Chris Pratt, beloved for his role as Andy Dwyer in NBC’s hit sitcom Parks and Recreation, recently opened up about standing up against mean-spirited jokes that occasionally crossed the line on set. The revelation came during a heartfelt conversation with co-star Jim O’Heir, featured in O’Heir’s new book, Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation.
Takeaways:
- Chris Pratt advocated for kindness on set, ensuring humor didn’t turn hurtful.
- Jim O’Heir’s portrayal of Jerry Gergich often made him the butt of jokes, which sometimes pushed boundaries.
- The camaraderie and care among the cast were integral to the show’s success.
Pratt’s Stance on “Mean-Spirited” Humor
In their book discussion, O’Heir recalled Pratt’s concern about the frequent ribbing directed at Jerry Gergich, a character often mocked for comedic effect. “I remember you saying, ‘Jimmy, you okay with these?’ Do you remember that feeling at all?” O’Heir asked.
Pratt’s response was candid: “I was concerned in some of those moments because I care about you and I love you. There were some jokes that were, like, mean. But meaner than they were funny. If it’s a joke, it’s funny. But if it’s mean for the sake of being mean, well, I’m not a huge fan of mean-spirited humor.”
The “Jerry Sucks” Incident
Pratt recounted one particular moment that crossed a line: “There was that time you use the printer and it says something like, ‘Jerry sucks’ on a piece of paper, and I just said, ‘I don’t think that’s funny.’ For the most part, I rolled with it, but there were a couple of times where I think it went too far and I was concerned for you.”
While Jerry’s character was often the target of jokes—from being called by the wrong name to physical gags—Pratt’s awareness and empathy stood out to O’Heir.
Jim O’Heir’s Gratitude
O’Heir, who played the much-maligned Jerry, expressed his appreciation for Pratt’s kindness. “Just so you know, that meant the world to me. You checked in on me, [Amy Poehler] checked in on me, and it’s not like I expected everyone to check in on me, but the fact that you did was so special.”
The actor praised Pratt’s character, saying, “You have the biggest heart, and I don’t mean it from a medical perspective.”
The Importance of On-Set Camaraderie
The bond between the Parks and Recreation cast members played a key role in the show’s enduring charm. This anecdote highlights the environment of respect and care that was fostered among the ensemble, even when the humor occasionally teetered on the edge of discomfort.
Pratt’s insistence on maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere speaks volumes about the values that contributed to the series’ success—both on-screen and behind the scenes.
“Welcome to Pawnee” Now Available
Jim O’Heir’s book, Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation, offers fans a deeper look into the friendships and dynamics that defined one of television’s most beloved comedies. The book is available now, promising readers even more behind-the-scenes stories and insights.
