'The Office' Star Refunds Kickstarter Backers $110,000 After Plans For A Spin-Off Series Don't Go To Plan

"We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication or inconvenience during this campaign."

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• August 22, 2023

Without a doubt, one of the most lovable characters from the hit series, The Office, was Stanley Hudson. With his entirely unfiltered honesty, his straight-faced satire, and those unforgettable eye-rolls, Leslie David Baker as Stanley was a stand-out in the popular comedy series.

In 2020, seven years after The Office aired its final episode, Baker announced plans for a new spin-off series called Uncle Stan. The show was meant to follow Stanley after his retirement, and the idea managed to gather more than $110,000 from keen Kickstarter backers.

However, after several delays due to Covid and, more recently, the WGA strike, Leslie decided it would be best to pull the pin on the spin-off for the time being. So, he announced that he would be refunding all the funds he received from Kickstarter backers.

In an official announcement, Leslie wrote, "After careful consideration, we have decided to refund our backers." The actor explained, "In light of the current economic situation, we felt that this was the best course of action."

Prior to Leslie's update, some people were beginning to think that the whole thing had been a scam. "The actor that played Stanley on The Office scammed people $300,000," one person tweeted.

But after the actor's heartfelt announcement, people's faith in Leslie seems to have been restored. "It's respectable that he's returning the cash," tweeted one fan. Take a look:

Leslie David Baker as Stanley was a stand-out in popular comedy series, The Office.

After announcing plans for a spin-off series in 2020, Leslie was able to raise more than $110,000 from Kickstarter backers.

$336,450 was the original amount raised. However, some backers later pulled out or adjusted their donations.

However, after several delays due to Covid, and more recently, the WGA strike, Leslie decided he would refund all the funds he received from Kickstarter backers.

Some fans began to question whether the whole thing had been a scam.

"The actor that played Stanley on The Office scammed people $300,000."

"That's not a good sign."

Here's what Leslie had to say in response to the allegations.

"The project took longer than anticipated due to circumstances beyond out control."

"After careful consideration, we have decided to refund our backers."

"You can expect to receive it over the following weeks."

"The funds were never used for any purposes other than reward fulfillment and backer refunds."

"Thank you again for all your love and support!"

And here's how people reacted.

"It's respectable that he's returning the cash."

"He's definitely no politician or conman."

That's no scam!

"The right thing" to do.

What's your take on this story? Do you think Leslie did the right thing by refunding the Kickstarter money?

After all, he could have pocketed some, if not all, of the money and cut his losses. But the actor chose to be honest and return the funds to his generous backers.

We think that's pretty darn awesome of him. Love your work Mr. Baker!

Stephanie