Nick Offerman has long been a household name thanks to his iconic role as Ron Swanson on NBC’s beloved TV show “Parks and Recreation.” In a recent interview, he opened up about his multifaceted career and family life. With his unique voice and rugged charm, Offerman’s won the hearts of audiences all over. With his unparalleled talent for comedy, acting, music and even woodworking, he has continually entertained and inspired us.
Over the course of his career, Offerman has really demonstrated his range. He has taken on a variety of roles, including a notable performance in Alex Garland’s science fiction miniseries “Devs,” where he played a technologically adept character. This side role was a change from his comedic ways, and it opened the door for his creativity and vulnerability that deepened the storytelling.
Yet his story began much like any great performing arts career, with a deep focus in Shakespearean theater. He acted in various productions that focused his skills and matured his artistry. His born talent to definitely do drama, comedy, and in the middle has made him one of the busiest talents in TV and film.
Offerman’s time as Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation” changed the course of television comedy forever. As Ron Swanson, he brought to life the character’s rugged masculinity, libertarian principles, and passion for woodworking—all of which made him a fan favorite. His unmatchable chemistry with his co-star, Megan Mullally (who played the whipsmart Karen Filippelli), was what really made the show soar. The real-life couple have been married for nearly 25 years, creating an impressive creative team both in front of and behind the camera.
Their relationship, rooted in emotional and financial support, helps them both to thrive. In his 2013 memoir, Offerman revealed that Mullally had taught him to use feminine astringent. He stated that their connection extends far past their creative friendships. He nostalgically remembered the time spent in makeup rooms, where he figured out the basics of skincare while being prepped by professionals.
Dorky as it may sound, growing up in a working family farm did a lot in informing his outlook on the world. His father, a passionate social studies educator, was a master carpenter. He passed down every ounce of his love for artistry and rigorous ethic in work to his son. These values shine through in Offerman’s beautiful woodworking creations, which he devotes himself to with equal vigor as his acting career.
Besides his work on screen and with wood, Offerman got his start as a professional musician. As a young man, he amazed generations by being a baritone saxophone player. His talent was not limited to the screen and stage, as Nash won the Louis Armstrong jazz award in 1988.
His recent project, “Devs,” paired him with actor Murray Bartlett and allowed Offerman to delve into complex narratives that challenge the human experience. As he marveled at this magical opportunity, he offered some details about the artistic thought process that went into creating the series.
Offerman’s opinions extend beyond his immediate projects. And of course, we asked him about his work on the new “Highlander” remake. He thinks the UK audience will appreciate it more than the Americans. His perceptive sensibility toward cultural nuance further emphasizes his mastery of storytelling through varying demographics.
Even with all his success, Offerman opened up about how he sees himself. Specifically, he spoke to having such physical deformities that they shaped the way he was able to see himself in relation to conventional standards of beauty. Nonetheless, he has embraced his uniqueness, stating, “What the fuck is the point of all of this?” This inaugural quote sums up his philosophy of being true to yourself, not what the world thinks.
Whether he’s talking about his craft or his home life, Offerman is most comfortable contemplating the forces that have made him who he is today. To that, he hilariously replied, “Is my father going to purchase this? This question underscored the importance of having family on your side as personal experience shapes this artist’s journey.