Jenna Fischer

Emmy-nominated actress 'Jenna Fischer' (qv), known for playing the character of receptionist Pam Beesly in _The Office (2005)_ (qv), was born Regina Marie Fischer on March 7, 1974 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is the daughter of Anne (Miller), a teacher, and James E. Fischer, a plastic engineer. Her ancestry includes German, Swiss, Scots-Irish, English, and Czech. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she studied theater arts at Truman State University. She made her debut as a professional actress in the 1998 film _Born Champion (1998)_ (qv).Fischer wrote and directed the mockumentary _LolliLove (2004)_ (qv), which starred her and her ex-husband, filmmaker 'James Gunn' (qv). The movie had its premiere in November 2004 at the St. Louis International Film Festival. In 2007, she was nominated as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role of Pam in _The Office (2005)_ (qv), losing out to 'Jaime Pressly' (qv) in _My Name Is Earl (2005)_ (qv).::Jon C. Hopwood