John Krasinki’s Rise To Fame

By Kenzie MacLaren. 20 Oct 2019 8:48 AM

In honour of John Krasinski’s 40th birthday on Oct. 20, we take a look at some of the key moments in his career that led high school student with dreams of the stage to become one of Hollywood’s most successful actor-directors.

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The Beginning
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John Krasinski met future "The Office" cast mate B.J. Novak in Little League. Krasinski even acted in one of Novak's plays in high school, which gave Krasinski the inclination to consider acting as a future career.
Intern on 'Conan'
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Krasinski graduated from Brown University and the O'Neill National Theatre Institute. He then moved to New York to pursue an acting career, and landed some some minor roles in TV commercials and off-Broadway plays. In 2000, he interned as a scriptwriter for "Late Night with Conan O'Brien".
'The Office'
AP Photo/NBC, Chris Haston
In 2005, Kraskinski's career took off when he landed the role of Dunder Mifflin paper salesman Jim Halpert on NBC's remake of Ricky Gervais' BBC hit "The Office". Krasinski's first on-screen kiss was with Jenna Fischer, who played receptionist Pam Beesly. The show ran for nine seasons and received 42 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, ultimately winning five Emmys.
While On 'The Office'...
Universal Pictures
Krasinski kept busy while filming "The Office".

In addition to his TV role, he alsohad a starring role in "License to Wed" with Robin Williams and Mandy Moore in 2007, appeared with George Clooney in "Leatherheads" in 2008, created 2009 film "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men", and appeared in "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin the same year. Whew!
'Promised Land'
Focus Features
In 2012, while still appearing in "The Office", Krasinski co-wrote and starred opposite Matt Damon in environmental film "Promised Land". The film won numerous accolades including Top Film at the National Board of Review Awards.
After 'The Office' Ended
Sony Pictures Classics
2016 was a big year for Krasinski, including a starring role in Michael Bay's action film "13 Hours" alongside "Office" alum David Denman.

In addition, Krasinski was executive producer on "Manchester by the Sea" which received six Academy Award nominations.

He also directed and starred in dramatic comedy "The Hollars", acting alongside Anna Kendrick and Sharlto Copley.
'Lip Sync Battle'
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Spike
After "The Office" ended, Krasinski founded production company Sunday Night Productions, which eventually created hit reality show "Lip Sync Battle". The concept for the show came when Krasinski and wife Emily Blunt were brainstorming ideas for his upcoming appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". Fallon made that idea a reoccurring segment on his show.

The segment then gained new life as a TV series. The premiere of "Lip Sync Battle" was the Spike channel's highest-rated non-scripted premiere in history, and was also nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards.
'Jack Ryan'
Amazon Prime Video
In 2016 it was announced that Krasinski would play the leading role in Amazon's action-packed series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan", stepping into a role previously played by such stars as Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin.

The series is about to kick off its second season, and has already been rated 8.2 on IMDb and been nominated for multiple awards.

The action series follows a CIA analyst who is moved from his comfy desk job to the field after discovering some suspicious bank transfers.
'A Quiet Place' And Beyond
Paramount Pictures
In 2018, Krasinski directed, co-wrote and starred in smash-hit "A Quiet Place" with his wife Emily Blunt. The horror film was a huge hit with a 95-per-cent score on Rotten Tomatoes while raking in $340.9 million in the box office. Krasinski is now working on "A Quiet Place: Part II" which is set to hit theatres March 2020.

John Krasinki’s Rise To Fame

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