From Pawnee To Hollywood: 8 Parks And Rec Cast Stars And Their Shocking New Projects In 2025

The beloved cast of Parks and Recreation continues to prove they are far more than just the quirky residents of Pawnee, Indiana. A decade after the show's finale, the ensemble remains one of the most successful casts in modern comedy, with their careers hitting new peaks in December 2025 across film, television, and stand-up comedy.

The latest updates show a flurry of activity, from a surprise mini-reunion to major blockbuster roles and highly-anticipated TV returns. Fans eager for a full-scale reboot got a small taste of the old chemistry when three major stars recently gathered, fueling speculation that Leslie Knope’s dream of a full Pawnee reunion might just come true.

The Complete Parks and Recreation Main Cast: Biography & Character Profile

The enduring success of the series is rooted in its perfectly cast ensemble. Here is a complete look at the core cast, their full names, birth dates, and the iconic characters they brought to life.

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• Amy Poehler (Leslie Knope)
  • Full Name: Amy Meredith Poehler
  • Date of Birth: September 16, 1971
  • Character Role: The relentlessly optimistic and ambitious Deputy Director of the Pawnee City Department of Parks and Recreation, who later becomes a U.S. Congresswoman.
• Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer)
  • Full Name: Christopher Michael Pratt
  • Date of Birth: June 21, 1979
  • Character Role: The lovable, dim-witted musician who starts as a slacker and evolves into a children's entertainer (Johnny Karate) and Leslie's husband.
• Aubrey Plaza (April Ludgate)
  • Full Name: Aubrey Christina Plaza
  • Date of Birth: June 26, 1984
  • Character Role: The cynical, deadpan, and morbid intern who becomes Ron Swanson's assistant and later marries Andy Dwyer.
• Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson)
  • Full Name: Nicholas David Offerman
  • Date of Birth: June 26, 1970
  • Character Role: The staunch libertarian, woodworking, meat-loving Director of the Parks Department who secretly cares for his colleagues.
• Adam Scott (Ben Wyatt)
  • Full Name: Adam Paul Scott
  • Date of Birth: April 3, 1973
  • Character Role: The brilliant but socially awkward government official who arrives to audit Pawnee's budget and eventually marries Leslie Knope.
• Rashida Jones (Ann Perkins)
  • Full Name: Rashida Leah Jones
  • Date of Birth: February 25, 1976
  • Character Role: The beautiful, level-headed nurse who becomes Leslie's best friend and the "most beautiful, glowing, sun-goddess of all time."
• Aziz Ansari (Tom Haverford)
  • Full Name: Aziz Ismail Ansari
  • Date of Birth: February 23, 1983
  • Character Role: The entrepreneurial, fashion-obsessed city employee with dreams of becoming a mogul.
• Retta (Donna Meagle)
  • Full Name: Marietta Sangai Sirleaf
  • Date of Birth: April 12, 1970
  • Character Role: The stylish, confident, and no-nonsense office manager known for her love of luxury, the "Treat Yo' Self" philosophy, and her Mercedes-Benz.
• Jim O'Heir (Jerry/Garry/Larry Gergich)
  • Full Name: James O'Heir
  • Date of Birth: February 4, 1962
  • Character Role: The well-meaning but constantly mocked office punching bag who lives a surprisingly perfect life outside of work and eventually becomes Mayor.

Major Blockbusters and TV Dominance: The Cast’s 2024–2025 Career Highlights

The post-Pawnee careers of the Parks and Rec stars have been defined by a strategic mix of high-profile franchises, critically acclaimed dramas, and returns to their comedy roots. The sheer volume of their current projects speaks to the cast's collective star power.

Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Pratt: From Pawnee to Global Franchises

The trio of lead actors has cemented their status as Hollywood heavyweights, each anchoring major new projects in 2024 and 2025.

Amy Poehler's Return to Network Comedy and Disney Success

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Amy Poehler, the heart of the show as Leslie Knope, is currently having a massive year. In 2024, she returned to the world of voice acting as Joy in the highly successful Pixar sequel, Inside Out 2.

Looking ahead, Poehler is set to star in a new Peacock comedy series titled Dig, which reunites her with Parks and Rec co-creator Mike Schur. This collaboration is one of the most anticipated TV events of the year, promising a return to the smart, heartfelt comedy the pair is known for. Additionally, her popular stand-up tour with Tina Fey, the "Restless Leg Tour," is extending into 2025, thrilling fans across the country.

Chris Pratt’s Animated Domination and Action Thrillers

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Chris Pratt, who played the goofy Andy Dwyer, continues his reign as a major action and voice star. In 2024, he voiced the title character in The Garfield Movie, adding another iconic animated role to his resume alongside Mario.

For 2026, Pratt is set to star in the sci-fi action thriller Mercy, produced by Amazon MGM Studios, showcasing his continued pivot to big-budget, leading-man roles.

Aubrey Plaza’s Marvel Debut and Indie Darling Status

Aubrey Plaza, the master of deadpan comedy, has transitioned seamlessly into dramatic and genre roles. Her most significant recent project is a role in the highly-anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Agatha All Along, where she plays a mysterious character named Rio Vidal.

Plaza also has a packed film slate for 2025, including a starring role in Ethan Coen’s comedy-drama Honey Don't! and an appearance in Francis Ford Coppola's epic film Megalopolis.

The Ensemble’s Next Acts: From Directing to HGTV and Podcasts

The rest of the Parks and Recreation ensemble has scattered across the entertainment landscape, finding success in surprising and diverse new ventures that highlight their individual talents.

Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, and Aziz Ansari: Critical Acclaim and Directorial Debuts

Nick Offerman's Dramatic Turn and Woodworking Tour

Nick Offerman has proven his range beyond Ron Swanson’s stoicism. In 2024, he starred in Alex Garland’s critically divisive but culturally significant film Civil War, playing the President of the United States. Offerman is also taking his real-life passion on the road with his unique "Big Woodchuck Tour," a stand-up and woodworking show that has dates scheduled into 2026.

Adam Scott’s Prestige TV Dominance

Adam Scott, who played Ben Wyatt, is currently leading one of the most talked-about shows on television: Apple TV+'s psychological thriller Severance. The second season is one of the most anticipated releases in prestige television, solidifying Scott’s dramatic chops. He is also slated for a new, currently untitled project opposite Robert De Niro, further showcasing his move into high-caliber film work.

Aziz Ansari’s Directorial Leap

Aziz Ansari, the man behind Tom Haverford, is making a major shift to behind the camera. He is set to make his feature directorial debut with the comedy film Good Fortune, in which he also stars alongside Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. In addition to his film work, Ansari is back on the road with his stand-up comedy, announcing dates for his "Hypothetical Tour" in 2025.

Reunions, HGTV, and Pawnee Lore: Retta, Rashida Jones, and Jim O’Heir

Even the supporting cast members are leading their own successful careers, keeping the spirit of Pawnee alive in new and unexpected ways.

The Mini-Reunion That Broke the Internet

In September 2024, a small but significant Parks and Rec reunion occurred at the premiere of Aubrey Plaza’s Marvel series. Amy Poehler and Adam Scott showed up to support their former co-star, with photos of the trio instantly going viral. This spontaneous gathering, along with comments from Jim O'Heir that the cast would "absolutely" reunite for a reboot, has kept the dream of a full return to Pawnee very much alive.

Retta’s HGTV Empire

Retta, who played the fabulous Donna Meagle, has become a fixture in the world of home renovation television. She continues to host the popular HGTV series Ugliest House in America, which was quickly greenlit for a sixth season set to air in 2025. She also hosts the new spin-off, Scariest House in America, in 2024, proving her versatility across different reality formats.

Rashida Jones’s Producing and Star Vehicle Roles

Rashida Jones, known as Ann Perkins, has taken on high-profile roles both in front of and behind the camera. She served as an executive producer on the Hulu series The Other Black Girl, which premiered to critical acclaim. As an actress, she starred in the 2024 Apple TV+ series Sunny and is set to appear in an episode of the anthology series Black Mirror in 2025.

Jim O'Heir’s Pawnee Legacy

Jim O'Heir, the legendary Jerry/Garry/Larry Gergich, is embracing his character's legacy. In 2024, he released a book titled Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Fun, and the Place We Call Home, offering fans a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at the beloved sitcom. He also co-hosts the popular rewatch podcast Parks and Recollection, ensuring that the spirit of the Pawnee Parks Department remains an active part of the cultural conversation.