Office co-stars B.J. Novak and Mindy Kaling maintain a close bond even a decade after the show’s finale. The duo, who collaborated on both The Office and The Mindy Project, evolved from colleagues to best friends over the years.
Novak recently opened up about his friendship with Mindy Kaling, calling the Primetime Emmy-nominated actress “so funny and interesting.”
What did B.J. Novak say about Mindy Kaling?
B.J. Novak recently spoke about his longstanding friendship with Mindy Kaling. In a recent chat with E! during their live stream event for the Season 2 premiere of Poker Face, Novak talked all about his close-knit friendship with Kaling. The Newsroom star called Kaling “so funny and interesting.” He added, “I’ll talk to her as long as she’ll talk to me.” (via E! Online)
Novak went on to describe how he had spoken to Kaling about his role in Poker Face. He explained, “I was driving somewhere with my friend Mindy Kaling—no big deal—and I told her last night about the show.”
Novak continued, “I described my character, and we got to the restaurant before I could finish.” Speaking more about the role, Novak added, “So, I can’t even describe my role because it’s so complicated, but it was really, really cool.”
Though relationship rumors involving the two stars have swirled for years, Novak is currently rumored to be dating Delany Rowe.
Kaling has also gushed over her close bond with Novak, revealing he is an “integral part” of her family. While receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in February 2025, Kaling delivered a special tribute to her former co-star.
Kaling said, “He’s such an important and integral part of my family,” and she added, “that sometimes I forget that the reason that I know him is because we worked together professionally.” (via Variety)
Before Kaling’s speech, Novak spoke about his longtime friend at the ceremony. He called Kaling “a brilliant and wildly successful showrunner, an incredible mother of three, a deep and caring daughter and friend, and a mentor to so many.”
The Inglourious Basterds star did not forget to add a slight roast into his speech. He joked, “Mindy is also in her spare time—I assure you—very superficial.”
