Chris Pratt Says ‘I Put My Foot Down’ on ‘Parks & Rec’ Set Against Mean Jokes That ‘Went Too Far’; Co-Star Jim O’Heir: ‘You Checked in on Me’

by

As a devoted cinephile with a soft spot for sitcoms that resonate deeply, I find Jim O’Heir’s new book to be a heartwarming testament to camaraderie and friendship, particularly within the context of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”. The anecdotes shared between O’Heir and Chris Pratt highlight a unique bond that transcends the confines of a script or character roles.

The story about Pratt’s concern over Jerry’s frequent ridicule is a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and consideration within a cast, even when humor veers into questionable territory. It speaks to the fact that beneath the layers of laughter and jokes, there exists a genuine respect and care for one another.

What stands out most, however, is O’Heir’s gratitude towards Pratt for checking in on him during those moments. Such gestures may seem small but hold immense weight in fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It’s this sort of camaraderie that makes shows like “Parks and Recreation” truly exceptional, and it’s something I deeply appreciate as a fan.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony that the character who couldn’t get his colleagues to remember his name was the one whose presence made such an indelible impact on those around him. If only they had known then what we know now!

In Jim O’Heir’s latest publication titled “Welcome to Pawnee: Tales of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation,” there is a discussion with co-star Chris Pratt where the former shares an instance when he asserted himself against offensive jokes during their time on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Both O’Heir and Pratt played significant roles in all seven seasons of the beloved sitcom, as Jerry Gergich and Andy Dwyer respectively.

In the book, I recall expressing concern to you about certain ‘Jerry’ parts being harsh. I also remember asking, ‘Are you alright with these?’. Do any of those feelings ring a bell for you?

Pratt replies, “Yes, yes, I did feel worried at times because I genuinely care about you and cherish you. Some jokes seemed unnecessarily harsh, even when they were trying to be funny. However, a joke should amuse us, not hurt us. If it’s a joke, it should make us laugh. But if it’s just to cause pain, then I don’t appreciate mean-spirited humor. So, I was checking in on you to see how you were feeling.”

Pratt acknowledges, “Absolutely, I did have concerns at times due to my affection for you. Some of the jokes appeared more hurtful than funny. Jokes are meant to make us laugh, not cause pain. If they’re supposed to be humorous, they should amuse us. But if they’re only intended to cause discomfort, then I don’t approve of such humor. Hence, I wanted to ensure you were okay.

In the series, Jerry, played by O’Heir, was the straight man, frequently serving as the target for jokes. His fellow characters found him so forgettable that they seldom remembered his name, instead often addressing him as Gary, Larry, Lenny, or Terry.

Pratt mentions an instance in the book where he took a firm stance on something. One such occasion was when the printer printed something like ‘Jerry sucks’ and he responded, “I don’t find that amusing. I’m not okay with it.” Generally, he went along with things, but there were a couple of times when he felt it crossed a line and he became worried about you.

According to O’Heir, he didn’t find the continual Jerry jokes on the show as a personal affront, but he shared with Pratt: “Just wanted to let you know, those moments meant the world to me. You reached out, [Amy Poehler] reached out, and it wasn’t that I anticipated everyone would reach out, but your gesture was so meaningful…You have a heart as big as can be, and I’m not saying this metaphorically.

You can now buy the book titled ‘Tales from Pawnee: Friendships, Waffles, and Parks & Recreation’

Read More

2024-12-31 21:53