B. J. Novak Biography: Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak, born on July 31, 1979, is a multifaceted American actor, comedian, screenwriter, author, and producer. He began his career in comedy in the early 2000s and gained early attention as a field agent on the MTV reality prank series Punk’d (2003).
B. J. Novak Biography
B. J. Manaly Novak is a Jewish-American actor, writer, and director from Newton, Massachusetts, best known for his role as Ryan Howard on the hit TV series The Office. In addition to acting, he was also a key writer for the show, contributing to numerous episodes. Novak has appeared in several notable films, including Saving Mr. Banks, Knocked Up, Reign Over Me, The Internship, Inglourious Basterds, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Founder, and The Smurfs and its sequel.
B. J. Novak Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak
July 31, 1979 Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Alma mater | Harvard University (AB) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Parent | William Novak |
| Relatives | Jesse Novak (brother) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
See More:
About B. J. Novak
Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, author, and producer. He gained traction as a comedian during the early 2000s before becoming a field agent for the MTV reality prank show Punk’d.
B. J. Novak Personal Life
He attended Newton South High School, where he was classmates with future Office co-star John Krasinski. Novak later graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English and Spanish literature. His senior thesis focused on cinematic interpretations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. He is the son of Linda Novak and acclaimed ghostwriter William Novak. Both of his parents come from Jewish families.
B. J. Novak Achievements
Novak rose to prominence with his breakout role as Ryan Howard on NBC’s hit mockumentary series The Office (2005–2013), appearing in seasons 1 through 8. His contributions to the show—both on-screen and behind the scenes as a writer and producer—earned him two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Writers Guild of America Award, and five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series.
B. J. Novak Wiki
- Born: 31 July 1979 (age 45 years), Newton, Massachusetts, United States
- Height: 1.74 m
- Education: Newton South High School, Harvard University
- Full name: Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak
- Parents: William Novak, Linda Novak
Early Life
Novak was born in Newton, Massachusetts, at Newton-Wellesley Hospital to Linda (née Manaly) and writer William Novak. He comes from a Jewish background. His father is a noted ghostwriter who co-edited The Big Book of Jewish Humor and worked on memoirs for figures like Nancy Reagan, Magic Johnson, and Lee Iacocca. He has two brothers: Lev Novak and Jesse Novak, the latter a composer.
He attended Solomon Schechter Day School, Brown Middle School, and Camp Ramah in New England. Novak graduated from Newton South High School in 1997, where he was classmates with The Office co-star John Krasinski. Together, they wrote a satirical play during their school years. Novak later attended Harvard University, graduating in 2001 with a degree in English and Spanish literature. He was a writer for the Harvard Lampoon and performed in a comedy show called The B.J. Show with classmate B.J. Averell. His senior thesis focused on film adaptations of Hamlet.
B. J. Novak Facts
Where does B. J. Novak live? And how much money does B. J. Novak earn?
| Birth Date | 31-7-1979 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Jewish |
| Residence | He owns an apartment in Los Angeles, California. |
B. J. Novak Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 10 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Mindy Kaling |
B. J. Novak: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
Who is B. J. Novak dating in 2025?
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | mindy kaling |
| Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Jesse Novak (Mother)
- Lev Novak (Father)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly talented actor originating from Newton, Massachusetts has a thin body & long face type.
| Hair color | Light brown |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | eye color |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 174 cm |
| Weight | 75 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does B. J. Novak smoke? | No, never |
| Does B. J. Novak have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
How did B. J. Novak become famous?
J. Novak rose to fame through his role as Ryan Howard on the hit NBC sitcom The Office, where he also served as a writer and producer. His performance and behind-the-scenes contributions helped make the show a major success.
What is B. J. Novak’s educational background?
Novak graduated from Harvard University in 2001 with a degree in English and Spanish literature. While there, he was a member of the Harvard Lampoon and performed in a variety show called The B.J. Show.
Who are B. J. Novak’s parents?
His parents are William Novak, a renowned ghostwriter, and Linda Novak. His father has worked with notable figures like Nancy Reagan and Magic Johnson.
Has B. J. Novak written any books?
Yes, he is the author of two books: One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories and the bestselling children’s book The Book with No Pictures.
Is B. J. Novak married or in a relationship?
As of 2025, B. J. Novak is single. He has previously been romantically linked to actress and writer Mindy Kaling, though they are not currently together.
What kind of car does B. J. Novak drive?
J. Novak owns an Audi, reportedly worth around $550,000, reflecting his taste for luxury vehicles.