page_title: B. J. Novak
section_title: Career
hierarchical_section_title: B. J. Novak / Career
caption_attribution_description: B.J. Novak
context_page_description: Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak is an American actor, writer, comedian, and director. Novak was one of the writers and executive producers of The Office, in which he also played Ryan Howard. He also appeared as PFC Smithson "The Little Man" Utivich in the film Inglourious Basterds, Robert B. Sherman in Saving Mr. Banks, and Harry J. Sonneborn in The Founder.
context_section_description: Following his graduation from Harvard, he moved to Los Angeles, California and began working in clubs as a comedian. His first live stand-up performance took place at the Hollywood Youth Hostel on October 10, 2001. He 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 performed on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
  
  Novak's television acting career began on MTV's Punk'd. He was the lead accomplice to Ashton Kutcher on the show's second season in 2003, playing pranks on Hilary Duff, Rachael Leigh Cook, Usher, and Mýa.
caption: Novak in June 2007
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