Which actor portrays Ryan Howard?

B. J. Novak portrays Ryan Howard in the American version of The Office. Ryan is introduced as a temporary employee at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch and gradually moves through a surprisingly unstable series of jobs and corporate roles.

Novak was more than Ryan’s actor: he also worked as a writer, producer, and director on the series. He wrote episodes including “Diversity Day” and “Local Ad,” and his behind-the-scenes role helped make Ryan’s character part of the show’s broader workplace satire.

Ryan’s career arc includes becoming a full-time salesman, moving to the New York corporate office, serving as vice president of the Northeast Region and director of New Media, and later returning to Scranton after being arrested for fraud. He also works for the Michael Scott Paper Company and briefly returns to a temporary position.

The character’s relationship with Kelly Kapoor, played by Mindy Kaling, is another major recurring storyline. Novak and Kaling were also writers on the show and had a close personal friendship, while John Krasinski played Jim Halpert and Ed Helms played Andy Bernard. Those casting connections make the wrong options easy names to confuse, but Novak is the actor identified with Ryan Howard.