Hum Humble Beginnings Fuel Lasting Careers (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
The NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation aired for seven seasons, drawing fans to its mockumentary-style look at small-town government from 2009 to 2015.
Hum Humble Beginnings Fuel Lasting Careers
Jim O’Heir and Retta tied for the lowest estimated net worth among the main cast at $3 million each.[1][2]
O’Heir portrayed the perpetually unlucky Jerry Gergich and later appeared in series such as Bless This Mess, The Santa Clauses, and Criminal Minds, along with films like Accepted and Logan Lucky.
Retta brought energy as Donna Meagle and hosted HGTV’s Ugliest House in America while starring in Good Girls. Her film roles include 80 for Brady and Good Boys, and she voiced characters in shows like DuckTales.[1]
Moving Up the Ladder
Adam Scott earned an estimated $8 million as Ben Wyatt, the budget-savvy deputy director.[2]
His post-Parks credits span Severance, Party Down, Big Little Lies, and The Good Place, with movies like Step Brothers and The Disaster Artist boosting his profile.
Aubrey Plaza followed with $10 million for her deadpan April Ludgate.[2] She gained acclaim in The White Lotus, Legion, and films including Happiest Season and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
The $25 Million Power Trio
Three stars shared $25 million fortunes. Nick Offerman’s Ron Swanson mustache became iconic, and his combined net worth with wife Megan Mullally reflected ventures in The Last of Us, Fargo, and films like We’re the Millers.[3]
Aziz Ansari created Master of None after playing Tom Haverford and delivered stand-up specials like Nightclub Comedian. Earlier roles appeared in This Is the End and Get Him to the Greek.[3]
Rashida Jones rounded out the group as Ann Perkins, with turns in The Office, Angie Tribeca, and films such as The Social Network and Spies in Disguise.[4]
Closing In on Blockbuster Status
Amy Poehler led as optimistic Leslie Knope with a $30 million net worth.[4] Her SNL tenure paved the way for Mean Girls, Baby Mama, and voicing Joy in Inside Out 2, where she secured a significant pay increase.
She also produced Russian Doll and appeared in Moxie and Wine Country.
- Jim O’Heir (Jerry Gergich) & Retta (Donna Meagle): $3 million (tie)
- Adam Scott (Ben Wyatt): $8 million
- Aubrey Plaza (April Ludgate): $10 million
- Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson), Aziz Ansari (Tom Haverford), & Rashida Jones (Ann Perkins): $25 million (tie)
- Amy Poehler (Leslie Knope): $30 million
- Rob Lowe (Chris Traeger) & Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer): $100 million (tie)
Superstar Peaks at $100 Million
Rob Lowe and Chris Pratt topped the list at $100 million apiece.[5]
Lowe’s pre-Parks fame from St. Elmo’s Fire and The West Wing continued with 9-1-1: Lone Star and Unstable alongside his son.
Pratt exploded as Andy Dwyer into Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie, plus Avengers films and The Terminal List.[5]
Key Takeaways
- Two stars share the top spot at $100 million, far outpacing the rest.
- Three castmates tie at $25 million, showcasing steady Hollywood success.
- Even the lowest earners built solid careers beyond Pawnee.
Parks and Recreation launched careers that spanned comedies, blockbusters, and prestige TV, proving Pawnee’s charm translated to real-world wealth. Which cast member’s journey surprises you most? Share in the comments.
