Biography
B.J. Novak is an American actor, comedian, writer and producer. Born Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak on 31 July 1979 in Newton, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard University. He first gained attention as a writer and performer on the NBC sitcom The Office (2005–2013), playing Ryan Howard across eight seasons while also contributing as a writer and producer.
Novak has appeared in supporting film roles including PFC. Smithson Utivich in Inglourious Basterds (2009), Harry J. Sonneborn in The Founder (2016) and Jay in The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026). He made his directorial debut with Vengeance (2022), which he also wrote, produced and starred in. Other credits include Saving Mr. Banks (2013) and voice work in the Smurfs films (2011, 2013).
Novak created and wrote the anthology series The Premise (2021) and has published the short-story collection One More Thing (2014) and the children's book The Book with No Pictures (2014).
