Actor
B.J. Novak
Based In
Los Angeles, California, United States
Origin
Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Years Active
2001 – Present
B.J. Novak Biography
B.J. Novak Basic Information
- Full Name: Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak
- Stage Name: B. J. Novak
- Date of Birth: July 31, 1979
- Age: 46 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Newton, Massachusetts, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Director, Producer
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approx. 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
Family Background
- Father: William Novak (Writer, journalist, and editor)
- Mother: Linda Manaly Novak
- Brother: Lev Novak (Journalist)
- Brother: Jesse Novak (Music composer, known for TV shows and films)
Education
- School: Newton South High School
- College: Harvard University
- Degree: English and Spanish Literature
Career Highlight
| Year | Work Name | Role / Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Punk’d | Field Agent (TV debut) |
| 2005 | The Office | Ryan Howard (Breakthrough role + Writer) |
| 2006 | Unaccompanied Minors | Flight Attendant (Film debut) |
| 2007 | Knocked Up | Supporting Role |
| 2009 | Inglourious Basterds | Pfc. Smithson Utivich |
| 2009 | The Office | Director (First major directing work) |
| 2011 | The Smurfs | Voice Role (Baker Smurf) |
| 2013 | Saving Mr. Banks | Robert B. Sherman |
| 2013 | The Mindy Project | Actor & Writer |
| 2014 | The Amazing Spider-Man 2 | Alistair Smythe |
| 2016 | The Founder | Harry J. Sonneborn |
| 2021 | The Premise | Creator, Writer, Director |
| 2022 | Vengeance | Lead Actor + Writer + Director |
| 2025 | Poker Face | Guest Role |
| 2026 | The Devil Wears Prada 2 | Upcoming Project |
Recent Activity
- Actively supporting his longtime friend and collaborator Mindy Kaling
- Appearing at high-profile public and industry events
- Continuing involvement in creative projects across film and television
- Engaged in writing, directing, and producing work
- Maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment industry
Awards List
| Year | Award Category | Award Name | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | New Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2005 | Episodic Comedy (Diversity Day) | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2005 | Comedy Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2006 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Screen Actors Guild Awards | The Office | Won |
| 2006 | Comedy Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Won |
| 2007 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Screen Actors Guild Awards | The Office | Won |
| 2007 | Outstanding Comedy Series | Primetime Emmy Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2007 | Episodic Comedy (Local Ad) | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2007 | Comedy Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2008 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Screen Actors Guild Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2008 | Outstanding Comedy Series | Primetime Emmy Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2008 | Comedy Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2009 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Screen Actors Guild Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2009 | Outstanding Comedy Series | Primetime Emmy Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2009 | Comedy Series | Writers Guild of America Awards | The Office | Nominated |
| 2009 | Performance in a Comedy Series |
About B. J. Novak
B. J. Novak is an American actor, writer, and director famous for The Office.
He is best known for playing Ryan Howard in The Office.
Yes, he is an award-winning writer and has written episodes for The Office.
No, he is not married but is closely associated with Mindy Kaling.
He directed and starred in Vengeance and continues working in creative roles.