B.J. Novak

B.J. Novak
Job	Actor (Ryan Howard); Writer

Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak (born July 31, 1979, in Newton, Massachusets), better known as B.J. Novak, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and plays Ryan Howard in the sitcom series The Office. Novak is also a writer and supervising producer for The Office.

Career

In 2001, after graduating from college, Novak moved to Los Angeles, where he began working clubs as a comedian. His first live stand-up performance took place October 10, 2001 at the Hollywood Youth Hostel. He soon became a fixture at popular L.A. comedy clubs such as The Improv and was named one of Variety's "Ten Comedians To Watch" in 2003. He was a writer for the short-lived WB sitcom Raising Dad. He has since performed on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and on Late Night with Conan O' Brien.

Novak's television acting career began on MTV's Punk'd. He was the lead accomplice on the show's second season, and was most widely known for his pranks on Hilary Duff, Usher, and Mýa. He has appeared in the films Unaccompanied Minors, Reign Over Me, and Knocked Up. He now stars in The Office as Ryan. He also has written eight episodes of the series.

Personal Life

Novak was born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. He attended Newton South High School with John Krasinski, his future co-star on The Office. While at Newton South, Novak wrote and cast a satirical play in which Krasinski played the leading role for SouthStage.

Novak attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in English and Spanish literature and wrote for the Harvard Lampoon.

Novak is the older brother of Jesse Novak, an electronic music composer and former member of the sketch comedy group Olde English. Novak's father, William Novak, is a noted ghostwriter and the co-editor of The Big Book of Jewish Humor.

Episodes Written

• Diversity Day
• Sexual Harassment
• The Fire
• Boys and Girls
• Initiation
• Safety Training
• Local Ad
• Chair Model