There’s always a butt of every joke, and Parks and Rec’s favorite butt is the one and only Jerry Gergich, played by Jim O’Heir. Jerry’s an iconic character – he’s never pronouncing words correctly (let’s not forget “murinal”); he’s got massive bowel problems (the fart attack); he’s got the “largest penis I’ve ever seen”, according to the local Pawnee doctor; he’s married to supermodel Christie Brinkley. Jerry dreams of a quiet retirement in Muncie, Indiana, and instead ends up serving as Mayor of Pawnee until the age of 100. Most memorably, he’s the office punching bag, a man who’s relentlessly teased by his coworkers almost each and every time we meet him over seven seasons.
I recently was lucky enough to get introduced to Jim O’Heir himself by a mutual friend named Sean (shoutout Sean). Jim’s played a huge role in keeping the Parks lore alive the past few years. Until last year, he ran his own podcast, Parks and Recollection which — like Park It — was an episode-by-episode rewatch of Parks and Rec. I’ve cited Parks and Recollection more than a few times here in my posts. He also wrote the amazing book Welcome to Pawnee, which tells the story of his journey on Parks from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook a few times and would recommend it to even the most casual fan.
Jim also happens to be the nicest guy in world and agreed to let me pick his brain about all things Parks for a solid two hours a few Fridays ago. Coincidentally, our meeting coincided perfectly with my rewatch of the episode “Jerry’s Painting” in season 3. We talk about everything from his experience getting hired on the show, whether or not Jerry’s ever too much the butt of the joke, Jerry’s secret Picasso side, his feelings on the Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry changing names bit, lessons he learned from Amy Poehler and our mutual love for her, L’il Sebastian, the Parks series wrap party and making out with Aubrey Plaza, and what it’s like talking about Parks to a little Gen-Z nugget like me, ten years after the show has ended.
As we wrapped up chatting, Jim said perhaps the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me. I think this was technically after we recorded so maybe it’s off the record but sorry Jim, I’m gonna have to quote you on this one.
“Bailey, I can tell that you’re a true Parks and Rec fan.”
Like — put that on the tombstone when I die!! I’ve made it. If your friends ever ask why you should subscribe to this Substack, tell them “Jim O’Heir said Bailey’s a true fan.”
Scene. Instant pass away. Aaaaand please enjoy 45 minutes of Jim and I shooting the shit!
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