B.J. NOVAK

B.J. NOVAK
as Ryan Howard/
Writer/Co-Executive Producer

B.J. Novak is a writer, actor and comedian, best known for his work in multiple capacities on NBC's Emmy Award-winning comedy "The Office." In addition to starring as Ryan Howard, Novak serves as executive producer and a frequent director of the series and has written many of the show's most memorable episodes including "Diversity Day," "Sexual Harassment," "The Fire," "Initiation," "Safety Training," "Local Ad," "Threat Level Midnight" and "The List."

First known to television audiences for his improvised performances on the MTV series "Punk'd," Novak has also appeared in motion pictures including "Reign Over Me," "Knocked Up," and as Smithson Utivich in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."

As a stand-up comedian, Novak was named one of Variety's Ten Comics to Watch in 2004 and has since performed on Comedy Central and "Late Night with Conan O' Brien."

In November 2008, his show "B.J. Novak & Friends" at Town Hall served as the closing night of the New York Comedy Festival. Novak also served as host of the 2010 Webby Awards. He has headlined various theaters, colleges and comedy clubs throughout the country, including Caroline's on Broadway and the Hollywood Improv, and continues to perform stand-up regularly at the UCB Theatre in Los Angeles.