‘Office’ writer Hely wins Thurber prize for humor; wrote ‘How I Became a Famous Novelist’

‘Office’ writer Steve Hely wins Thurber prize

NEW YORK — Steve Hely isn’t funny only when he’s writing for “The Office.”

Hely’s modestly titled novel, “How I Became a Famous Novelist,” was awarded the 2010 Thurber Prize for American Humor on Monday night.

Hely, who has previously written for “30 Rock” and “The Late Show With David Letterman,” received $5,000.

Previous winners of the Thurber award include Jon Stewart and David Sedaris. The prize, which was founded in 1997, is named for the humorist-cartoonist James Thurber.