Biography of John Krasinski from the Hit NBC Show The Office

Women are swooning over breakout star John Krasinski, but he is far from your average doughnut man. This fast rising star has been named one of five hot new stars in People Magazine's Sexiest Man issue. John Krasinski just may be the one to watch.

He got his first taste of acting when classmate, and Office co-star, BJ Novak cast him in a high school play. Novak plays intern Ryan Howard on The Office, and writes for the show. He stated in a radio interview with an Idaho station, "I think John started acting as a direct result of my casting him in the senior show. So technically, he has me to thank for all of this, right?" The pair played little league together, went to the same middle school, graduated in the same high school class, and were reunited on The Office set. Novak saw Krasinski auditioning for The Office and knew he would land the part.

John was born October 20, 1978 in Newton, MA just outside of Boston. He is the youngest and shortest of three boys standing at 6'3" tall. He grew up in a middleclass neighborhood as the son of a doctor and a nurse. After graduating from Newton South High School in 1997 he went to Brown University in Providence, RI (about 45 miles south of Newton). He graduated with honors as a playwright and went on to study with the National Theater Institute.

He began his career like so many others-doing commercials. His biggest breaks were commercials for Pepsi and Kodak. John also had small parts on major network television shows. Now, he portrays Jim Halpert who is a loveable, underachieving, prankster paper salesman. The Office is an American adaptation of the British comedy by the same name. It is a "mockumentary" of a paper distribution company with a crew of overworked employees put-upon by their boss Michael Scott. Michael Scott is played by Steve Carrell, star of last year's summer blockbuster hit 40-Year Old Virgin. Michael is an out of touch with reality braggart who leads the film crew making a documentary of the workplace. The characters are awkward, dull, and not-so-promising to the point of side splitting hilarity. It is hard to tell if the pauses and sideways glances at the camera are scripted. But what really keeps viewers coming back is the ongoing, unrequited romance between Jim (John Krasinski), and his co-worker Pam (Jenna Fischer). The romance developing with Pam who has been engaged to her high school sweetheart/jerk boyfriend for three years, keeps viewers watching, and wondering, "Is this week the week?" The pair affectionately referred to by fans as "Jam" ,(Jim+Pam), perfectly explains their sweet, but sticky situation.

The Office was doomed by critics from the beginning. American audiences were not expected to understand the subtleties of the show's humor without a laugh track. Originally scheduled for six shows, The Office just completed its second season, and is coming back for a third. Its time slot had a lot of help from its neighbor, smash television series My Name is Earl. "Jam" promises a lot more passion and, dare I say it, a kiss! It could happen, but you will have to watch The Office on NBC Thursdays at 9/8c.

John's half of "Jam" also has a growing list of film credits. Krasinski was in Duane Hopwood (2005) with Laura Linney, and had a bit part in Jarhead (2006) starring Jake Gyllenhaal. He currently has six movies in production or scheduled for release. Look for him in the much talked about Dreamgirls with Jamie Foxx, Beyonce` Knowles, and Eddie Murphy. Also due for release is; Holiday starring Cameron Diaz, For Your Consideration with Eugene Levy, Smiley Face starring Adam Brody, and License to Wed starring Robin Williams and Mandy Moore. John is also making a directing debut, and writing the screenplay, for the Foster Wallace novel Brief Interviews with Hideous Men.

After all of the acting, writing, and a rumored romance with Rashida Jones (daughter of actress Peggy Lipton and music mogul Quincy Jones), what does this hunk really want out of life? To own a Dunkin' Donuts! Women no longer need sugary Munckins and caffeine loaded coffee to wake up in the morning with this hunk behind the counter. For those of you looking for an upclose and personal with the New York city resident try catching him closer to his native stomping grounds for a drink at the Cask n' Flagon in Boston.