On February 18, 2025, Hollywood buzzed with excitement as Mindy Kaling, the beloved actress, writer, and producer, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, a milestone in any entertainer’s career, was made even more memorable by the presence of her longtime friend and former “The Office” co-star, B.J. Novak. Known for their on-screen chemistry and off-screen bond, Novak stole the show with a speech that was equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and perfectly tailored to the occasion. His jokes about Kaling’s love for fame—and the grace with which she handles it—left the crowd in stitches while also celebrating her incredible journey.
A Star Is Born, and a Friendship Shines Bright
Mindy Kaling, now 45, has become a household name thanks to her iconic role as Kelly Kapoor on NBC’s “The Office,” as well as her work as a writer, showrunner, and creator of hit series like “The Mindy Project,” “Never Have I Ever,” and “Sex Lives of College Girls.” Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 2,800th in its history, is a testament to her talent, tenacity, and undeniable impact on television and film. But what made the event truly special was the presence of B.J. Novak, who played Ryan Howard, Kelly’s on-again, off-again love interest, in “The Office.”
Novak, also 45, took the stage before Kaling to deliver a speech that balanced genuine admiration with his signature wit. He began by acknowledging Kaling’s numerous achievements: her brilliance as a showrunner, her role as an “incredible mother of three,” and her reputation as a caring daughter, friend, and mentor. But it was his playful jab at her love for fame that had the audience laughing—and nodding in agreement.
“Mindy respects and understands [fame] in a very intuitive way,” Novak quipped. “Because in addition to being a brilliant and wildly successful showrunner, an incredible mother of three, a deep and caring daughter and friend and mentor to so many, Mindy is also, in her spare time, I assure you, very superficial.”
The line was delivered with a knowing smile, and it landed perfectly. It was a gentle roast, but also a celebration of Kaling’s ability to embrace the lighter, more glamorous side of celebrity while staying grounded in her values and relationships. Novak went on to praise her knack for red carpet moments, her curiosity about “what really happened on the junket,” and her genuine interest in the kind of celebrity gossip that fuels Hollywood’s endless fascination with itself. “We always knew you’d be famous,” he added sincerely, “but we had no idea how beautifully you’d handle the job.”
A Bond Beyond the Screen
The chemistry between Kaling and Novak has long been a subject of public intrigue. They met in their 20s while working on “The Office,” where Kaling was not only an actor but also one of the show’s most prolific writers, earning an Emmy nomination—the first for a woman of color in any writing category. Novak, meanwhile, was a key part of the show’s creative team and its on-screen narrative, often sharing scenes with Kaling that crackled with humor and tension. Though they dated briefly in the mid-2000s, they’ve maintained a deep friendship ever since, with Novak serving as the godfather to Kaling’s three children: Katherine, Spencer, and Anne.
At the Walk of Fame ceremony, this bond was on full display. Kaling, radiant in a sleek black outfit, thanked Novak during her own speech, calling him “such an important and integral part of my family that sometimes I forget the reason that I know him is because we worked together professionally.” She added a playful touch of her own, joking, “I’m as starstruck by him now at age 29 as I was when I first met you at 24. I love you.” The moment was sealed with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek from Novak, a gesture that sparked renewed speculation about their relationship—but also underscored their enduring affection and respect for each other.
Fame, Friendship, and a Touch of Superficiality
Novak’s speech didn’t shy away from poking fun at the sometimes “weird” aspects of fame that Kaling has navigated with such ease. He suggested that if there were Walks of Fame for talent, friendship, or compassionate parenthood, Kaling would dominate those too. “But let’s face it, all of those would be terrible field trips,” he said with a grin, “so here you are instead, very deservedly, a person who means so much to so many on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Kaling herself leaned into the theme during her acceptance speech, admitting with a smile, “This is one of the times where I’m just gonna force myself to be in the moment. I’m so happy; I love recognition.” Her self-awareness and humor echoed Novak’s earlier remarks, proving that her love for fame isn’t just a punchline—it’s a part of what makes her so relatable and beloved.
The ceremony also drew a star-studded crowd, including Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, and other industry peers, all there to celebrate Kaling’s legacy. But it was Novak’s presence—and his perfectly timed blend of roast and tribute—that stole the spotlight, reminding everyone why their partnership, both on and off screen, remains one of Hollywood’s most cherished.
What’s Next for Kaling and Novak?
As Kaling steps into this new chapter, marked by her star on Hollywood Boulevard, her future looks as bright as ever. She’s set to release “Running Point,” a new Netflix comedy series starring Kate Hudson, later this month. Meanwhile, Novak continues to make waves as an actor, writer, and director, with projects that showcase his own multifaceted talent.
Their friendship, however, remains a constant. Whether they’re sharing a stage, a red carpet, or just a private moment, Kaling and Novak exemplify the kind of bond that transcends professional collaboration and tabloid speculation. As Kaling herself put it, their connection is so deep that it sometimes feels like family—a sentiment that resonated throughout the ceremony and will likely endure for years to come.
In the end, B.J. Novak’s jokes about Mindy Kaling’s love for fame weren’t just funny—they were a celebration of everything that makes her special: her talent, her warmth, and yes, her willingness to embrace the spotlight with a smile. On February 18, 2025, Hollywood didn’t just honor a star; it celebrated a friendship that shines just as brightly.
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