B.J. Novak
Biography
Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak, known professionally as B.J. Novak, is an American actor, writer, comedian, author, and director born on July 31, 1979, in Newton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard University, where he was president of the Harvard Lampoon. He began performing stand-up comedy and writing for television shortly after graduation.
Novak was a key creative force behind The Office, serving as a writer, executive producer, and director in addition to playing the role of Ryan Howard, the ambitious temp-turned-executive-turned-temp. He wrote some of the series' most acclaimed episodes, including "Diversity Day" and "Threat Level Midnight," and is credited with helping shape the show's distinctive tone.
Beyond The Office, Novak has become a successful author with The Book with No Pictures (2014), a bestselling children's book, and the short story collection One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories (2014). He wrote and directed the film Vengeance (2022) and appeared in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds (2009). He is also a co-founder of the list-making platform Li.st.
Known For
Other Notable Roles
- Pfc. Smithson Utivich in Inglourious Basterds (2009)
- Writer/Director of Vengeance (2022)
- Author of The Book with No Pictures (2014)
Awards & Recognition
- 🏆 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series (The Office)
- 🏆 Writers Guild of America Award Nomination for Best Comedy Series (The Office)
Frequently Asked Questions
B.J. Novak is best known as an actor, writer, and executive producer on The Office (2005-2013), where he also played Ryan Howard.
Yes, he was one of the primary writers and eventually an executive producer and occasional director of the series.
He wrote the bestselling children's book The Book with No Pictures (2014) and the short story collection One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories (2014).