Mindy Kaling Responds to Rumors She and B.J. Novak Had a Falling Out

Mindy Kaling was quick to seemingly set the record straight when a social media post said she and B.J. Novak had had a falling out.

Mindy Kaling has a lot of questions. Number one, how dare you?

Or at least, she said something to that effect in response to rumors that she and her longtime BFF—and former boyfriend—B.J. Novak had a falling out. After celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi shared a blind item suggesting the Office alums had agreed to put "some distance" between them, Mindy was quick to set the record straight. 

Seeming to make light of the situation, the 44-year-old commented on the March 23 post, "Omg I haaate him so much."

In fact, in the years since their split in the mid-aughts—during which they worked together as writers and actors on The Office—the pair have proven time and time again how much they "haaate" each other.

Amid the many moments in which the duo have gushed over the other, one of the biggest indicators of how deep their bond really goes was Mindy's decision to appoint B.J. godfather to her two children, daughter Katherine, 6, and son Spencer, 3. And while the Sex Lives of College Girls creator has kept the identity of the children's father a secret, the move has prompted many online to speculate that B.J. is their father. 

Speculation that—much like rumors of a falling out—both parties have simply allowed to roll off their back over the years. 

"It doesn't bother me," the Mindy Project star told Marie Claire in August 2022. "He's the godparent to both my kids—and they have such a great relationship—and so far [the rumors haven't] affected my happiness at all, it hasn't affected my kids or BJ… If that's what is going to be titillating to people, I'll take it."

And while there are those Office fans who have hoped that a romantic spark might rekindle between the pair, Mindy has been clear about why the pair work so well as friends—and nothing more. 

"He is a wonderful friend and he's godparent of both of my kids and he loves children and they're so attached to him," she told Drew Barrymore in December of the same year. "He's really a part of our family. But we've known each other for a long, long time."

Mindy continued, "I think anyone who's been friends with someone for 18, 19 years and at one point dated and now doesn't, they maybe understand this."

To see where more of The Office cast is today, keep reading. 

What's he up to? After playing one of TV's most popular and beloved characters, Michael Scott, Carell has gone on to become one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors, both in movies and TV.

Carell made his big return to TV in Apple TV+'s The Morning Show, starring opposite Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, with his work earning him an Emmy nomination. He also starred in Netflix's Space Force and The Patient, pulling double duty as executive producer for both. 

When it comes to movies, Carell has favored dramas, starring in films such as Beautiful Boy, The Big Short, Battles of the Sexes, Welcome to Marwen and Vice. In 2014, he was nominated for an Oscar for his dark turn in Foxcatcher.

Although he’s no stranger to comedies on the big screen having starred in Crazy, Stupid, Love, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Little Miss Sunshine, among others. He also lent his voice to the character of Gru in the beloved Despicable Me franchise. 

Carell is married to Nancy Carell, and they share daughter Elisabeth and son John.

What's he up to? A Quiet Place, which he directed and starred in alongside wife Emily Blunt, was a huge hit in 2018. Its sequel was released in 2020, followed by a third film A Quiet Place: Day One in 2024. That same year, Krasinski debuted his movie IF, which he wrote and directed.

On the TV side of things, Krasinski played the titular character Jack Ryan in the popular Amazon Prime series. Through his production company, Krasinski also served as an executive producer on Lip Sync Battle and 2016's critically acclaimed film Manchester By the Sea.

After Krasinski and Blunt got married at George Clooney's Lake Como, Italy estate in 2008, they welcomed two daughters: Hazel and Violet. They are one of Hollywood's most beloved couples, counting the Clooneys, Jennifer Aniston, Jimmy Kimmel, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds and more among their close friends.

What's she up to? Fischer starred opposite Oliver Hudson in the ABC sitcom called Splitting Up Together, which ended in 2019. Her other film and TV credits include, Blades of Glory, The 15:17 to Paris; You, Me and the Apocalypse; Brad's Status and the film adaptation of the musical Mean Girls.

In 2017, Fischer published her first book The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide— with Steve Carell writing the introduction. Two years later, Fischer teamed up with former costar Angela Kinsey for the popular podcast Office Ladies, dedicated to the iconic series.

She's been married to screenwriter Lee Kirk since July 2010 and they have two children together, a son named Weston and a daughter named Harper.

In 2024, Fischer shared she had been diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer the previous year and that she was cancer free after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

 

What's she up to? Oh, just becoming one of the most in-demand writers in Hollywood!

Her beloved show The Mindy Project aired from 2012 to 2017. Afterwards, she released Champions, the Four Weddings and Funeral limited series, Never Have I Ever, The Sex Lives of College Girls and, most recently, Running Point.

Kaling also starred in movies like Ocean's Eight, Late Night and A Wrinkle in Time as well as in TV series like The Morning Show. Plus, she's voiced animated characters like Disgust in Inside Out, Velma in Velma and Taffyta Muttonfudge in Wreck-It Ralph.

In 2017, Kaling privately welcomed her first child, a daughter named Katherine, choosing not to reveal the identity of the father. Three years later, she added son Spencer to her family. And in 2024, she announced she'd given birth to daughter Anne.

In terms of her friendships from The Office, Kaling is still BFFs with B.J. Novak, whom she dated during their time on the show. The pair have attended red carpet events together and he presented her with her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What's he up to? During the later years of The Office, Helms starred in the successful Hangover movies as well as in the 2013 remake of Vacation. He also appeared in films like Family Switch, Love the Coopers, Coffee & Kareem and Father Figures.

On the TV side, the actor landed roles in series like Rutherford Falls and hosted True Story with Randall Park. Plus, Helms as provided the voice for characters in projects like Agent Elvis and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.

He is married to Celeste Ackelson, and they share a daughter.

What's he up to? After NBC passed on a possible Dwight-centric spinoff, Wilson went on to star on Backstrom.

He also made appearances on Star Trek: Discovery, Mom, Lessons in Chemistry, Dark Winds and Utopia. On the film side, Wilson's credits include Empire Waist, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Jerry and Marge Go Large.

In addition to being an actor, he's a podcaster and launched Soul Boom and Metaphysical Milkshake. He's also done work for animated projects, including Hitpig and Solar Opposites.

Wilson is married to Holiday Reinhorn and is dad to son Walter.

What's he up to? Novak appeared on 2016's The Founder, The Mindy Project and The Newsroom and even played himself on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Shortly after The Office ended, Novak released his book of short stories, One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories, which spent weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers List.

The actor was working on a secret Blumhouse horror film called Vengeance when production was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic before it was released in 2022. Recently, he appeared in Lessons in Chemistry and Poker Face and he still maintains a close bond with Kaling.
 

What's she up to? Oh nothing, just starring in her very own critically acclaimed Netflix show called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, which ended its celebrated run in January 2019.

The actress also landed roles in movies like Bridesmaids, Home Sweet Home Alone and Happiness for Beginners. Plus, she provided cartoon voices on shows like Sofia the First and Eureka! as well as in movies such as The Secret Life of Pets and The Lego Batman Movie. But that's not all as she's also an author, penning the book My Squirrel Days.

In late 2019, Kemper and husband Michael Koman welcomed son Matthew, who joined big brother James.

What's he up to? Woods appeared opposite Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks in The Post and has popped up everywhere from Ghostbusters to Playing House. He also acted in HBO's hit comedy Silicon Valley, which wrapped up its celebrated six-season run in December 2019.

Recently, Woods starred in the animated comedy series In The Know, which he also co-created.

What's he up to? Don't tell Michael, but did you know that Lieberstein was actually The Office's showrunner for several seasons?! The writer was then brought in as a showrunner for Fox's Ghosted and also served as an executive producer on HBO's The Newsroom. In addition, he wrote and directed the comedy movie Song of Back and Neck and produced Lucky Hanky.

In 2020, Lieberstein appeared in a buzzworthy Super Bowl commercial for Fox and played a Toby-esque character who tried to prevent people from taking the day off work for a new holiday, "Super Monday." Typical Toby.

In his personal life, Lieberstein wed Janine Poreba in 2008.

What's he up to? After The Office, Nunez appeared in Baywatch, Shameless, People of Earth, The 5th Quarter and Netflix's comedy series Mr. Iglesias.

His other credits include The Proposal, Reno 911!, The Lost City, The School Duel, Out of Office as well as holiday movies like Dashing Through the Snow and A Christmas Mystery. In addition, the actor provided the voice of Chef Fernando in the animated children's series Firebuds.

And according to NBC, Nunez is set to reprise his character in the upcoming comedy set in The Office universe.

Other roles he's taken on? Father and husband. Nunez is married to Ursula Whittaker and dad to August.

What's he up to? Aside from making Kevin's famous chili? (Seriously, it landed him a sponsorship deal with Bush's Beans!) The actor has kept busy with roles on Suits: L.A., Hand of God, Good Behavior, Life in Pieces, and The Goldbergs. He also starred in the film Electric Jesus, provided voices for the animated kids' series Trash Truck and reunited with his costar from The Office Angela Kinsey for the 2024 Hallmark movie Confessions of a Christmas Letter.

Baumgartner—who also has podcaster on his résumé thanks to his show Off the Beat With Brian Baumgartner—married Celeste Ackelson in 2014, and the couple welcomed their first daughter Brylee the following year. 

What's she up to? Following The Office, Flannery acted on shows such as Night Court, All Night, Aussie Girl and PBC and voiced characters on Steven Universe, OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes, Summer Camp Island and Kiff. In addition, she appeared in movies like Cooties, Micro Budget and Plan B and on stage in her musical comedy duo The Lampshades.

In the fall of 2019, Flannery competed on Dancing With the Stars, ultimately coming in seventh place with partner Pasha Pashkov.

What's she up to? Kinsey's list of credits include Tall Girl, Haters Back Off, Fresh Off the Boat and Never Have I Ever, the latter of which was created by her costar on The Office Mindy Kaling.

Kinsey has also served as a host, including for the Disney+ cooking competition Be Our Chef and on her podcast Office Ladies with former castmate and IRL BFF Jenna Fischer.

Kinsey—who shares a daughter with ex Warren Lieberstein (Paul Lieberstein’s brother)—tied the knot with Joshua Snyder in 2016.

What's he up to? Baker has been acting consistently since The Office wrapped. Over the years, he appeared in Jackpot!, The Happytime Murders, Wish I Was Here, Still the King, Hard Miles and Raven's Home to name a few. Plus, Baker lent his voice to animated movies and shows, including Puppy Dog Pals, Doug Unplugs and Vivo.

What's he up to? After saying goodbye to Darryl, Robinson went on to star in several movies, including Hot Frosty, This Is the End, Sausage Party and Dolemite Is My Name. The actor also took on roles on several TV series, including Ghosted, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Mr. Robot and Killing It.

In addition, Robinson has voiced characters for several animated movies and shows, including American Dad!, Santa Inc. and Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

What's she up to? In addition to voicing the character of Sadness to perfection in the hit Inside Out movies, Smith appeared in The OA, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar as well as Nunsense.

What's he up to? More than you might realize. He's continued to act, including in Bart Bagalzby and the Garbage Genie, The Sisters Brothers, Hero Mode and shorts like Portland Is the New Portland.

Bratton is also a musician, releasing albums like Tao Pop and While the Young Punks Dance. He's toured the world with his music and comedy show. 

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