It’s been over four months since the last new episode of Parks and Recreation, which is approximately three months and thirty days too long. But the show finally returns to NBC next Thursday, which means we’ll have soon have the following wonderful individuals back in our life: Ron Swanson! Leslie Knope! Andy Dwyer! April Ludgate! Ben Wyatt! Jerry! You can’t forget Jerry, what with his elaborate bathtub set-ups and giant penis!
Lucky for us, the actor who portrays (Dammit) Jerry, Jim O’Heir, will be stopping by UPROXX today. Ask him about being both a “schlemiel” and a “schlemazel,” originally reading for Ron Swanson, appearing on Friends, his costume for this season’s Halloween episode, and if he’s ever been mistaken for KSK punching bag Peter King. MAYBE.
The chat is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. EST, and will go for about an hour, which will give you plenty of time to come up with questions for him. Here are a couple of tips to help this all run smoothly as possible: 1) Begin your questions to Jim with “@Jim” or “@Jim O’Heir” to keep things organized and allow him to find your questions easily, and 2) Feel free to load up some questions ahead of time. Don’t worry — Kyle’s not invited.
UPDATE: Fittingly, we’re having some technical difficulties, but stick around — this is happening.
How To Unlock:
Log into UPROXX (or create an account), then share your participation in today’s Live Q&A on Facebook and Twitter to unlock the ‘Dammit Jerry’ badge.
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Thanks for the great questions. I gotta go but I’d love to do this again. Remember…September 20th, a week from tonight, Parks and Recreation’s Season 5 Premiere….. Spread the word NBC 9:30/8:30 after The Office!
Jim, you’re the f-ing best, man. Thank you so much for coming by and hanging out today. You’ve been incredible.
This has been wonderful; one of my favorite Q&A’s by far. Thank you so much!
You killed and are awesome and funny and make the best Treat Yo Self references. Thanks so much and many apologies for the technical issues in the beginning.
Jim, thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to do this. You are supremely hilarious.
Thanks for not Jerry-ing it!
Thanks, man! This was awesome!
Woo! Thanks!
@Jim: what episode of Parks and Recreation is your favourite?
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Hey djw. I love The Hunting Trip because it’s the first time you see all of us together outside of the office. I think it’s an introduction to our characters that you hadn’t seen before.
@ Jim: How many newsletters an hour could Jerry prepare?
for mailing
@Jim What’s for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
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Breakfast: Eggs with Toast
Lunch: Panera
Dinner: Not sure yet!
@Jim: Simple question — do you like Jerry?
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I do like Jerry. He has a good heart and is kind to people. If more people were like that the world might be a better place. Wow, look at me getting all philosophical.
Thanks JJ. Great questions.
Move over, Kevin Spacey: JIM O’HEIR FOR PRESIDENT OF SPACE, 2012-FOREVER
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HELL YEAH!
@Jim How much of the show would you say is scripted versus improvised?
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Mostly scripted. We get a lot of credit for improvising but the scripts are so strong that most of what’s on the page is what makes it to air. We do a “fun run” after every scene where we can play around. Sometimes they’ll take some of that but mostly it’s the written work that wins.
@Jim Do people meet you and just already assume that you’re a giant screwup, like Jerry?
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Some do. Some people have a hard time deciphering reality from television. Ultimately everyone is always super nice to me and I’m totally grateful.
@Jim – If you had a day to TREAT YO SELF, what would you do?
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I’m thinking about Treating Myself right after this. I think you can figure that out.
!!!
Best. Answer. Ever.
To Jim,
Thanks for Everything!
Julie Newmar
@Jim – Have you ever touched Jean-Ralphio’s (Ben Schwartz’s) hair? If so, what did it feel like and did you immediately get tested for STDs afterwards?
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I accidentally fell into it and had to have two fingers removed.
@Jim – I have a new found appreciation for Rashida Jones after seeing Celeste and Jesse Forever. Have you seen it? How proud of her are you? What is she like in real life? Why can’t I figure out if she is hot or not?
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Let me help you….SHE IS HOT!
Yes, I saw Celeste and Jesse Forever. I really loved the film. I thought the chemistry with Rashida and Andy was great. So proud of her.
In real life…Rashida is warm, beautiful and funny. Not a bad combo
@Jim I pulled Jerry and showed up late to this party. What would be your favorite spin off for Parks?
I would personally love to watch Tom give his nicknames for food for 30 minutes while Ron stares at him the whole time. Detlef Schrempf would reappear from time to time for reasons I cannot yet fully understand.
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Wow. Favorite spin off? That’s tough. Each character could have a great life out of the parks department. Something to think about.
I also could watch Aziz name foods with Ron watching for days and days.
@Jim – Do you think the Party Down movie should revolve around Henry Pollard (Adam Scott) getting his big break by signing on to be the love interest to Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope in a show called Parks and Recreation?
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That’s really a funny idea, Roger. Funny or Die should do that.
Tell Adam I love him. Tell him to tell Lizzy, too.
@Jim – How much do you miss Lil Sebastian?
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I miss him with all my heart. We shared the same diabetes medication. I used to borrow pills when I ran out. sniff sniff.
@Jim Do you engage in any super out-of-character off-screen debauchery (underground rap battles, vigilante crimefighting, bi-weekly poker game with Alan Arkin, etc.)?
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All of the above. I’m soooooo crazy. You wouldn’t believe it.
@Jim If I ever finish my script for an Uncle Buck sequel are you in? Suggests for title welcome.
“Second-Cousin Bill”.
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I’m in! Title….John Candy Who? Jim O’Heir…The Real Uncle Buck!
@Jim Was the minature horse that played Li’l Sebastian as adorable in real life as he was 1080p?
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So adorable. But, he kept getting an erection. You can see they blurred it out in the Harvest Festival episode. They didn’t create the blur to be funny…the little guy kept getting erections.
This news just made my life, Jim. Thank you.
@Jim What about Jerry’s character is most like you in real life and least like you in real life?
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The big schlong and the wife and kids…you’ll have to figure out which is which.
@Jim Does the ghost of DJ Roomba still haunt you the Parks Department?
*haunt you in the Parks Department?
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I’m never “alone” in the parks department. It is a cross I will have to bear forever.
@Jim, I just saw the Gag Reel for Season 4 last week. When Chris Pratt made the Kim Kardashin/ Cum back joke, did production stop for the day? Yall were laughing for a while and it seemed like one of those “you can’t top that” moments where Chris should have left the room a la George Constanza
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You’re soooo right. That laugh went on for ten minutes. We got it together but that was a callback joke amongst the cast for weeks.
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I’m actually laughing right now thinking about that again. Thanks Joshua.
Welcome. Just a payback for all the times the show has made me laugh out loud
@Jim: Do you think there’s a painting of Rob Lowe in an attic somewhere getting older?
Also, does he share any similarities with Chris Traeger, because I can’t help but imagine him any other way.
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Nothing about Rob is getting older. I’ve told that I hate him for that. We’re not of the same species. He’s made some deal with some satanic force to be able to stay looking like he does.
Other than using the phrase “literally” they are very different.
@Jim Thanks for doing this
If could ride a giant version of any animal what would it be? Not including Lil’ Sebastian, because that would just be a horse.
Also, now that you’re a big Hollywood star, how many DUIs do you plan on racking up and subsequently using your fame to get out of? Bonus points if you hit a baby while doing it.
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I would ride anything with wings. Flying around freestyle would be cool.
So glad you mentioned bonus points. So many people forget that creating human carnage when driving deserves credit. That being said….12 DUI’s and I won’t have to atone for any of them. AHHHHH, THE LIFE OF A HUGE STAR!!!!!
lol
HEAR THAT LOHAN??? TIME TO STEP UP YOUR GAME!
@Jim Are there any writers/directors/actors you would love to work with in the future, if only to impart some of your wisdom and expertise to them?
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There’s so many who deserve my genius…my wisdom…my large penis.
Too many to mention. And if left anyone out they might not hire me in the future. So my answer is….ALL OF THEM!
Oh dear jesus christ everything is lovely.
@Jim Do you enjoy Retta’s twitter feed as much as I do? And thanks to you sir for being active and funny on the Tweety box as well.
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Thank you but @UnfoRETTAble is BRILLIANT at the twitter stuff. I’m a newbie just trying to remember to post. I love her stuff. Retta is my set wife…basically means I do everything for her on set…we have a blast together.
@Jim, I have to know your reaction when you read the script in which they revealed Jerry’s giant penis. Or for that matter, the groundbreaking moment for your character when Brendanowicz tells him he’s adopted?
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The penis bit was awesome. Who doesn’t want that rep? It was also weird timing because as I was reading about it in the script I had just had my penis measured for a winter coat. Strange.
I’ll always love the Brendanowicz comment because it defined for the writers who Jerry is. That gave me job security.
I was just thinking the other day about how I need to stop procrastinating about getting my dong sized for a new winter coat. Thanks for the reminder.
@Jim Do y’all engage in any sort of mischievous antics on set? And a follow up, who, if anyone, is a real troublemaker? Is it Aziz? I bet it’s Aziz.
Das Racist
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I think the biggest troublemaker (in a good way) is Chris Pratt. He goes out of his way to break us up during scenes.
Aziz is crazy but he’s pretty controlled on set. I’m going to see him tonight @LAOrpheum.
@Jim What question should I ask you so I appear more witty and sophisticated than I actually am?
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You should ask a question about quantum physics. That always makes people seem smart. Of course I won’t be able to answer it but it will be me who looks like the dumbass…not you.
Good luck!
@Jim What is your favorite quantum physic?
Jim, the scene where you’re giving the presentation to the department right after being mugged and no one’s supposed to make fun of you is just the funniest goddamn thing. Everyone in that scene is awesome, but you really carry it. Not really a question but I just thought you should know.
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Thanks Dagotron. That was a fun scene to shoot. Some of the outtakes are just crazy.
@Jim (this one has two parts):
#1 Will you get Rashida Jones to be my friend?
#2 (assuming #1 works out) Will Rashida Jones still be my friend even if I tell her that I think “The Wiz” is kind of terrible?
In all seriousness though, love P&R, keep up the fantastic work, and I can’t wait to watch the new season!
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First of all this is so weird. Just this morning Rashida asked me if I knew banditbanjo and if I did could I convince him/her to be her friend. So obviously, I can make that happen.
BUT…because of The Whiz comment….NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
I was afraid of such.
@jim what’s the most monotonous job you’ve ever had to work? how has this helpd characterize Jerry?
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When I was in Chicago and trying to make money while doing theater at night I took on different temp jobs. For some reason I’ve always been a fast typist so I did a lot of data entry work. The monotony was mind blowing. Sometimes I would retype the same thing because at some point it all just blends together. The different with me and Jerry is that Jerry likes the monotony of his job. Same thing every day works very well for Jerry. Wouldn’t work well for Jim.
@Jim, your true thoughts on Comic Sans, good sir?
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Jerry said it best…Scream FUN!
@Jim — We want “Parks” to run for 1,498 more seasons, but in the year Whenever That Is, on the final day of shooting, what’s the one thing from the set you’d most want to take home with you? And don’t say Amy Poehler, you dog.
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Damn Josh. You’ve taken my answer from me.
I would take one of the stuffed raccoons from the hallway of City Hall. I think raccoons are a huge symbol of Pawnee and they will always have a special place in my heart.
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And by the way…. I’m hoping for 1,499 more season!
@ Jim: If you and Offerman were involved in a bacon eating competition, who would win?
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This will probably surprise you to find out that Nick Offerman would win hands down. The man likes his bacon.
Jim, if Jerry were ever to be invited to Treat Yo Self day with Donna and Tom, how would he treat himself? PS: please pass along this plot idea.
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Wow. Great questions. I think a Treat Yo Self day for Jerry would be an afternoon movie with his wife. Popcorn and candy of course.
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Sorry for the delay. A few technical glitches that have been worked out. Bombard me with your questions….I type fast and I can handle it!!!!! lol
@Jim What about Jerry’s character is most like you in real life and least like you in real life?
UPDATE: Jim is in the house, but we’re having some technical issues on our end. Please hang tight, you guys. we appreciate your patience.
Dammit Jerry, why can’t you do your job badly FOR ONCE.
Sorry guys. All on us. Our sincerest apologies to Jim. Hopefully he is still around and can get in.
Jerry’s fault! Jerry’s fault! Jerry’s fault!
Somehow I just knew that our tech issues would inspire at least one “dammit Jerry!” comment.
@Jim: What happened to all of those cats they used for the Bed and Breakfast scenes?
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We were able to cut them up and bake them for the crew lunch. Absolutely delicious.
Of course I’m kidding…those were all “actor” cats who live on a huge ranch where they have all kinds of animals.
@Jim (I just assume everyone watches the show at this point) Do you have a favourite episode of “The Simpsons”?
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I’m more into the early years of Simpsons. I still watch but not as avidly.
@Jim I think the collective internet pines for the days of the early years episodes (myself included). Thanks for answering my questions, Jim!
@Jim Which cast member makes you laugh most while shooting?
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Easy question…Chris Pratt. He’s one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He can bring all of us to tears (in a good way).
I thought so, especially after that Kim K joke on the last gag reel.
@Jim Is there anyone out there who YOU really wanna see guest star on Parks & Rec?
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So many…John Lithgow, Carol Burnett, Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, etc. (as you can tell I love the old timers)
Who smells the nicest on Parks and Rec?
Definitely not Sewage Joe.
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As far as the characters go I’d have to say Donna. She’s always got something going on over at her desk.
In real life…hmmmmm…I think I would say Rashida.
@Jim If you could play any other character on another television show, who would it be?
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I don’t think I would want to play any specific character that’s already out there. I would love more opportunities to do drama.
@Jim Okay, real talk, very serious question for you. This is something that really has bothered me for a very long time, and I really need some closure. What the fuck is a German muffin?
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I have no fucking idea.
It’s a regular muffin served without juice.
Rhelgy wins.
@Jim, Are there any particular storylines you personally are hoping the show follows next season for yourself or another character?
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I really want to see Donna (Retta) get into some kinky relationship. Hopefully with Jean Ralphio. I think that would be brilliant. There is a Jerry storyline coming up that I can’t talk about but I think is really interesting.
We also get to see Ron Swanson in a romantic relationship with Lucy Lawless.
DONNA + JEAN RALPHIO = YES OMG AWESOME
I don’t have a question. Just wanted to point out how happy this makes me.
Seconded. That is delightful.
Thirded.
I want to be held like that; it looks so cozy.
More gifs need to be like this.
Love that
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HA!!!!! Loved this scene. I’m a huge animal lover so sitting around holding cats and listening to music wasn’t an acting stretch for me.
Thanks.
@Jim does the rest of the cast ever gang up on you by forcing you to eat Guy Fieri’s garbage food?
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Every day!
@Jim – Are there any plans to have Ginuwine as a guest star in the new season? Have you guys heard from Ginuwine’s people after he was mentioned as Donna’s cousin last season? Does Ginuwine even have people anymore?
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I haven’t heard of any plans to have Genuine on the show. Jerry would have NO IDEA who the hell that is.
Haha, “Genuine.” Just another one of those rappists.
@Jim , what’s your favorite show on TV right now? [obviously besides Parks & Rec
]
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On Network…The Office / 30 Rock
On Cable…….Breaking Bad / True Blood