the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles to honor Jamie Foxx (seen above)

He also discussed following both his passions of music and comedy for years – and explained how he had been raised in a ‘musical household.’

‘So when I got into comedy, very early on I did one show that was just me standing up, and the next show I sat down and brought my keyboard.’

Craig further said, ‘I’ve always married the two, comedy and music. So when I went over to acting, music was my partner.’

Last month in June, Robinson was seen performing on stage during the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles to honor Jamie Foxx.