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, Indiana and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, 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 6, she met fellow student Sean Gunn, who was the same age. Years and 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 part as Pam.

Her early television roles included bit parts on “Spin City” (ABC), as well as the cult comedy “Undeclared” and “That 70s Show” (both on Fox). She also appeared on “Miss Match” (NBC), “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 Carrel. Exploring ambitions behind the camera as well, Fischer wrote and directed the 2004 independent feature film “Lollilove,” starring herself, husband Gunn, and Linda Cardellini (“ER”). The “mockumentary” revolved around a couple hoping to cheer up the homeless by handing out lollipops with upbeat sayings.

In “The Office,” Fischer must endure the antics of backbiting, insecure co-workers as well as tolerating boss Steve Carrell’s 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. As the slowly suspecting object of affection of fellow-normal person Jim, she also provides one of the rarer elements of heart to the show. Fischer also had a part in “Slither,” a thriller scheduled for release in 2006, under the direction of husband Gunn.