Neil Flynn's character 'the Janitor' was supposed to only appear in the first episode of Scrubs. Why did they keep him?

When Neil Flynn auditioned for 'Scrubs,' he was aiming for the role of Dr. Cox, but he was given the role of the Janitor instead. Flynn was originally only supposed to appear in the first episode entitled 'My First Day,' but he was so popular in the role that he became a regular character only known as the Janitor. The Janitor devotes much of his energy to menacing the young Dr. John "J.D." Dorian in this TV show.

Although his role in Scrubs was the most visible at that point, he had other smaller roles in TV shows and movies, including That '70's Show, Baby's Day Out, CSI, My Boys, Seinfeld, and Smallville. He filmed a pilot for The Middle, but signed a second position one-year deal for Scrubs season nine in case The Middle wasn't picked up. The Middle was picked up but he still made a guest appearance in the season nine premiere of Scrubs.

Neil Flynn performs regularly with his improv group Beer Shark Mice. Voted Chicago Improv Festival's Ensemble of the Year and considered one of the best long-form improvisational groups in the country, the cast boasts an impressive list of credits, both collectively and individually. The cast includes veteran comedians Mike Coleman, Pat Finn, Pete Hulne, David Koechner and Paul Vaillancourt.

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