As the sweet but wary receptionist Pam on the NBC hit comedy, “The Office” (2005- ), actress Jenna Fischer provided a down-to-earth ray of light in the otherwise insufferable world of cubicles, staff meetings and annoying co-workers. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on March 7, 1974 and raised in St. Louis, MO, Fisher developed an interest in performing as a child; no doubt inspired by her mother, who taught acting at the time. Enrolling in her mother’s class at age six, she met fellow student Sean Gunn, who was the same age. Years later, Gunn went on to star in “The Gilmore Girls,” and Fischer stayed in touch, eventually marrying his brother James Gunn, a writer and director. Fischer graduated from Truman State University in Missouri, and, while waiting for her big break in acting, worked several administrative jobs, ironically ideal for her future part as Pam.
Her early television roles included bit parts on “Spin City” (ABC), as well as the cult comedy series, “Undeclared” and “That 70s Show” (both on Fox). She also appeared on the short-lived Alicia Silverstone series, “Miss Match” (NBC), the procedural drama “Cold Case” (CBS), and had a two-episode stint in the fifth season of HBO’s “Six Feet Under.” On the big screen, she appeared in a number of small, independent films, including “Lucky 13,” a comedy starring Lauren Graham, and “Employee of the Month,” (2004) a dark comedy starring Matt Dillon and Steve Zahn. She also had an uncredited cameo in 2005’s “The 40-Year-Old Virgin," starring her "Office" boss Steve Carell.
In 2005, Fischer landed the part of her dreams – that of the perpetually put-upon receptionist, Pam Beesly on the American version of "The Office." On the show, Fischer memorably endured the antics of backbiting, insecure co-workers as well as tolerating boss Michael Scott's (Carell) endless attempts at motivation and humor. Taking on the part inspired by actress Lucy Davis' character in the original BBC version, Fischer made the role her own – down to the out-of-date hairstyle and matronly sweaters. As the slowly suspecting object of affection of fellow normal officemate Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), she also provided one half of the heart of the show. A "will they or won't they" hook-up interest soon took hold, as fans routed for the characters to get together. At the end of the first full season, Jim and Pam shared a kiss to the delight of viewers. However, Pam turned down his declaration of love and left fans wondering what would happen with their fave couple. During her "Office" downtime, Fischer also authored a blog (done at her desk and working computer during set-ups amidst the sitcom's production) and landed a part in the 2006 thriller, “Slither,” under the direction of husband Gunn.
Fischer followed her husband’s footsteps and turned director for the first time with the hour-long featurette “Lollilove” (2006), a mockumentary about a self-absorbed Hollywood couple (Fischer and Gunn) trying to do good works by passing out lollipops with inspirational phrase on the wrapper to homeless people. Conceived four years prior to shooting and Fischer’s “Office” success, “Lollilove” was unflinching in its good-natured satirizing of charity work, the homeless and even Fischer herself. Meanwhile, Fischer landed a costarring role in “Blades of Glory” (2007), playing the meek and mild sister of a brother-and-sister skating pair (real-life couple Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) who spies on a newly formed duo (Will Ferrell and Jon Heder) determined to return to championship glory after both were banned for life from solo competition.
