Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson
Toby Flenderson of NBC's
The Office is played by Paul Lieberstein. A human resources representative of the Scranton branch of paper distributor Dunder-Mifflin, Toby hails from Bishop O'Hara High School and Pennsylvania State University. He also has a diploma for a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from California Coastal College. He is divorced and has a daughter named Sasha, who adores branch manager Michael Scott. However, Michael dislikes Toby, as Toby reports directly to corporate.
Generally, Toby is a good friend to everyone in the office except Michael. He joins the other employees occasionally to review the company's sexual harassment policy or to mediate conflict between employees. He also prefers that the employees vent out their anger on him so that the anger would subside and eventually the conflict would subside on its own. He also often uses the excuse of being allergic to his desk to move away from Kelly and her constant gossiping.
When Jim Halpert first started working at Dunder-Mifflin, he was assigned a cubicle with Toby, with whom he got along well. However, Michael thought the two talked too much, thus moved them apart. Michael sees Toby as his mortal enemy and is always on the lookout for a chance to humiliate Toby. On Casino Night, Michael demeaned Toby after Toby told Michael not to invite Boy Scouts to the event. Toby did not mind the insults and instead beat Michael at the game, Texas Hold Em. As a result of Toby's victory, Michael became very irritated.
Toby continued to annoy Michael in season 4 when Toby won the race to cure rabies, beating out Michael and being able to carry out his mission. He also showed off his grammar skills when he corrected Michael's mistakes in the usage of the words 'whoever' and 'whomever.'
Toby's favorite movies are Say Anything, The Shining, Annie Hall, and Toy Story 2.
(Photo courtesy of NBC)