Emmy-nominated actress Jenna Fischer, best known for playing the character of receptionist Pam Beesley in The Office, was born Regina Marie Fischer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 7, 1974. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, after graduating from high school, she studied theater arts at Truman State University. She made her debut as a professional actress in the 1998 film Born Champion.

Fischer wrote and directed the mock-documentary LolliLove, which starred her and her now-erstwhile first husband, filmmaker James Gunn. The movie had its premier in November 2004 at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November 2004. In 2007, she was nominated as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role of Pam in "The Office", losing out to Jaime Pressly in My Name Is Earl. The very talented Fischer should be in line for many more nominations and awards in the future.
Took her first acting class with Sean Gunn (who stars as Kirk on WB's Gilmore Girls) at the age of six in St. Louis, Missouri. The class was taught by her mother, Anne Fischer. Jenna and Sean stayed in touch over the years and in October 2000 she married his brother, writer/director James Gunn. Graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri Daughter of Anne Fischer. Originally enrolled at Truman State University as a Pre-Law student; later changed to Theatre. Worked as a receptionist in various offices. Types 85 WPM with 90% accuracy. Considered becoming a veterinarian due to her love for animals; ultimately opted for working with Kitten Rescue and being the proud owner of a dog and a cat (Andy, featured prominently with Jenna in 2006 issue of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful). #37 in People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful, 2006 issue. First met husband James Gunnat a script reading for The Specials, which he wrote. Mother Anne Fischer and younger sister Emily are both elementary school teachers. Has one sibling - Emily, her younger sister. Eerily connected to many "Jims" in her life - her father Jim Fischer, her husband James Gunn, Jim Zulevic (who casted her in The Specials and subsequently introduced her to James), and finally (and more famously known), her TV counterpart Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski). Sister-in-law of Brian Gunn, Matt Gunn, Patrick Gunn and Sean Gunn. Auditioned for the role of Sydney Bristow in Alias, but was never called back. She later said, "They said they liked my acting but I wasn't hot enough. Fractured her back in four places after falling down a set of stairs at the NYC bar, Baddakan, on May 15, 2007. Went to Nerinx Hall, an all girls Catholic school in Webster Groves, Missouri.