John Krasinski

American actor and relative newcomer John Krasinski broke onto the scene in 2005 with the television series The Office. His character of Jim Halpert made him a popular household name, and his emerging film career looks promising as well.

John Burke Krasinski was born October 20, 1979 in Newton, Massachusetts. Raised in a Catholic household, his mother was a nurse named Mary, while his father was internist Ronald Krasinski. He attended and graduated from Newton South High School. He then attended Brown University, where he earned his playwriting degree. Proving a dedicated student, Krasinski graduated with honors and went onto study at the National Theater Institute.

His first job in the entertainment world was with Late Night with Conan O Brien. In 2002, he served as a script editor and intern. He also had a key contact in BJ Novak with whom he played Little League and attended high school. Novak would later become his co-star on the hit show The Office.

Kicking his acting career into gear, Krasinski made his onscreen debut in 2002 with the short Fighting Still Life. He followed with a small role in the drama Alma Mater with Cady McClain and Will Lyman.

After multiple one-episode appearances on television series such as Law & Order: Criminal Intent, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Without a Trace, Krasinski landed the role that would make him a star. He took a lead role in the American version of The Office with co-stars Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, and Rashida Jones.

The show caught on, and Krasinski soon found movie roles available. These included a spot in Sam Mendes’ Jarhead with Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jamie Foxx, The Holiday, Dreamgirls, and A New Wave with Lacey Chabert.

But it wasn’t until 2007 that he would land a lead in a highly publicized film. This came with the tepidly received License to Wed. Playing opposite Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, and Christine Taylor, Krasinski was considered by many a bright spot in the otherwise poorly executed movie.

But Krasinski’s film status is looking to rise with the release of 2008’s Leatherheads. Directed by and starring George Clooney, it also stars Renee Zellweger and Stephen Root. Receiving considerable buzz, it looks to be Krasinski’s first starring role in a well-received film.

He is also in post-production for Brief Interviews with Hideous Men. This also marks his directorial and writing debut.

Others may recognize him for his Ask.com and Apple TV commercials. He also signed up for a series of holiday Gap advertisements.

In his personal life, Krasinski was named in the 2006 “Sexiest Men Alive” issue of People.

He has been romantically linked to his two onscreen love interests Fischer and Jones. Most recently, he is rumored to be dating his Leatherheads costar Zellweger.