B.J. Novak shared that Mindy Kaling’s daughter Katherine, known as Kit, nicknamed him Fofo, a nod to a character from Duolingo for kids, and he gifted her a Fofo stuffed animal as a memorable godfather moment. The revelation came during Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, highlighting Novak’s active role as godfather to Kaling’s three children and his warm rapport with them. The piece also highlights Kaling’s status as a single mother by choice and her past remarks about Novak being an integral part of her family, along with Novak’s public praise of her as a remarkable mother and showrunner. The narrative underscores the close friendship between Novak and Kaling, amidst fan speculation about paternity that both have publicly debunked. Looking ahead, the dynamic points to continued public interest in their personal lives and collaborative friendship.
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During a Watch What Happens Live appearance on April 20, 2026, B.J. Novak revealed that Katherine 'Kit' Kaling nicknamed him Fofo, a reference to a bear character from the Duolingo for kids app, and he gave her a Fofo stuffed animal as a gift.
Novak is the godfather to Mindy Kaling’s three children: Katherine (Kit), Anne, and Spencer, with Kit now 8, Anne 2, and Spencer 5, reflecting the family’s ongoing close relationship.
Kaling has publicly dismissed rumors that Novak is the father of her children, emphasizing in a 2022 Marie Claire interview that they are close friends and that the speculation has not affected them or the kids.
Kaling has described Novak as an integral part of her family, a sentiment she reiterated when she accepted her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2025 and thanked Novak for his support on her behalf.
Novak’s remarks at the Walk of Fame ceremony praised Kaling as an incredible mother of three and stressed her intuitive understanding of fame, highlighting the depth of his respect for her personal and professional life.