B.J. Novak
B.J. Novak plays Ryan Howard, a temp who eventually becomes Michael Scott's boss.
Background
Novak grew up in Newton, Massachusetts along with co-star John Krasinski. After graduating from Harvard University in 2001, Novak moved to Los Angeles where he began working clubs as a comedian, being named one of Variety's "Ten Comics to Watch" in 2003 and has performed on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
Career
Before "The Office," Novak was best known for his improvised performances on the MTV hit Punk'd, the celebrity prank show. Novak has also starred in several fims, including Empty City, Unaccompanied Minors, and Knocked Up. Novak is also a writer on the upcoming film adaptation of Get Smart starting Steve Carell.
His Role in The Office
In addition to starring in it, Novak is a writer and supervising producer for The Office. He has written the episodes Diversity Day, Sexual Harassment, The Fire, Boys and Girls, Initiation, and Safety Training.