NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” ran for seven seasons, gaining a cult following among its dedicated fanbase. The show helped launch the careers of several top stars and entertainers, including Chris Pratt and Aubrey Plaza.
Fans grew to love the colorful cast of characters, from Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope to Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford. The show produced incredible moments and countless laughs, but its lasting legacy could come in the form of its most popular character.
Nick Offerman rose to stardom on “Parks and Rec” by playing the stern, no-nonsense Ron Swanson. The character helped make Offerman a household name, and he recently took a unique opportunity to reprise the role.
Ron Swanson Returns on a Flight to Indiana
Offerman recently discovered that he was on the same flight to Indianapolis with one of his co-stars from the show, Jimmy O’Heir. O’Heir played Jerry Gergich, a character the main cast of the show often laughed at and made fun of.
The tradition continued as Offerman – in character as Swanson – read the flight announcements to the delight of O’Heir and other patrons on the plane.
“If you’re traveling out to areas like Muncie and your last name is Gergich, first name Jerry, Larry, Barry or Gary, please behave yourself and travel safely,” Offerman said. Gergich famously owned a timeshare in Muncie, Indiana on the show – a point of reference and ridicule by several characrers.
To end the video, Offerman walked past O’Heir and acknowledged him with a playfully sarcastic “Oh hello there.” O’Heir later posted a selfie with Offerman at the airport, showing how surprised he was to see his former co-star.
Fans React to Offerman and O’Heir’s Reunion
“Nick and I were on the same flight,” O’Heir said. “I didn’t know that until we started to land and he got on the speaker and started talking about Jerry, Terry, Larry and Terry Gergich. It was awesome.”
“Jerry and Ron, my favorite fricken guys, running into each other unknowingly at the airport….. lil Sebastian’s doing,” one fan said on Instagram, referencing another popular meme from the show.
“Headed to Muncie, no doubt!!,” said another fan. “Perks of having a timeshare,” yet another fan said in response.
Offerman won a Television Critics Association Award for his role as Ron Swanson on “Parks and Rec.” He was nominated for two Critics Choice Awards for the role, and has been able to use his success as a launching pad for his career.
Offerman and Poehler have collaborated many times together, and he hosts the “In Bed” podcast with his wife and fellow comedian and actress Megan Mullally.
