For many fans, the cast of NBC’s The Office is forever etched into memory as their iconic characters. No matter how many dramatic or comedic roles they take on, it’s hard to separate them from the unforgettable personas they portrayed. Steve Carell might dazzle in dramatic roles, but to most, he’s always Michael Scott. Similarly, Rainn Wilson is Dwight Schrute, John Krasinski is Jim Halpert, and Brian Baumgartner is eternally Kevin Malone.
Baumgartner’s portrayal of Kevin, the bumbling, lovable accountant, gave The Office some of its most memorable moments—from spilling his famous chili to his awkward attempts at humor and math. So, when fans see Baumgartner in other roles, it can be jarring—especially when those roles are vastly different. One such surprising appearance was Baumgartner’s cameo on Chicago Fire, where he traded Kevin’s kind-hearted clumsiness for a sharp, sleazy demeanor as a cunning attorney.
Brian Baumgartner as the Sleazy Scott Powers
In Season 5 of Chicago Fire, Baumgartner guest-starred in the episode “That Day” as Scott Powers, an attorney hired to represent a man suing the Chicago Fire Department. The lawsuit stems from an incident where firefighter Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) accidentally hit a pedestrian with a firetruck.
Powers arrives at Firehouse 51 to take photographs of the damage to the truck, allegedly to support his client’s case. His actions, however, immediately rub the team the wrong way. Powers goes out of his way to photograph dents and scratches unrelated to the accident, clearly aiming to paint the fire department in a bad light. His condescending attitude, calling Dawson “sweetheart” and relishing his attempts to discredit the department, makes him an antagonistic presence.
This role couldn’t be more different from Kevin Malone. While Kevin was lovable, sweet, and often the butt of jokes, Scott Powers is sharp, manipulative, and enjoys getting under people’s skin. The contrast highlights Baumgartner’s range as an actor, proving he’s capable of stepping far outside the comfort zone of his iconic role on The Office.
A Step Into Drama
Baumgartner’s turn as Scott Powers was a rare venture into drama for the actor, who typically sticks to comedic roles. Seeing him play a smug, morally questionable lawyer is both intriguing and unexpected, given how strongly fans associate him with Kevin.
Unlike Kevin, who lacked the intellect or drive to succeed beyond Dunder Mifflin’s accounting department, Powers is calculated and competent—a character viewers love to hate. It’s fascinating to see Baumgartner embody such a radically different personality and showcase his ability to adapt to the gritty, high-stakes world of Chicago Fire.
From Chili Spills to Courtroom Thrills
While Baumgartner’s cameo on Chicago Fire was brief, it was a testament to his versatility as an actor. Though fans may never stop associating him with Kevin Malone, his role as Scott Powers offered a glimpse of his potential to explore diverse and complex characters.
As surprising as it may have been to see “Kevin from The Office” take on a sleazy attorney, it was a refreshing reminder that actors often bring more to the table than their most famous roles might suggest.
