It’s time to get excited, because after his smashing success as the director and star of A Quiet Place earlier this year, John Krasinski is taking a big screen break and returning to television as iconic Tom Clancy character Jack Ryan. Krasinski will be the latest in a venerable string of actors to play the beloved CIA analyst, leading a strong cast for Amazon’s modernized take on Ryan for the new series, Jack Ryan.
But before we can get all kinds of excited about what’s to come for Krasinski on Jack Ryan, we want to take a moment to look back on the actor’s life and career thus far. Do we really know everything about him? Or are there still some fun things to be learned about this charming, charismatic actor?
We’ve put together a collection of little-known facts about Krasinski that you might find very interesting. Go ahead. Click through, and do your Jack Ryan prep here by brushing up on all things John Krasinski.
He Has a Crush on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Star Vanna White
You never forget your first — and neither does Krasinski. The actor went on record with InStyle to confirm that he had a strong, enduring, not-so-secret crush on Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White.
His First Date With Emily Blunt Was Unconventional
After Krasinski and Blunt were introduced by mutual friends, he chose to take his new love interest to an unconventional place for a first date: the gun range. And while that was certainly interesting, the most memorable part of the date was that he just couldn't stop gushing over how big of a fan he was of hers. Someone is definitely a hopeless romantic, huh?
He Was Originally Considered to Play Dwight Schrute on ‘The Office’
Believe it or not, Krasinski was actually recommended to read for the part of beet-loving Assistant (to the) Regional Manager Dwight Schrute while auditioning for The Office. As Krasinski told Off Camera, he suggested to the casting team (relayed through his manager) that he was a better fit for Jim. While the casting team initially scoffed, Krasinski really fought to be considered for the role, and the rest is history.
He Is Both Super-Tall & the Shortest in His Family
Well, who woulda thought this was a thing? By Krasinski's own admission, he is the shortest fella in his family, even though he clocks in at 6-foot-3.
His First On-Screen Kiss Is Just Too Perfect
Just knowing that Krasinski's first on-screen kiss was with his longtime Office costar Jenna Fischer, and it was also the first kiss their characters, Jim and Pam, shared on-screen is just too, too good.
He Once Got Important Advice (& a Career Blessing) From Robin Williams
While working together on their film License to Wed, the late, great Robin Williams gave some excellent advice to Krasinski.
While chatting with Today, Krasinski recalled Williams' pulling him aside on set one day to give him some advice: "I think you're going to be in this business for a while. Don't ever forget the responsibility you have to be the better person than anyone else on this set."
He’s Known ‘The Office’ Costar B. J. Novak Forever
Krasinski goes way back with Office costar B. J. Novak, and it's not just because they worked together on the show for the better part of a decade. No, Krasinski and Novak actually played on the same Little League team back in Massachusetts. Even better, Novak cast Krasinski to star in a play he had written when the pair were in high school.
He Almost Played Captain America
Krasinski was almost cast to play an iconic superhero: Captain America. He auditioned for Captain America: The First Avenger alongside future Marvel superhero Chris Evans (who landed the Captain America gig), making it all the way to the round where he auditioned in costume.
His First-Ever Acting Role Was in ‘Annie’
According to Parade, Krasinski's first taste of acting was in grade school, when he appeared in a production of Annie. His role? Daddy Warbucks. There's no word on whether he donned a bald cap to really get into the spirit of the role, but we're sure that no matter what, he did a great job.
He’s, Like, Really Smart, You Guys
Krasinski is no dope. Not only is he certifiably talented, but he honed that talent at Brown University, graduating in 2001 with a degree in playwriting with honors. Previous to his time at Brown, he thought he would be an English major in college, so he deferred his first semester and taught English in Costa Rica, presumably to see whether that's what he wanted to do.
His Parents Actually Appeared in One of His Films
According to IMDb, Krasinski's parents appeared in his 2007 film License to Wed and, surprise, surprise, they played the parents of his character, Ben. Talk about easy role prep, right?
His Brother-in-Law Is Also a Very Famous Actor
Krasinski can call actor Stanley Tucci family thanks to his wife, Emily Blunt. Blunt actually introduced Tucci (with whom she starred alongside in The Devil Wears Prada) to her older sister, Felicity. Tucci and Felicity have been married since 2012.
His Mom Convinced Him to Not Quit Acting
It's strange to imagine a world where we don't get to see Krasinski on-screen regularly, but that was almost our reality when Krasinski revealed that his mom helped him choose not to quit acting. After getting fired from multiple part-time gigs like bartending and having trouble landing a steady acting gig, he called his mom to discuss it with her. While she was once hesitant for him to pursue acting, she encouraged him at the time to keep working at it. A few weeks later, he landed his role on The Office.
Leave a Comment