10 Facts About Dwight That Only Die-Hard Fans Know
Charlotte Adams Only true fans of The Office know everything there is to know about the Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dwight Schrute.
As one of the best TV sitcoms of all time, The Office has made a lasting impression on old and new audiences. Between the witty writing and perfect casting, there is a good reason the series has a die-hard fan base. The extreme fans watch the series multiple times and pick up enough new facts with each rewatch to make the biggest trivia expert jealous.
As Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dwight Schrute is a complex character. His family traditions and little quirks round out his awkward, beet-loving character. Only die-hard fans would know everything there is to know about Dwight.
Dwight Was A Twin
Die-hard fans will remember that Dwight was supposed to be a twin but absorbed the other in utero. In season 3 episode "Grief Counseling," after the death of Michael's former boss, Ed Truck, he holds a counseling session with the office so they can discuss stories of deceased loved ones.
While other employees offer stories based on movies like Million Dollar Baby and Weekend at Bernie's, Dwight is the only one who tells a true story. He revealed circumstances surrounding his birth and that he overpowered his twin in the womb. He does not regret his actions as now he has the "strength of a grown man and a little baby." The world was really not ready for two Dwights.
Dwight Had A Blog
Coinciding with the premiere of season 2, NBC began publishing blogs for the characters. Dwight's blog, Schrute-Space, covered plenty of topics including hating salmon because they're too pink and smell like first, contemplating DJ names for himself (DJ BJ is "no good for children's parties"), and his opinion on the sexual harassment seminar.
Die-hard fans know Rainn Wilson was the initial author of Dwight's blog entries, but he eventually handed over the task to the crew. The Schrute-Space blog is just one behind-the-scenes facts about The Office. The office computers really worked and were connected to the internet, making sense that Rainn had time to write blog entries.
Dwight Almost Got A Spinoff
Dwight was set to get a spinoff after the series ended that revolved around his family and the beet farm. Season 9 episode "The Farm" follows Dwight's siblings, Fannie and Jeb, return to the farm for Aunt Shirley's funeral. Her will decided who would inherit her land under the stipulation that Fannie and Jeb return and the Schrute's run the farm together.
However, the spinoff series was not picked up by NBC, so the episode was reworked as a subplot for Dwight instead of his future full-time career. This was a wise decision by the network as "The Farm" was not well received by viewers and seemed like a filler episode in the final season.
Dwight Was Almost Played By Seth Rogen
Dwight Schrute was almost never played by Rainn Wilson. Among a long list of celebrities who auditioned for The Office, Seth Rogen auditioned for the role of Dwight. Rogen has missed out on plenty of roles or turned them down, but his portrayal of Dwight was not quite the right fit and likely would have changed the direction of the character.
Rogen's version of Dwight was too friendly and not at all awkward. He would not have been able to portray the awkwardly intense beet farmer that audiences fell in love with. But Rogen did just fine and still worked with Steve Carell. He went on to star as Cal in The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
Dwight Appears In Every Episode Of The Office
Dwight it the only character in every episode of The Office. For 201 episodes across nine seasons, he is included in some form or another in each episode. Whether it is a minor or major storyline, audiences enjoy his often-awkward screen time.
Kevin is the only other character in every single episode, including background appearances. Jim is awarded second place for screen time. In season 6 episode "The Mafia," Jim's voice can be heard over the phone while he and Pam are honeymooning, but he does not physically appear in the episode.
Dwight's Middle Name Is Kurt
Audiences are very familiar Dwight's middle name begins with K as he regularly refers to himself as Dwight K. Schrute. However, die-hard fans know his real middle. In season 2 episode "The Injury," Michael and Jim rush Dwight to the hospital after he gets a concussion from crashing his car into a pole.
While Michael fills out the hospital paperwork, he asks Dwight his middle name to which he responds his name is "Danger." Jim is the one to reveal the K in Dwight K. Schrute actually stands for Kurt. He confirms this himself in a later episode when Dwight makes a complaint against Jim for changing his security badge for Dwight Fart Schrute.
Schrute Children Must Learn 40 Rules
Real fans know Dwight had a rough upbringing. He reveals tidbits about his family throughout the series, including how his family shunned him for years as a little kid after he forgot to save the oil from canned tuna and the German Christmas tradition of Belsnickel. Dwight tells how all the Schrute children must learn 40 rules before turning 5 years old.
In season 5 episode "The Duel," Dwight recites rule 17: "Don't turn your back on bears, men you have wrongs, or the dominant turkey during mating season." The children who do not learn the rules will get eaten in their sleep. Though unclear who or what will do the eating, it is likely something outlandish as the rest of the Schrute traditions.
Dwight Was Inspired By Real People
Rainn Wilson's character was based on himself and creator Greg Daniels' grandparents. Speaking with Brian Baumgartner on his podcast, Rainn explained that he pushed for Dwight to be more rural and offered photos of his own eclectic family for inspiration. Combined with Amish in the City inspiration, the Schrute family is very unique.
Schrute Farms is introduced in season 2 and based on Daniels' grandparents who once owned a beet farm in Poland. The changes to Dwight were a success. Audiences love his absurd character with every quirk, prank, and friendship. Dwight is the hero of The Office through every fire drill, night watch, and banana holster.
Schrute Farms Is 1,600 Acres
Schrute Farms is actually quite massive. Originally inherited from his grandfather, Dwight states the farm was 60 acres in season 2 episode "Office Olympics," but he and his siblings inherited the extra land from Aunt Shirley. The working farm grows beets and hemp, as well as having animals and beehives.
Dwight opens a bed and breakfast for agrotourists in the farmhouse he shares with Mose. Guests can learn to plow fields, make tables and beet wine, and learn to make their own mattresses in addition to touring the barn and nearby slaughterhouse. Die-hard fans know Schrute Farms is Dwight's real love.
Dwight Shrute's Second Life Character Is Named Dwight Shelford
Audiences will remember Dwight recreating himself in the game Second Life because his life was so great that he wanted a second life. In the game, he is still a paper salesman and dresses in a short-sleeved button up with a tie. The one difference is that he can fly.
However, die-hard fans know his name in the game is Dwight Shelford instead of Schrute. Though it is never mentioned, a quick visual of in-game Dwight shows his last name differs from real Dwight as he begins to fly. It is a small piece of trivia that only eagle-eyed fans would notice.
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