John Krasinski isn’t just the pick for PEOPLE's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive; he’s a master of reinvention, a blend of creativity, wit, and grit who keeps us guessing. From his early days as Jim Halpert on The Office, where he brought the perfect mix of charm and humor to one of television’s most beloved characters, to stepping behind the camera to direct A Quiet Place, Krasinski proves he’s as fearless as he is versatile. 

But Krasinski’s impact on The Office went far beyond his iconic looks or even his role as the endlessly endearing Jim Halpert. Behind the scenes, Krasinski took real ownership of making Dunder Mifflin feel like an authentic slice of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In every project, Krasinski dives in with a curiosity that makes him as grounded as he is daring. He brings an instinctive blend of heroics, humor, and heart, creating a vibe that’s both larger-than-life and down-to-earth—whether he’s leading a cast, directing intense scenes in thrillers, or quietly adding his own touches to the story. His work feels like it’s infused with a genuine love for the details, turning every role and project into something that’s truly his own.

Here are 10 fascinating and lesser-known facts about PEOPLE’s new Sexiest Man Alive, John Krasinski.

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1. Unexpected Beginnings in Acting

Krasinski’s journey into acting started unexpectedly. Growing up in Newton, Massachusetts, he went to high school with B.J. Novak, his future co-star from The Office. It was Novak who encouraged him to try acting by casting him in their senior play. That small moment sparked a passion that would eventually carry him all the way to Hollywood.

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2. Teaching in Costa Rica (and a Real-Life Rescue Hero)

Before stepping onto any Hollywood sets, Krasinski taught English in Costa Rica. During this stay, he became a real-life hero when he saved a young girl from a riptide, showing his bravery and proving that his protective instincts are as genuine as they are onscreen (Men's Health).

3. A Late Night Beginning with Conan O’Brien

One of Krasinski’s first gigs was as an intern at Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Working in the script department gave him early exposure to the entertainment industry, no doubt shaping his comedic timing. This behind-the-scenes role added to his experience long before his career took off. See the pair recounting old memories here:

4. The Mind Behind Lip Sync Battle

While Krasinski is celebrated for his acting, he’s also a creative innovator. Along with Stephen Merchant, Krasinski co-created Lip Sync Battle, the wildly popular show that’s become a pop culture staple. They brainstormed the idea with Jimmy Fallon, transforming it from a skit on The Tonight Show to a viral sensation with its own series. See him give his best lip sync on the show versus Anna Kendrick: 

5. A Star-Studded Family Tree

Krasinski’s family connections run deep in Hollywood. He’s married to actress Emily Blunt, and their family ties expanded when Blunt introduced her sister, Felicity, to actor Stanley Tucci. Tucci and Felicity later married, making holidays a star-studded affair in the Blunt-Krasinski-Tucci household. See the fam all together in a video on Emily's socials: 

Emily Blunt is back with a new “goodbye” video featuring John Krasinski, Stanley Tucci and Felicity Blunt! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/PBw2S0DSwl

— best of emily blunt (@badpostblunt) July 13, 2023

6. Playing the Monster in A Quiet Place

In addition to his role as a father in A Quiet Place, Krasinski went behind the scenes to bring the film’s terrifying creatures to life. He put on a motion-capture suit and performed as the monster in several scenes, showing his hands-on approach to storytelling and dedication to his craft. See him talk BTS on Jimmy Kimmel here: 

7. Director Debut Way Before A Quiet Place

Though A Quiet Place was a landmark for Krasinski as a director, his filmmaking debut came almost a decade earlier. In 2009, he adapted David Foster Wallace’s Brief Interviews with Hideous Men into a film, which he directed and wrote, showcasing his early interest in thought-provoking, complex narratives. You can read his interview behind the process with Vulture, where he tells the story of still waiting tables while writing the script for his debut: "First of all, directing out of ignorance helps a great deal — you think it’s no big deal to cast a movie. Also, I was writing the script before I got the rights — again, super-smart! — and in writing it, at the time I was still waiting tables, I had a few actors in mind. And then I kept seeing these amazing performances, like Bobby Cannavale in The Station Agent, and mentally adding them to the cast."

8. Co-writing Promised Land with Matt Damon

Krasinski collaborated with Matt Damon to co-write Promised Land, a film tackling fracking-related environmental themes. This project demonstrated Krasinski’s commitment to socially conscious storytelling and his versatility as an actor and writer. See the two deep dive into the making and wriring of the film in an interview below: 

9. Voice in a Studio Ghibli Film

As a testament to his admiration for animation, Krasinski lent his voice to The Wind Rises, a Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki. He voices Kiro Honjo, a Japanese aircraft designer, calling Miyazaki’s work “like a moving Renoir painting." This shows how Krasinski draws inspiration from all forms of art. See him break down his process with the film and studio in an extensive interview: 

10. Filming Scranton’s Iconic The Office Shots

Krasinski’s commitment to authenticity led him to capture the essence of Scranton, Pennsylvania, for The Office’s opening scenes. Traveling to Scranton himself, he filmed the footage that became part of the iconic intro, showing his dedication to bringing the fictional Dunder Mifflin world to life.

Krasinski’s journey is about more than just talent; it’s about a guy who never stops reaching for something more profound, whether taking the director’s chair or crafting stories beyond mere entertainment. His charm lies in these unexpected layers – a combination of courage and creativity that’s captivating, authentic, and, yes, deeply deserving of his new title as Sexiest Man Alive.

Photo Credit: @julianunganostudio