Manoj K. Jayan (bornമനോജ്‌ കെ. ജയന്‍ on 26 July 1966) is an Indian actor who mainly acts in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. Manoj has won the Kerala State Film Award twice: Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Hariharan's Sargam (1992) and Second Best Actor for Hariharan's Pazhassi Raja (2009).

Manoj K. Jayan was born in Kottayam District, Kerala in an Ezhava family to the Carnatic musician Jayan and V. K. Sarojini, a teacher. Biju K. Jayan is his only brother.^{[citation needed]} Despite being the son of a renowned Carnatic musician, as a child Manoj was not keen to learn Carnatic music. From his childhood days onward he had a passion for movies. As an introvert, he didn't participate in competitions during his school/college days. Manoj used to imitate movie actors for his friends and their appreciation encouraged him to try his luck in acting.

While he was studying in Nattakam (near Kottayam) Government College, Manoj enjoyed watching movies more than attending classes. One day he revealed his interest in acting to his parents and they sent him to Southern Film Institute, Trivandrum. Hostel life, theory classes and video practical in the institute helped Manoj to overcome his inhibitions and shyness. The training and direction he received from the institute transformed Manoj into a more professional and polished actor.