How Billionaire Warren Buffett Accidentally Ruined the Set of 'The Office'

As one of the wealthiest people in the entire world, it’s funny to think about Warren Buffett guest-starring on The Office. The investor and philanthropist was in the episode “Search Committee,” where he interviewed for the Regional Manager position at Dunder Mifflin Scranton when Michael Scott (Steve Carell) left.

Office actor Kate Flannery, who played Meredith Palmer, recalled a hilarious moment to co-star Brian Baumgartner on his Oral History of The Office podcast, where Buffett accidentally ruined part of The Office set. 

Steve Carell left ‘The Office’ in season 7 

Showrunner Greg Daniels says he saw Carell’s exit from the series coming. While the rest of the cast were renewing their contracts, Carell didn’t. “At that point, it was pretty clear [Steve wouldn’t be coming back],” Daniels explained to Baumgartner.

Carell’s leaving The Office created a challenge for showrunners — who would be the new boss? No one could replace Michael Scott, but they needed someone to hold down the fort for the next two seasons. So, the search for the next regional manager began.

‘Search Committee’ was full of guest stars

Buffett and several other guest stars made an apperance in the season 7 finale of The Office.

After Carell’s gracious exit from the series, potential hopefuls like James Spader, Ray Romano, Jim Carrey, Will Arnett, and Catherine Tate were interviewed for the regional manager position.

Billionaire Buffett was also in the running for regional manager — an ironic guest appearance, if there ever was one. Buffett’s character spent much of his job interview trying to negotiate for a better deal.

“Can you do any better on salary?” Buffet questioned Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein), and Gabe Lewis (Zach Woods). During his interview, Buffett also asked about the company’s policy on compensation for gas mileage and long-distance phone calls. 

In talking about Buffett’s guest role, Flannery recalled a hilarious behind-the-scenes mishap during his time on the set.

Warren Buffet used the fake men’s room on the set of ‘The Office’

On the day of Buffett’s guest appearance, he showed up to the set of The Office with his business partner, Charlie Munger. Flannery remembered the day well. Not only was it exciting to have a billionaire on set — but one of their guests accidentally used the men’s room on set. The fake one, that wasn’t equipped with plumbing!

“I think he used the fake men’s room,” Flannery laughed. “[Warren] or Charlie accidentally used the fake men’s room, which is not good because the drains don’t work.” Baumgartner remembered the day, too, but he wasn’t sure if Buffett or Munger was to blame for the mishap.

“They literally had to redo the wall because there were no pipes,” Flannery explained. “He just peed into a drain-less [urinal,” Baumgartner added. 

“Did we just shame Warren Buffett?” Flannery questioned of her mention. As Baumgartner pointed out, this could have happened to anyone. “It doesn’t matter if you’re Warren Buffett,” Baumgartner said. “It’s still hard to be a guest star [on The Office.]”  

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