Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey Dive into Office Fan Theory: Was Bob Vance Involved in Underworld Business?

Was Bob Vance of Bob Vance Refrigeration secretly a mob boss in The Office?

In a recent episode of their podcast, Office Ladies, hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey discussed this intriguing fan theory, presenting a wealth of supporting details from the beloved sitcom.

Fischer revealed that numerous fans have reached out to the podcast, eager to hear their thoughts on the theory surrounding Bob Vance, portrayed by Robert R. Shafer. Bob first appeared in season 2 as the boyfriend of Dunder Mifflin employee Phyllis Lapin, played by Phyllis Smith, and later married her.

“So, here’s the theory,” Fischer explained. “Bob Vance is actually involved in the mafia and pretends to be a refrigerator salesman in this documentary to project a legitimate facade in front of the public and authorities who might be suspicious of him.”

Fischer examined the evidence presented in a Reddit thread discussing the theory, along with fan emails, and found much of it compelling. One listener noted Bob’s apparent financial prowess, citing an instance where he bid $1,000 just to hug Phyllis in the Season 5 episode “Crime Aid.” Another pointed out a bonus scene in the Super Fan edition of the Season 3 episode “Branch Closing,” where Phyllis reveals that Bob had offered her a “senior advisor” position at his company, which paid in cash and didn’t require her to work—admitting it sounded illegal.

Additionally, Fischer highlighted that Smith’s character often mentioned Bob’s willingness to intimidate people on her behalf.

“There are multiple episodes that refer to Bob taking a hardline approach with others,” Fischer noted, citing a moment in Season 6’s “Secret Santa,” where Phyllis cautions Jim not to force her to involve Bob in a dispute over who would portray Santa at the Dunder Mifflin Christmas party.

Fischer even went so far as to compare Phyllis and Bob’s wedding in Season 3 to scenes from mob films like The Godfather and Goodfellas, mentioning that some fans have pointed out that refrigerated trucks are ideal for hiding bodies.

“I think he’s definitely into some shady business,” Kinsey concluded, while podcast audio engineer Sam Kieffer speculated that Bob could be involved in money laundering.

However, Office Ladies producer Cassi Jerkins cast some doubt on the theory, suggesting that Phyllis wouldn’t make an ideal mob wife. “I also feel like [Steve Carell’s Michael Scott] would know, and that would cause problems,” she added, remarking that if Bob were truly a mob boss, he would have to eliminate too many Dunder Mifflin employees to keep his secret safe.

Fischer further cited an interview with Shafer, where the actor clarified that Bob being involved in the mafia was never part of his character’s backstory.