Hollis P. "Holly" Flax is a fictional character played by Amy Ryan in the television series The Office.
Season 4
Holly is introduced as the new HR representative in the episode Goodbye, Toby, replacing Toby Flenderson, who is retiring to Costa Rica.
Although Michael initially considers hazing the new HR representative, her casual disdain for Toby causes Michael to make an about-face, and develops a crush on her. The two connect over bad imitations of Yoda and the Master Thespian character.
Dwight hazes Holly by convincing her that Kevin is "mentally slow"; Kevin's naturally slow and childlike nature does nothing to dispel the misconception. Dwight also attempts to put a raccoon delivered by Mose in her car, but is ultimately foiled.
At the end of the day, Holly subtly invites Michael to join her for dessert, but Michael doesn't pick up on her signals and allows Kevin to join her instead.
Season 5
Holly's full name is given by the nameplate on her desk, which reads Hollis "Holly" P. Flax.
In Weight Loss, Holly embarrasses herself as she learns that Oscar is gay and that Kevin is not mentally retarded after all. (Oscar, to his credit, merely teases Holly, and the two appear to become friends.) She also learns of Michael's former relationship with Jan.
Although Holly and Michael get along well, she fails to realize that Michael is romantically interested in her and accepts Oscar's offer to set her up with his yoga instructor. Michael is crushed to learn that Holly is dating but tries to put a good face on it. The date with the yoga instructor doesn't lead anywhere, however.
Holly leads a business ethics seminar in the episode Business Ethics, taking some of Michael's advice to spice up the seminar with entertainment, then has to deal with the revelation that Meredith slept with a supplier to receive paper discounts. Holly feels that the situation requires disciplinary action, but Michael tries to convince her otherwise during a "business romantic" lunch at Cooper's. The dispute pushes the two apart, but Michael salvages the situation by yelling at everyone to attend the remainder of Holly's seminar.
...
In "Lecture Circuit Part 2" it is revealed that she is dating a coworker at the Nashua branch who Michael refers to as "Holly's Boyfriend". However, Michael soon steals a file off her computer entitled, "Dear Michael" a letter which Pam reads (because Michael thought he shouldn't) and finds out that she still has feelings for Michael and that "it is not over."
Holly and Michael reunite for the first time since she was transferred in "Company Picnic" She is still seeing A.J., who arrives with her. We discover that they have apparently started living together, though Michael holds himself together. Michael makes a number of tongue-in-cheek jabs at A.J., though Holly and A.J. don't respond to it. David Wallace lets Holly and Michael do a skit about the history of Dunder Mifflin, and the two spend time in the woods by themselves trying to think of ideas. Michael wants to find a time to talk about a possible reconciliation, but restrains himself. The two decide to do a skit that spoofs Slumdog Millionaire. The presentation goes horribly and gets worse when they reveal that the Buffalo branch is closing down, much to everyone's surprise. Michael and Holly reminisce about the presentation and talk about one in the future. Holly leaves with A.J., with Michael admitting that it wasn't the right time to talk to her, and that they will eventually find each other again someday.
Recurring jokes
Holly is the female version of Michael:
- She makes a sexual joke.
- She enjoys making bad impressions of Yoda and Master Thespian.
- She "quotes then cites": She quietly mutters "Lovitz" after doing a Master Thespian impression.
- She drives a convertible, the same impractical car that Michael drove for the first three seasons.
Holly is the anti-Toby:
- She openly expresses disdain for Toby.
- When Toby suggests that Holly leave Michael alone, she goes in to talk to him.
Appearances
Mentioned in
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