Steve Carell arrives at the world premiere of Despicable Me, a movie for which he did voice work, on Sunday in Los Angeles. Steve Carell arrives at the world premiere of Despicable Me, a movie for which he did voice work, on Sunday in Los Angeles. (Katy Winn/Associated Press)

After seven years in The Office, Steve Carell is ready to leave Scranton, Penn.

The comedian who plays Dunder Mifflin office manager Michael Scott has told E! Online he plans to leave the popular TV show at the end of its seventh season.

"I just think it's time," Carell was quoted as saying. "I want to fulfill my contract. When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go."

Carell's goofy, sad and often squirmingly funny portrayal of Scott has helped propel The Office to sitcom glory.

The American show was initially based on Ricky Gervais's British version of The Office, but has carved its own trajectory in recent seasons.

Carell won a Golden Globe and was nominated for three Emmys for his role.

He has also forged a big screen career, with appearances in Little Miss Sunshine, Get Smart, Date Night and voice work for the just-released Despicable Me.

Carell, who is also a producer on The Office, speculated that the show would continue, based around other strong characters in the series.

He said he plans to spend more time with his family.