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Entertainment • Actor

B.J. Novak

B.J.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

B.J. Novak is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director best known for playing Ryan Howard on the NBC sitcom *The Office*. He also wrote and produced for the series and later expanded into film, television, and book publishing.

Early life and education

B.J. Novak was born Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak in Newton, Massachusetts, on July 31, 1979. He studied at Harvard University before moving into comedy and writing.

The Office

Novak is best known for portraying Ryan Howard on NBC’s *The Office*. He also contributed behind the scenes as a writer, producer, and director on the series. His work on the series earned Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Writers Guild of America Award.

Film and television work

After *The Office*, Novak continued acting in film and television and directed the feature film *Vengeance* in 2022. He has appeared in a range of comedy and drama projects.

Books and writing

Novak is also an author of both adult and children’s books. His published works include the short story collection *One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories* and the children's book *The Book with No Pictures*.

Key facts

  • B.J. Novak is best known for playing Ryan Howard on *The Office* from 2005 to 2013.
  • He also wrote, produced, and directed episodes of *The Office*.
  • He wrote the short story collection *One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories* and the children's book *The Book with No Pictures*.
  • He made his feature directorial debut with *Vengeance* (2022).

Frequently asked questions

Who is B.J. Novak?
B.J. Novak is an American actor, writer, producer, director, and comedian best known for playing Ryan Howard on *The Office*.
What is B.J. Novak’s birth name?
His birth name is Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak.
What is B.J. Novak best known for?
He is best known for his role as Ryan Howard on NBC’s *The Office*.
Did B.J. Novak work behind the scenes on *The Office*?
Yes. He also wrote, produced, and directed episodes of the series.
Has B.J. Novak written books?
Yes. His books include *One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories* and *The Book with No Pictures*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._J._Novak
    Supports: Breakout role as Ryan Howard on *The Office*; acting, writing, and producing credits; awards.
  2. National Book Foundation — https://www.nationalbook.org/people/b-j-novak/
    Supports: Author biography; book titles; recognition for *One More Thing* and *The Book with No Pictures*.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1145983/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and acting/writing credits.
  4. Screen Dollars — https://screendollars.com/celebrity/b-j-novak/
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, career summary, *Vengeance*, and book titles.