Craig Robinson announces he’s quitting comedy to pursue a new dream—starting a small business.
Craig Robinson, the Emmy-nominated actor and comedian best known for his role as Darryl Philbin on NBC’s hit sitcom The Office, stunned fans this week with a heartfelt Instagram announcement: he is “officially quitting comedy.”
In a candid video message, Robinson thanked his supporters for an “amazing run” in stand-up and television, acknowledging the laughter and camaraderie that have defined his career.
Yet he made clear that, after years on stage and screen, he’s ready to pursue “something bigger” and asked his followers to “stay tuned” for what comes next.
Shortly after that initial post, Robinson shared a second video in which he revealed his new focus: launching a small business alongside a group of friends.
He admitted that moving from the dream of entrepreneurship to the practicalities of building a company has “been two very different things,” and confessed that he’s already encountered “a few bumps in the road.”
With characteristic warmth, Robinson gave a “big shout-out to all my small business owners” and asked for their advice on navigating the challenges of getting a venture off the ground.
The Instagram community responded enthusiastically.
Kate Flannery, who portrayed Meredith Palmer on The Office, posted, “We love you, Craig!!! Go big, my friend!!!”
Comedian Howie Mandel chimed in with his trademark humor: “Being a dancer is tough, but go for it.”
Arsenio Hall teased that Robinson might be answering a different calling—“You been called to preach? ‘If loving you is wroo0ng, – – – I don’t wanna be riiiiiight’!”
While actor David Arquette encouraged him to integrate his musical talents, noting, “I hope it involves music! You’re brilliant at whatever you choose to do.”
Robinson’s post-Office résumé includes voice roles on The Cleveland Show and a memorable turn on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but fans also know him as the charismatic frontman of his funk band, The Nasty Delicious, which he formed in 2007.
Whether he pivots fully into entrepreneurship, leans into music, or finds another passion, his announcement marks the end of one creative chapter and the beginning of another.
As Robinson himself put it, “It’s been an amazing run… but I’m following something bigger.”
With the outpouring of support he’s already received, it’s clear that wherever he goes next, he won’t be going alone.
