Jenna Fischer Biography 

American actress Jenna Fischer is by far most known for her work on the hugely popular series The Office. She has also established her name, however, through films such as Blades of Glory and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.

Regina Marie Fischer, known popularly as Jenna Fischer, was born March 7, 1974 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born to parents Anne Fischer and Jim Fischer, they raised the family in St. Louis, Missouri.

Fischer obtained her education from Nerinx Hall High School and later attended Truman State University, obtaining her BA in theatre.

Making her onscreen debut in 1998, Fischer’s first role was on Channel 493 opposite Mike Butters. Next, she appeared in the drama Born Champion with Dan Haggerty.

She really started hitting her stride, however, when she took a series of roles for various television series. From 2001 to 2003, Fischer appeared in everything from Spin City with Richard Kind, Charlie Sheen, and Alan Ruck to Miss Match opposite Alicia Silverstone and Lake Bell.

She also appeared in bit roles for several films during this time. Her largest film role while she was establishing her career came in the 2004 comedy/drama Employee of the Month. Not to be confused with the 2006 Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson endeavor, Fischer’s film was quite well received by audiences. And it co-starred Matt Dillon, Steve Zahn, Christina Applegate, and funny man Dave Foley.

In 2004, Fischer took on a large challenge when she directed, wrote, and starred in the mockumentary LolliLove.

Although this project earned her a lot of recognition, Fischer’s big break came the following year when she landed the role of Pam Beesly in the American adaptation of The Office. Sharing the screen with Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, BJ Novak, and others, the series became a breakaway success.

For her work as the lovesick receptionist, Fischer has taken home two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and she has been nominated for an Emmy.

Planning to come back after a long hiatus prompted by the writer’s strike, Fischer and the rest of the cast look to pick up where the fourth season left off.

Prompted by her success on television, Fischer has earned many offers for film work, and notable roles on the big screen include Slither starring Nathan Fillion and Elizabeth Banks as well as Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, and Will Arnett.

Most recently, she took a co-starring lead in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story with John C Reilly. She also had a small role in The Promotion with Seann William Scott and Gil Bellows.

In her personal life, Fischer married director, writer, and actor James Gunn on October 7, 2000. (Fischer had been friends with his brother, Sean Gunn, her entire life.) The couple announced, however, in late 2007 that they were separating.

News of the separation came amid rumors that she was dating costar Krasinski, but nothing ever came of that speculation.

Also making headlines in 2007, Fischer accidentally tripped on a flight of stairs and ended up fracturing her back. In a lot of pain, she still managed to return to the set of The Office for the filming of the fourth season.