The Office star reveals harsh reality that forced her to leave TV
The Independent • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Jenna Fischer stepped away from full-time acting after starring as Pam Beesly on The Office, citing the intense 65-70 hour workweeks and the challenge of balancing her career with raising two young children.
- After starring in ABC's Splitting Up Together, Fischer realized that being a lead or regular on a TV show no longer fit her lifestyle, especially as a mother wanting to be more present for her family.
- Fischer co-hosts a podcast about The Office with Angela Kinsey, allowing her to maintain a steady income while having greater control over her schedule to attend her children's school events and activities.
- In 2023, Fischer was diagnosed with breast cancer but is now cancer-free; she described her career shift as taking control of her own time and priorities.
- Though she moved away from lead roles, Fischer has taken on supporting parts, including roles in the 2024 movie Mean Girls and her husband Lee Kirk’s comedy Nimrods.
