Although when off camera, Fischer is more charismatic — and more attractive — than the unassuming receptionist she portrays on The Office, this comic player does have one thing in common with her small-screen alter ego: administrative experience. An aspiring performer since childhood, her first acting class at age 5 was a family affair, as her mother was the teacher. After graduating college, she worked a host of administrative jobs in between gigs, popping up primarily on the small screen and in indie films such as The Specials, which was penned by her then-husband, writer/director James Gunn. With his support as a producer and actor, Fischer made her directorial debut with the 2004 mockumentary LolliLove. But her breakthrough came the next year, when she landed a spot on The Office as receptionist-turned-saleswoman Pam Beesly. Fischer easily transitioned to the big screen, with comedic turns in 2007's Blades of Glory and 2008's Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Off screen, she is involved with various animal rescue organizations, such as Kitten Rescue and Rescue Rover.