B.J. Novak honored his longtime friend Mindy Kaling at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Tuesday. The pair first met on the “The Office” set in 2004 and have maintained a close friendship over the years. Novak, also the godfather to Kaling’s three children, praised her accomplishments in Hollywood.
He mentioned her work on “The Mindy Project,” her books, and her executive producing credits. “Mindy respects and understands [fame] in a very intuitive way,” Novak said. He humorously noted her love of red-carpet drama and genuine interest in pop culture.
Getting emotional, Novak addressed Kaling directly. Mindy, as I look around and see all these people from your life who have believed in you from the beginning, I’m just sorry that none of us doubted you because I know how much more fun that would make this for you.
Kaling’s heartfelt tribute from Novak
But we couldn’t help it. We always knew you would be famous, but we had no idea how beautifully you’d handle the job.”
He concluded with heartfelt words. “You’d be on the walk of talent if they had one.
You’d be on the walk of friendship. You’d be on the walk of compassionate parenthood. But let’s face it, all of these would be terrible field trips, so here you are instead, very deservedly, a person who means so much to so many on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
The lovefest was mutual.
Kaling thanked Novak, calling him “such an important and integral part of my family” and expressing her admiration for him since they first met. The ceremony celebrated Kaling’s stellar career and her deep bond with Novak, reflecting their journey from costars to lifelong friends.
