Jim O’Hare famously played the hilarious Jerry Gergich on Parks and Recreation, and writing his mean punches has always been a delicate dance. However, to make sure the jokes weren’t too harsh, the actor turned to his co-star Chris Pratt.
In O’Heir’s recently released book Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation, he recalled his conversations with Pratt on this topic. O’Hare said, “I remember you, especially compared to some of the other guys, were concerned about certain bits of Jerry…
“I remember you saying, ‘Jimmy, do you mind these?’…Do you remember that feeling at all?” He added. The Jurassic World actor admitted that there were moments when he was “worried” because of his love and care for his co-star.
Pratt said, “I knew there were some jokes that were mean. But more than that, they were funny.”
“If it’s a joke, it’s funny. But if it’s meant to be mean,” she said, adding that as someone who is not a fan of mean humor, she realized she was checking up on O’Hare.
The Guardians of the Galaxy actor recalled the special moment he had to put his foot down. He said, “There was a time when you used a printer and it would say something like, ‘Jerry sucks’ on a piece of paper.”
Pratt interjected, saying that he did not think the program was funny. He added, “For the most part, I dealt with it, but there were a few times when I felt it went too far and I was worried about you.” O’Hehir also reflected on his experience on the show.
“My philosophy was, ‘It’s fun, and these are just jobs. I’m happy to be around.’ But still, he appreciated Pratt for his solidarity,” he said, adding that he expressed his appreciation to Pratt in solidarity.
He thanked the actor and Amy Poehler for meeting him and described it as unexpected and “special”. Pratt further claimed that his relationship with O’Hair was formed because of their mutual roots in the Midwest. He added, “And people from the Midwest – their love language is teasing. You learn to take your lumps and roll with it.”
