‘St. Denis Medical’ honors the late Phil Shea, legendary prop master from ‘The Office’ and ‘Superstore’

St. Denis Medical, NBC’s new workplace comedy from Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer, ended its third episode with a touching tribute card honoring the late, great Phil Shea.

After St. Denis Medical Episode 3, “Weird Stuff You Can’t Explain,” concluded on Tuesday, November 19, a photo of a smiling Shea flashed onscreen alongside the words, “IN LOVING MEMORY.”

Those familiar with past NBC comedies like Superstore, American Auto, and The Office may have recognized Shea’s name immediately, but for those unfamiliar with his work, Shea was a beloved property master who helped bring dozens of television shows and movies to life behind the camera.

Want to learn more about Phil Shea and the projects he worked on? Curious what his relation to St. Denis Medical was? Or when Shea died? Here’s what to know about the late prop master and his remarkable legacy.

Who Is Phil Shea? St. Denis Medical‘s Episode 3 Tribute Card, Explained

Phil Shea, a legendary Hollywood prop master, kickstarted his career back in 1995 with a job on In the House. Per IMDb, Shea’s 24 credits include Raising Dad, American Dreams, Entourage, License to Wed, Californication, The Mindy Project, The Newsroom, Mr. Robinson, Trophy Wife, The Office, Superstore, and American Auto.

St. Denis Medical‘s creator and EP Justin Spitzer worked with Shea on The Office from 2005 to 2013, and he and Ledger worked with him on Superstore from 2015 to 2022 and American Auto from 2021 to 2023. It makes perfect sense that the duo would want to pay tribute to Shea on their latest show, which also happens to be their first new series since the prop master’s passing.

Photo: NBC

Shea died on December 7, 2023 at age 62, and per his obituary, “Almost every single object utilized in The Office series was bought or made by Phil and had his creativity, passion, and distinct touch. Phil’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence was unparalleled. He gave full-hearted effort with laser-focused precision to everything he did.”

If you’ve read oral histories of The Office or listen to Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey’s Office Ladies podcast, you’ve likely encountered Shea’s name many times before. He was responsible for the box acting in “The Alliance,” he took iconic photos of Angela and Sprinkles the cat, he set the stage for John Krasinski’s perfect cold open, he helped nail Kevin’s chili spill, and he obtained or crafted whatever the cast needed to make the show better — including but not limited to 30 watermelons and a creepy fake baby. During one episode of the podcast, Krasinski even revealed that Shea sent him a box three or four years after the show wrapped that included Jim’s bag, his nameplate, and the famous teapot from Pam. The man was amazing!

“He often worked off the clock to ensure the best outcome of each show. He lived and breathed the industry and those he worked with were family to him,” Shea’s obituary continues. “Phil had boundless energy, was friendly, loved to laugh, and had an incredible smile and movie-star looks but wasn’t comfortable with the limelight on him. He preferred to help others shine by working his magic in the background, to bring about the best product and outcome. His health rapidly declined in the last strike and not working was exceptionally hard for him.”

“Phil had an enormously generous, empathic, and compassionate heart, and always looked out for those he loved and those in need,” the obit explains. “He wasn’t afraid to tell you openly he loved you and be vulnerable. He was an extremely generous giver and did it quietly. The holidays were his favorite time of year. Each Christmas he would find unsuspecting families in need in grocery stores and Walmart and hand out cash to make their season easier and brighter.”

As Shea’s obituary concludes, “The departure of this unique incredible soul leaves a void in our lives and hearts as well as enormous gratitude for the gift of knowing him. He is forever and profoundly loved.” His legacy will live on through the series he enhanced, the colleagues he influenced, and now, through St. Denis Medical’s thoughtful tribute.

New episodes of St. Denis Medical premiere Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC.