Which actress portrays Jan Levinson?

Melora Hardin portrays Jan Levinson in the U.S. version of The Office. Jan is Dunder Mifflin’s ambitious vice president of Northeast Sales and Michael Scott’s corporate superior before their increasingly troubled relationship becomes a major storyline.

Jan first appears in the series pilot, where she visits the Scranton branch while discussing downsizing with Michael. Her controlled, business-focused manner contrasts with Michael’s impulsive behavior, making their interactions a recurring source of comedy. Their relationship develops after the season-two episode “The Client,” but eventually collapses spectacularly in “Dinner Party.”

Hardin played Jan from 2005 through 2013, appearing in recurring, starring, and guest roles across the series. Jan is sometimes confused with Holly Flax, another important woman in Michael’s life, but Holly was played by Amy Ryan. Jan’s British counterpart is Jennifer Taylor-Clarke, portrayed by Stirling Gallacher in the original U.K. series.