Which actor portrays Robert California?

James Spader portrays Robert California in the American version of The Office.

Robert California is one of the series’ most intimidating executives: an unnervingly confident, highly perceptive figure who can dominate a conversation without raising his voice. He first appears as a candidate for the Scranton manager position, then quickly changes the company’s power structure by persuading Jo Bennett to make him CEO of Sabre.

California is also known as Bob Kazamakis and is nicknamed “the Lizard King.” Spader’s performance brought a darker, more theatrical energy to the show after Steve Carell’s departure. The role was initially expected to be a one-time guest appearance, but Spader returned for season 8 as a major recurring presence.

The character is an original creation for the American series and has no counterpart in the British version. He leaves the company in the season 8 finale, “Free Family Portrait Studio,” after David Wallace purchases Dunder Mifflin. Common mix-ups include Will Arnett, who auditioned for the series, and James Spader’s later role as Raymond Reddington in The Blacklist.