Short Biography

Benjamin Joseph Manaly “B.J.” Novak (born July 31, 1979) is an American actor, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and director. He has appeared in films such as Knocked Up and Inglourious Basterds, but is most widely known for playing Ryan Howard on the NBC sitcom The Office. He is also a writer and co-executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning show. Novak`s father William Novak is a ghostwriter and the co-editor of The Big Book of Jewish Humor. Novak has two younger brothers, Jesse and Lev. Jesse is an electronic music composer and former member of the sketch comedy group Olde English. Lev is a talented rapper and hopes to carry on the family tradition. Novak grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, as did his future The Office co-star John Krasinski. After graduating from Harvard in 2001, Novak moved to Los Angeles and began working in clubs as a comedian. His first live stand-up performance took place on October 10, 2001 at the Hollywood Youth Hostel. He soon became a fixture at Los Angeles comedy clubs such as The Improv, and was named one of Variety`s "Ten Comedians To Watch" in 2003. Novak was a writer for the short-lived The WB sitcom Raising Dad. He has also performed on Comedy Central`s Premium Blend and on Late Night with Conan O`Brien.

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