Jim Halpert

James Duncan Halpert is a fictional character in the U.S. version of the television sitcom The Office, portrayed by John Krasinski. He is introduced as a sales representative at the Scranton branch of paper distribution company Dunder Mifflin, before temporarily transferring to the Stamford branch in the third season. Upon the merger of Scranton and Stamford branches, he becomes Assistant Regional Manager, and later co-manager alongside Michael Scott during the sixth-season episode arc from "The Promotion" to "The Manager and the Salesman". The character is based on Tim Canterbury from the original version of The Office. His character serves as the intelligent, mild-mannered straight man role to Michael, although he is also notable for his rivalrous pranks on fellow salesman Dwight Schrute and his romantic interest in receptionist Pam Beesly, whom he begins dating in the fourth season, proposes to in the fifth, marries in the sixth, and has children with in the sixth and eighth. Jim's co-worker, Andy Bernard, often calls him by the nickname "Big Tuna". Casting Krasinski auditioned for the role, along with Hamish Linklater, John Cho, and Adam Scott. Scott would later play Ben Wyatt on NBC's Parks and Recreation, which was created by The Office's creator Greg Daniels and producer Michael Schur. Lance Krall also auditioned, according to Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer in the Office Ladies podcast. Krasinski was ultimately chosen due to his chemistry with Jenna Fischer, who portrayed his co-worker and future wife Pam Beesly. The couple is known for being one of the most recognizable and beloved couples on American television. Character history