Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak, widely known as B.J. Novak, is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, author, and producer, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions to film and television. Born on July 31, 1979, in Newton, Massachusetts, Novak gained prominence as a writer and actor, best recognized for his role as Ryan Howard in the acclaimed NBC series The Office. His work on the show showcased his talent and creativity, earning him multiple accolades and establishing him as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.

Novak's early life was marked by a passion for storytelling and performance. He attended Newton North High School, where he honed his comedic skills and developed a love for the art of comedy. He later pursued his education at Harvard University, where he graduated with a degree in English and a secondary concentration in History of Art and Architecture. His time at Harvard was instrumental in shaping his career, as he performed stand-up comedy and was involved in various theatrical productions.

In the early 2000s, he began to gain traction in the entertainment world, making his television debut on the MTV reality prank show Punk'd in 2003. However, it was his role in The Office that catapulted him to fame. Novak not only starred as Ryan Howard but also served as a writer and executive producer for the series from 2005 to 2013. His contributions earned him two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Writers Guild of America Award, along with five nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Beyond The Office, Novak showcased his versatility through various film roles. He appeared in the drama Reign Over Me (2007) alongside Adam Sandler and had a notable part in Quentin Tarantino's war film Inglourious Basterds (2009). His film career continued to flourish in the 2010s, with roles such as musician Robert B. Sherman in Saving Mr. Banks (2013) and the Marvel character Alistair Smythe in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Additionally, he lent his voice to Baker Smurf in both The Smurfs (2011) and its sequel, The Smurfs 2 (2013). In 2014, he had a recurring role as Lucas Pruit on the HBO series The Newsroom, further expanding his television repertoire.

The 2020s marked a new chapter in Novak's career as he made his directorial debut with the film Vengeance (2022), which he also produced and starred in. He continued to explore storytelling through television by creating and writing the FX on Hulu anthology series The Premise (2021). In addition to his work in film and television, Novak is also a published author, having released the books One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories and The Book with No Pictures in 2014, both of which received acclaim for their unique narratives and humor.

B.J. Novak's career is a testament to his diverse talents and contributions to the entertainment industry. His work continues to resonate with audiences, and he remains a beloved figure for his comedic brilliance and storytelling prowess.