If you don't know her, Linda was Fonzie's fiance on Happy Days and even appeared on the cover of TV Guide with him. She also was Matlock's daughter on that TV series. She is joining The Office as Pam's mom and will be in the wedding episode!! Here's Linda's blog: Linda's Blog

Hold on a sec?! Pam's mom has already been cast in series 2 hasn't she? I'm quite upset that they've decided to re-cast the character, not in the style of a documentary at all, unless there's a good reason behind it (original actress unable/willing to do it again)

Edit: Shannon Cochran was her name I beleive.

Crazy episode! haha, looks like Michael hooked up with Pam's Mom! Nice! Not sure why they switched actors for that.

I checked out her website and she also does concerts! Pam's mom in concert! Check out here concert schedule..

I believe the original mom was re-cast because she was tied down with a stage gig. I was a little surprised when I first heard that they had cast someone else as Pam's mom, but when I learned they did it after approaching the first actress, I found the willpower to forgive.

I have to say though, I didn't really like Pam's mom in this episode. Granted, any actress could have been asked to play her that way (I don't blame Linda) but this was definitely not the same mom that greeted Pam at work in the the second season. I realize that this character has been through a rough divorce and is having to deal with her ex-husband's immaturity at the wedding, but I would still think that the former character would have been supportive and not outwardly bitter. Of course, had she been a stronger character she probably wouldn't have done what she did at the end.

Also, the writers might have felt like a newer character should accompany a new actress to be in keeping with the documentary feel. Granted, its technically the same character, but an attempt to mimic the mom from before might have seemed artificial.

Happens all the time with minor characters on shows, and i'm sure that is the reason they recast the role. The original actress made one brief appearance 4+ years ago, and I'm sure she hasn't been waiting by her phone for the producers to call her back!
Example of recasting a minor role that later became more prominent: "Raymond". Paul Reubens ("Pee-Wee Herman")was Amy's wacky brother Peter the first time the character appeared. The role was later revived, and was in many more episodes, as played by Chris Elliot.