28 comments

  1. I would make a lame joke about Pam’s mom looking like she’s had work done but I’m instead opting for the lame joke that I won’t comment on her altered appearance cos I’m treating this post, like I treat all posts, like Pam’s mom is reading.

  2. hmm…she kind of looks like Jan. but we’ll try and hold off on judgement until we see her as Mrs. Beesley…or newly separated/divorced and single

  3. That’s weird that they would say they wanted to make it seem like average Joes, but they replaced Pam’s mom. Say what? I wish they would have kept the first actress. Plus the new mom does look like Jan.

  4. Yes, she does bare a striking resemblance to Jan, hope Michael doesn’t make a play for her. But also, that article lists Linda Purl’s main credit as being on Matlock, but I guess I’m showing my age when I say I remember her from a pretty long stint on Happy Days.

  5. sheesh, why is ausiello in such a snit about a relatively unknown actress being cast? he’s got a ‘tude like she beat HIM for the role.

  6. I remember her from Happy Days too. She was the girl Fonzie really fell in love with and (?) wanted to marry (I think). (Her character had a daughter?)

  7. @4. FEAR
    The actress who played Pam’s 1.0 mom had a commitment, so they had to find someone else. I kind of like Linda Purl as 2.0! But we’ll see — as long as she’s nice to Pam. :-)

  8. I, too, was hoping they’d be able to keep the original actress who played Pam’s mom a few seasons ago. I don’t like when they switch up like this. Almost like it’s disrepectful to the fans. But I understand if the original actress had other commitments. As for Linda Purl, I recognized her name right away – showing my age too, as others have said! I remember her popping up regularly on TV shows in the 80s and 90s. Nice to see an actress who isn’t Botox’d beyond recognition too. She’s got a few wrinkles but still looks great!

  9. Since they couldn’t get the original Mrs. Beesley I think she is a good choice. I’m curious if they will make her a red head like she used to be. Not a big deal since some women change their hair color all the time.

  10. Holy crap. I love The Office as much as anyone, but we’re talking about an actress that very, very briefly appeared in season two. The recasting is not the end of the world. Besides, our attention will be on Jim and Pam anyway, right?

  11. i am over the recast, what else were they supposed to do? i am pumped about linda purl, i love her.

  12. I’m sure the new actress will be fine, and I know the original Mrs. B only appeared briefly in Season 2, but I’m still very disappointed. To not get the original actress back is just not expected of the brilliant and meticulous Office crew that I’ve grown to love.

    Greg, things have been great for five glorious seasons. Don’t get sloppy now!

  13. Hmm… I wish they could have cast Pam’s original mom. It doesn’t seem right for Pam to suddenly have a new mom after the parts where she talks about how she much she loves her mom in season 2. But I mean, I understand that the actress who played her originally (very briefly) has other commitments, it’s just a little disappointing.

  14. this article writer is so rude. geez. i’m glad with the choice they made. i really like how bj novak said they have a rule to only cast “average Joes”. that’s really what i love about the office. and plus, we won’t really be that focused on the mother, anyway. i mean, they’re getting married for god’s sake.

  15. Sometimes you have to recast. Would you rather Pam’s mom missing from the wedding or have someone else (who I am sure is going to step up to the plate and hit it out of the park) take her place? I personally can accept minor character changes.

  16. 18:

    Once again:

    The original Pam’s mom, Shannon Cochran, is touring with the Broadway play “August: Osage County.”

  17. I think she looks more like Holly (Amy Ryan who is going to be a mommy very soon) than Jan (but I like her) How many episodes/scenes will Pam’s mom be in (maybe a handful, no biggie)

  18. I love Linda Purl and I’m glad they didn’t choose a “big name” – that’s the thing I like least about 30 Rock. And I’m old too – I totally remembered her from Happy Days, and Matlock (she was on an episode of Bones earlier this year too).

  19. Ausiello didn’t do his homework – Linda Purl was in a lot of movies/tv and was very well known probably 20 years ago. She’ll be great as Pam’s mom; but she’s only relatively unknown to the younger demographics.

  20. There is nothing i despise more than an ignorant “journalist.” I’m sorry for Mr. Ausiello that he didn’t know who Linda Purl was, or more ignorantly, assumed the public wouldn’t either. She’s probably had over 20 starring roles in “made for the week” movies, not to mention extensive work in episodical tv. Entertainment Weekly, if this “writer” is the best you can find, please use the email address submitted on this comment. I am available for freelance work. :)

  21. How old is the person who wrote this? Linda Purl is from Happy Days! I recognized her instantly. She ruled TV for two decades at least–not necessarily as the star but in supporting roles. Love her and was delighted to see her.

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