Leslie David Baker, known for his role as Stanley Hudson in the hit TV series ‘The Office,’ has made a heartfelt decision to refund over $100,000 to fans who supported his Kickstarter campaign for a proposed spinoff project called Uncle Stan. The 65-year-old actor announced the news on his Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the support and patience of his fans.
The Uncle Stan project aimed to follow the life of Stanley Hudson after his retirement in Florida. The storyline revolved around his nephew, Lucky, seeking his help with managing a motorcycle and flower shop in Los Angeles. The Kickstarter campaign was launched in 2020, and fans showed immense enthusiasm, resulting in a total funded amount of $336,450.53. However, Baker clarified that the actual amount they received was $110,629.81, as some backers’ pledges were lowered or not collected after the campaign.
Unfortunately, the project faced several challenges and delays due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. Now, with the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strikes, the future of the series is uncertain. Baker revealed that the show is currently on hold indefinitely until an agreement is reached.
After much consideration, the team behind Uncle Stan decided to refund their backers as they navigate through the complexities of the current economic situation. However, Baker assured fans that they would still fulfill the rewards promised to backers as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.
Throughout this time, Baker and his team have remained in constant communication with the backers, and rewards have been diligently fulfilled. He emphasized that the funds raised through the Kickstarter campaign were solely used for reward fulfillment and backer refunds and have not been touched for any other purposes.
The spinoff project aimed to bring back the beloved character of Stanley Hudson in all his grumpy charm. Fans eagerly anticipated the continuation of Stanley’s story as he embarked on new adventures and faced fresh challenges. While the delays have been disappointing, Baker’s dedication to keeping his supporters informed and involved is commendable.
As fans eagerly await updates on the future of Uncle Stan, Leslie David Baker’s commitment to his supporters and his passion for his craft continue to shine through. The ‘Office’ star’s decision to return the funds to his fans is a testament to his integrity and appreciation for those who have been with him throughout his journey. Despite the setbacks, Baker’s spirit remains undeterred, and he is determined to bring Uncle Stan to life once the circumstances allow.