I am Jim O'Heir. You may know me as Garry / Jerry / Larry / Terry from PARKS & RECREATION, and my new role is as Lenny in MIDDLE MAN. AMA!

When you check your email, do you go to AltaVista and type "please go to yahoo.com"?

Yes. Is there another way?

You don't deserve the internet!

I think you might be right. ;)

Hi Jim! Still in deep denial that parks is over. What did you take home from the set?

Aubrey Plaza

Jim, I'm super excited that I got to be here on time for this AMA, thanks for doing. Before I ask my questions I wanted to start by saying that your character on Parks and Recreation, Garry Gergich, is my favorite character on the whole show. Moreso than anyone, he was always excited and willing to participate. He took such a great amount of pleasure from everything in life, and I think that of all the characters in the show, yours is the best to emulate. Most people can't be Leslie or Ben. Not everyone can change the world, or lead others to do so. But everyone can be a Jerry Gergich. Everyone can show up, roll up their sleeves, and help. Even when they mess up, or make a fool of themselves, they can, like Larry, pick themselves up and move on. You played the most important character on the show because you showed that no matter who you relate to on the show, everyone can keep trying and trying, and that something good can come from that. That life is something to marvel at. Thanks. I hope others see your work on the show as being as uplifting as I do.

For my questions: Are there any moments that were cut involving Terry that you felt added to or expanded the character? Or moments that you just really enjoyed? Any word on what the box set of the whole series will look like or include? Maybe a stuffed Li'l Sebastian or a Pawnee parks guide?

Thanks for the AMA and the years of laughter on Parks and Recreation.

First of all...WOW!!! Thank you for such a sweet and insightful look into Jerry. I really appreciate that. I think you nailed it.

As far as scenes being cut, we shot so much more than people ever saw so we all lost scenes in every episode. I think the producers/writers have to make tough decision but ultimately it's about keeping the story moving along. I'm sure there's scenes I wish had made it in but I completely understand why they didn't.

I don't know about the box set but I can't wait to see it.

Is your name actually Tim, but someone called you Jim on your first day and you never corrected them?

You might be right, Jewell. ;)

Hi Jim :) What was it like to make out with Aubrey Plaza on national television? Is she a good kisser?

It was amazing. She leaned over to me before the last break and said "do you want to make out during the song". It took about .2 seconds to say YES! It was great...I just hope I haven't ruined her for other guys. ;)

Hello, good sir! I already miss Parks & Rec so much.

Although it was funny, I always felt so bad for Jerry/Garry/Larry, but I thought his ending was fantastic and well deserved. Were there ever any scenes you felt your poor character was treated too badly?

Do you have any more acting roles coming up?

What are some of your favourite movies?

I was never bothered by how they treated my character. The writers gave Jerry such a wonderful home life that it made up for the trouble at work. I always say that when Jerry was in trouble his co workers always had his back. I think Jerry really loved them and felt they loved him back. There was once when Chris Pratt said "I feel terrible doing this to Jerry". I was like...Go For It! lol

I'll be starring in the film Middle Man. You can see the link above. If we hit our goals we'll be filming by the end of April.

Hey Emo. Thanks for the nice words about Parks. It was the dream job for many years. Beginning a film called Middle Man in April. Please check it out at the top of my AMA - we hope to be in production by April!

As far as favorites movies...I've got tons. But...Godfather is at the top of the list. :)

I'd love to see you in a comedy version of The Godfather as a clumsy Don.

HA! I love that idea. :)

Gary!! Who was the funniest person on set of parks and rec?

Everybody is funny but Chris Pratt is killer. He could break us up easily. He never did the same thing twice. I think he's a bit of a comic genius.

Hello Jim,

Do you have a favouite memory of Harris Wittels?

Thank you for taking the time to do this AMA

My first memory of Harris was when I was reading Sarah Silverman's book. There was a picture of a penis...it was Harris's. I remember thinking that anyone who would be that bold to allow that is someone I could hang with. Harris was always funny but more importantly...he was always kind. He is and will be forever missed.

every time I tweet at you and you tweet back, you seem like you remember me. I'm just wondering if you actually do (I'm the one that always calls you my best friend and teases my friend monika for not having a friendship like the one you and I have). but thanks for taking the time to actually respond to a lot of your fans' tweets :)

Of course I remember. I love chatting on Twitter. You're one of my favs.

Hey Jim, thanks for doing this AMA.

I heard somewhere that you originally auditioned for the role of Ron Swanson, and after 7 seasons it seems so weird to think of you, Tim O’Heir, or really anyone other than Nick Offerman playing Ron. So Kim, my question for you is if any other cast member on Parks and Rec were to play a different character, who would be the best fit in what role?

Yes. I did audition for Ron Swanson. Tons of people auditioned for that role. Luckily they saw something they liked and brought be back for Jerry. I can't imagine ANYONE else playing Ron other than Nick. Just makes no sense.

I think it would be interesting to see Amy play a sexual role like Retta did. And Adam as Burt Macklin would make me laugh.

Is there anyone on the Parks and Rec set that caused you to burst out laughing mid-filming? I'm guessing Chris Pratt's improv parts would be difficult to sit through with a straight face.

Good luck on your new project!

Did you see the outtake on YouTube where Pratt mentions the Kardashians? If not...you have to check it out. It will give you the answer to your question. lol

Will you go to prom with me?

What kind of corsage do you want?

Hi Jim,

I was watching Friends a few days ago and saw you onto that and I was so shocked! How was that like acting and being on set for that show?

I loved doing an episode of Friends. What I realized was that after all those years they really were friends. I've worked a lot of shows where by the end the cast can barely tolerate each other. It was a gift on Parks that we all loved each other and I think they definitely had that on Friends too. A very warm and comfortable set.

Hi, What's your favorite breakfast food? And would you like to enjoy some breakfast with me? ;)

My favorite breakfast food is eggs. I love all kinds of eggs. And breakfast with you? Why not. Who's buying?

I'll buy but you're going to see me eat an embarrassing number of waffles.

How many would be considered embarrassing?

Hi Jim! How often do random people walk up to you in public and say, 'damnit, Jerry!'? (P.s. - loved you on Parks and Rec. Thank you for the fantastic work)

Awww...thanks for the kind words about Parks. As far as people coming up to me and saying 'damnit, Jerry!'? E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y!!! And I love it. :)

Shut up, Larry

HOW ABOUT YOU SHUT UP, PUNDO?!

What was your favourite moment whilst filming Parks and Rec?

I loved doing the Fart Attack. I felt that the only way to make it funny was to play it very very real. With craziness going on around me I knew that it would be the best way to handle it. The problem was trying to keep it together when you have Aziz asking if I "ate farts for lunch". lol

Hi Jim! You've obviously spent years building upon Jerry/Garry/Larry's reputation as one of television's best bumbling buffoons (self-points for alliteration), so I'd like to know: who are some of your favorite goofy sidekicks?

Great question. I love Don Knott's from The Andy Griffith Show. You might be too young to remember him but he was brilliant. I love bumbling characters who are sweet. That's what I loved most about what the writers did for Jerry...he was bumbling but ultimately sweet.

What's your favorite part of your new role as Denny in Middle Man?

BOOM! LOL LENNY Damnit! What I love about LENNY is that he's the polar opposite of any character I've played so far. I think after seven seasons on Parks as Jerry I need to let people know I have other acting abilities. Lenny is the Anti Jerry/Garry.

Did you cry at all when they called you by your real name in Parks and Rec at Donna's wedding? For some reason that was insanely emotional for me because Gary's character deserved it after all that time.

I didn't cry then because I was saving it all up for the finally where I cried like a school girl. lol

Because Larry/Jerry/Gerry was teased all the time, did you know that your character was going to be the punching bag when you auditioned for the role?

I had no idea...and neither did the producers. It wasn't until Season 2 when we shot an episode with Louis C.K. We did a story line where the cast had to find dirt on each other. It was revealed to me that my adoptive mother was a pot smoker...I didn't know I was adopted. They knew right then and there that that's who I would be. In many ways I think that one idea is what kept me on the show for seven seasons.

Interesting. Thanks for answering.

You're quite welcome.

Hello Jim! It's so nice of you to do an AMA. You are honestly, one of the best characters on the show. I feel like you and Garry are both super genuine. What was your reaction to Garry's ending in the finale? I was so happy when Garry was chosen to be temporary mayor! Also, what are some of the funniest moments that's happened off screen? Have you had any Garry moments as Jim? Did you have any improvised lines? Was Aubrey Plaza a good kisser? (Whose idea was that?!)

Sorry for the loaded questions! I really love the show and I'm a big fan of your and everyone else's work!

I couldn't have been happier with Garry becoming the mayor....not just temporarily but for the rest of his life. Such an honor for the guy who was the schlameel and schlamazel of his office for 30 years.

I Garry/Jerry moments all the time. I recently dropped my glasses into my dogs poop as I was picking it up. That's a total Jerry moment. lol

Aubrey was a good kisser...I like to think I taught her a thing or two. lol

Great questions. I have to tell you that when I saw the script for the final episode I got chills. I feel that they gave me the perfect send off. Not only did Garry become mayor for the rest of his life but he lived to be 100...and his wife was still hot. Can't complain about that.

Hi, Jim! Since you clearly have a "colorful" sense of humor (which I love, by the way), was it tough suppressing that to play the more naive and wholesome Jerry?

HELL YES!!! Great question. Anyone who knows me will tell you that my sense of humor can be very dark. Absolutely the opposite of Jerry.

Honestly Garry seems like the greatest person in the world. I like to think that you are just like in real life, and if you are not, please lie to me. As for my question, If you had the opportunity to work with only one Parks and Rec cast member for the rest of your career, who would it be and why? Thanks Jim!!!

I am the greatest human being that has ever lived. (was that convincing enough) LOL

Only one? Damn....I don't think I can answer that. It's too depressing to think I would only work with one of them.

Now that P&R is over... we must know... Was there ever a backstory to how/why Garry/Jerry/Etc. was married to Gayle?

It's always a weird question to answer because unless I'm mistaken I am shockingly good looking. Am I wrong? I don't think so. ;)

Dammit Jerry!

Sorry Jim! I had to say it!

First of all, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for all of the work you put into P&R! It's one of the only shows that I can LITERALLY say that I laughed at, I cried at and fell in love with all of the characters! It was so heart-warming, heart-breaking and just generally amazing! It started slow and really grew into its own!

My question to you is which recurring character was your personal favourite? There are so many good ones to choose from!

If you could play any other character on the show, who would you want to play and why?

Again, thank you for all the laughs!

First of all...I'll never fault you for Dammit Jerry. lol

Thanks for the kind words about Jerry and Parks. I'm so honored to have been a part of a show that got people feeling. Truly truly blessed.

I love Joan Calamezzo...Jean Ralphio...Gayle Gergich

Hi Mr. O'Heir!

Jerry is my favorite P&R character, long time fan from NY. Did you have any input on his flash forward in the finale? Did Jerry/Garry's story end the way you wanted it to?

Also, what moment from shooting the finale made you the most emotional?

Thank you!

There's been many interviewers who have asked me what ending I would have wanted to Jerry/Garry. I tell them...it was written already. I think the send off they gave me was perfect and so respectful. I think every character got a wonderful send off.

Hey Jim, it's Mike McCabe, how are you? I really loved the ending they gave you on parks and felt it was the most deserved of all the characters. Besides middle man, do you have anything exciting coming up in your career? Enjoy your time on here and thanks for always being a good guy

Hey Mike. Thanks for joining in. I've guested on two shows since Parks ended...Hot In Cleveland and Austin and Ally. I've got a cowboy moving that I'll be doing and I'm also going to be in a film called Halloweed that is pretty hysterical.

Wow, me and my friends love PandR, I recently posted a gif on the subreddit that just shows you and Aubrey kissing. How was that for you? Was that scripted? I thought it was so funny. If you want you can check it out here http://makeagif.com/tvrHuh#H8CxRurB6hjYS4Gu.16 Thank you for taking the time out to make Parks and Rec and for doing this AMA! Edit: Oh darn it, I pulled a Jerry. I just read through the comments and didn't realize someone already asked a related question.

It's okay BS12398, it happens to the best of us.

OMG I need to gush. You were such a brilliant part of a brilliant series. You helped create such a funny, wonderful, loving character that I'm sure won't be forgotten anytime soon. I was always happy he wasn't portrayed as a total loser. He deserves his hot wife!

The cast is literally my dream cast. There's not a single weak link in the show and that's incredible. I'm so excited to see you in something new.

Was there anyone in particular in the cast that you shared a special bond with?

And could you share a favorite/standout memory with them?

Thanks for such kind words about the show and cast. I agree with all of it. It was a special place with special people. It's tough to find that in this crazy showbiz world.

As much as I love them all my girl is Retta. We bonded pretty quickly and stayed tight...and will stay tight. She's awesome and I love her.

Hey Jim, I'm a huge Parks and Rec fan, thanks to you and the cast for keeping me laughing for 7 seasons. One of my favorite episodes is "Two Parties", with the group Bachelor Party. Which of your Parks castmates would you choose to throw you a real life bachelor party and why?

I totally agree. Definitely one of my favorite episodes too. I would have to choose Pratt because it would be the craziest night of my life. With Chris you never know what's going to happen next.

When are you going to pop the question to Aubrey?

I just bought the ring...just trying to get the nerve up to do it.

What's up Jim? You were by far my favorite character on P&R and I love how you try to answer just about everyone who tweets you on Twitter. That's amazing and basically the only celeb I've ever seen do that.

My question is are you guys all as close as you seem on the show? Also how different is it moving on to this new movie than working on a tv show?

We are all very close. If the show had continued I can guarantee that all of us would have been back. It was the warmest place for an actor to be with the kindest people. In front of the camera and behind.

Movies and TV are very different. There's a lot of down time when making a film so I'll be able to catch up on stuff. TV moves much quicker. Where in a film you might do two pages in a day....on a TV show you couldn't easily do 8.

Hey Jim! Long time fan of Parks & Rec, and I was just curious what your favorite food is?

So many favorites...but..love me some Italian, Indian, Pizza, Chinese...apparently most things. lol Unfortunately because of a childhood incident I don't eat fish. YUCK!

What was the last day of shooting like?

Lots of stories and tears. I knew it would be a rough day but to be honest it was harder than I ever expected. I turned into a crying bitch. :)

What do you imagine Jerry and Gale's sex life was like?

Rabbits!!!!!!!!

Jim! Thanks for constantly replying to my dumb tweets all the time.

Anyway, did you have a scene that you absolutely hated shooting on P&R?

NEVER hated shooting Parks. Always loved it. The only days I hated were when I wasn't scheduled to work.

I love your tweets. No worries.

Jim! Big fan, random question: what is the last thing you purchased online?

I bought a book yesterday written by Marty Skovlund, Jr. Violence of Action. Marty's a VET with some amazing stories. You should check it out. :)

Hey Jim, I know this is random but are you a fan of Kanye West?

Also, words cannot say how nice of a person you are and how your character made me happy through tough times.

Wow. Kanye? Can't say that I am. He's a little too much into himself for my taste. But, apparently tons of people like him so that's great for him.

Thank you so much for your nice words about Jerry and Parks.

lots of secrets, eh? what's your 6th (or so) most scandalous secret?

Let's just say it involves Li'l Sebastian.

Hello good sir. Why are you in a cold pool?

Because I'll do anything for a bit. My nips are still at attention. lol

Hey Jim! I love parks and rec, my question is how close are the personality of the characters on the show to the personality of the actors outside of the show? Also, I just want you to know that DAMMIT LARRY has become a regular saying of mine. I love you Jim. You rock!

Also, DAMMIT LARRY

I would say there's some of us in all of our characters. The one closest to who he portrayed would be Nick. The writers took a lot from his own life and gave it to Ron. Nick is a brilliant craftsman with wood who also loves his booze and meat.

I love that Dammit Larry has become a regular saying. I was told that "Damnit, Jerry" made the Urban Dictionary. I couldn't be prouder. :)

Me and my girlfriend are practically clones of April and Andy, wouldn't you say that's the best way to be?

Damn. If that's true I want to meet you guys. I love April and Andy and you guys should be proud to be like them.

What is your favorite movie? And what is a movie that you would of liked to be in?

I mentioned earlier that I love The Godfather. I'm a big thriller and horror fan too. I've seen Halloween twenty times and it still gets to me. As far as movies I'd like to have been in...ALL OF THEM! lol

What would be your ideal role now that Parks and Rec is over? Do you want to be in another show or just do movies?

I've been a TV guy my whole life and would LOVE to do another series. I'll be working on a film and that will be really exciting but I think there's something about me that screams TV and I'm just fine with that.

Hey Jim! Love you on parks and rec and your appearance on friends. My question is what happened that made everyone on parks hate you. I'm rewatching and so far in season 1, you just seem like any normal person in the office. What made the writers decide to have everyone turn on you?

Some would say that every office needs that type of character to take the fall for everything that happens. I don't know that there was one imparticular thing other than he did seem to spill and trip a lot.

Hello Jim! Thank you for the many laughter! My question for you is How did you feel about your character's storyline and ending in the finale when you found out?

I couldn't have been happier. Truly. Amy had given me a hint as to what they were thinking but a lot of times things change. When I got the final script I couldn't believe that I was getting a dream ending for Jerry. Even though he dies ... he's 100 years old and has been mayor for 30 years. Such an awesome ending.

How did the pool feel?

COLD!!!! The damn thing isn't heated. I'll do anything for a bit. lol

I absolutely loved the finale and thought the ending of Jerry's was perfect. Was there anything left about Jerry's life you'd like to know the answers to?

Somebody earlier asked me what Jerry/Garry's tenure in office would look like. I would like to know that. I think he could be easily manipulated by the people of Pawnee. That would be fun to watch.

Jim, I loved your interview on the Kevin Pollak Chat Show. I have a very important question. Is it true about how well hung you are?

I had so much fun on that show with Samm Levine. Lots of laughs.

As far as the hung questions goes...there's a few people in the world who know the real answer. You will have to track them down...if they can still walk!!!! lol

What did it feel like to be the scapegoat for everyone on parks and rec?

Never bothered me. I had it all going on at home..and in my pants. lol

Awesome that you're doing this! Parks and Rec was one of the best shows on television! I have two questions. First, if you could have had any actor/actress of your choice on Parks as a guest star, who would you have chosen and why? And second, was that make out with Aubrey Plaza on Late Night planned? We are all jealous.

Aubrey thought up the make out session. I fought against it as hard as I could be she won out. ;)

I would love to have had Carol Burnett visit Pawnee...among many others.

Hey Jim! Big fan of Parks and Rec and of course, you. So my question is: what was your favorite Jerry mishap? My personal favorites are falling into the river chasing a breakfast burrito and the fart attack. Thanks!

You nailed my two favorites. I also loved when his pants split and he farted during the meeting. lol

Thank you for taking questions! I love your character on Parks and Rec. How much improv was used in Parks and Rec? Prior to Parks and Rec, do you have a lot of improv experience? How was it meeting "Li'l Sebastian" for the first time?

Also, one of my friends has been going through a rough time. Parks and Rec has been helping her get through it. She really identifies with Amy Poehler. How would she go about meeting Amy Poehler to meet her and give her a hug to say thank you?

Thanks!

I'm so glad that Amy could be an inspiration for your friend. Amy is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She's the real deal. Unfortunately, I don't know how to go about her meeting Amy. She's crazy busy.

What was it like to work with so many comedic geniuses?

Daunting. Always worried that I wasn't worthy. It helped keep me on my toes.

Hi Jim! Thanks for doing this. I wanted to know what it was like to work alongside creative actors such as Amy Poehler, Chris Pratt, Rob Lowe etc. Do they often improv or take liberties with the script, and is it hard to keep up?

It was always a pleasure to work with all of them. After every scene was finished we would do a fun run. That meant that we could improvise during the scene and see what we came up with. I think it's one of the reasons we all stayed so close. It let us play together every day. Of course with improvisors like Amy it can be scary...there's nobody faster.

Hey Jim,

Thanks for doing this IAMA. Middle Man looks great (already backed!). How much of this last season of P&R was the universe apologizing to Garry for what he'd been through the rest of the seasons?

Dude! Thanks for backing the project. Means the world to me.

I love you use the term "universe apologizing to Garry". That's a great analogy. Now that I think about it that's exactly what happened.

Hello good sir!

If for one day Jerry/Larry/Terry/Garry was able to be mean or pull a prank on his fellow work proximity associates as revenge, what do you think he'd do for each of them?

Well, I know you're brief on time and there's a lot - so you can pick one, a few, or all...!

As far as my work proximity associates I would like to prank Tom...but as Jerry I don't know what I would do. Sad but true.

Hi Jim,

I just want to say that Middle Man looks very badass, and I will be checking it out.

My question is this - at the end of a long, hard day, what do you do to Treat Yo'Self?

I love a good meal and awesome television. I'm one of those people who has always loved TV and not ashamed of it.

Hey Jim, I loved your character in Parks&Rec and I'm still heartbroken that it ended.

Three questions:

• Throughout your career, which actor/actress impacted you the most?

• In what ways did you identify with Jerry/Garry Gergich?

• What is the secret for Gayle's aging :O ?

I'm a fan of the old timers...Dick Van Dyke...Mary Tyler Moore...Bob Newhart...Carol Burnett...Carol O'Connor. I'm guessing you might not even be aware of these people. I'm old remember.

Gayle's secret is that in real life she's Christie Brinkley and she's one of the most beautiful people on the planet!!!! :)