These are the actors you can find in both Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks & Recreation. Currently heading into its final season, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has gradually evolved into one of the most popular U.S. sitcoms in recent memory – even if it has been cancelled twice. Telling the madcap lives of New York’s 99th police precinct, Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s kooky characters revel in sex tape titles and Halloween heists, but aren’t afraid to tackle tough issues such as police homophobia and MeToo.
Sticking to the realm of comedy TV shows that take place within a public services setting, Parks & Recreation ran from 2009 to 2015, telling the madcap lives of the Pawnee parks department. Parks & Rec‘s kooky characters revel in fly-on-the-wall style awkwardness and Ron Swanson greatness, but aren’t afraid to tackle political drama or interpersonal relationship issues.
As is often the case, the U.S. sitcom circuit is full of recurring faces, and both Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks & Rec are no different. A surprising amount of actors made the jump from the NYPD to The Good Place; many who featured in Parks & Rec‘s documentary had some prior experience with The Office and, likewise, more than a few comics have switched guns and badges for politics and planning applications.
Andy Samberg
Fresh from The Lonely Island, Andy Samberg is the star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Jake Peralta – a juvenile but talented NYPD detective rapidly learning to grow up (but not too much). Naturally, Samberg appears in all episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, prying into his boss’ private life and nurturing his bromance with Charles Boyle, but he also drops by in Parks & Rec season 2’s “Park Safety” as Carl Lorthner. A member of parks security, Samberg’s role is a brief one, but his attitude isn’t a million miles from that of Jake Peralta’s. His cameo preceded Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s premiere by 3 years, otherwise he might’ve been afforded a bigger part.
Chelsea Peretti
Chelsea Peretti is Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s incomparable Gina Linetti – a main character until season 6, when she was reduced to guest appearances only. Gina is the Nine-Nine’s one-of-a-kind secretary, passionate about herself, dancing, herself, Kwazy Cupcakes, and herself. Peretti features as Zelda in Parks & Rec season 4’s “Live Ammo,” shortly before her big break in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Though her part might’ve been small, Peretti actually wrote the episode in which she appears.
Nick Offerman
A man of many memes, Nick Offerman was already well-known in the comedy circuit before joining Parks & Rec as Ron Swanson, Leslie’s anti-government boss. With his unique, albeit strangely logical, outlook on life, Ron serves as a main character throughout Parks & Rec‘s 120+ episodes, and remains one of the show’s most memorable figures. Introduced in season 3’s “Ava,” Offerman portrays Frederick in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the ex-lover of Raymond Holt. The pair reignite their old argument over a lost wooden duck while Terry’s wife is trying to give birth. Jake smooths things over, but Holt reveals he was responsible for the ornamental waterfowl going AWOL.
Jason Mantzoukas
Joining Brooklyn Nine-Nine in season 3’s “Adrian Pimento,” Jason Mantzoukas plays… Adrian Pimento. A detective coming out of deep cover, Pimento struggles to acclimatize to the outside world, and embarks on an ill-fated, if unashamedly passionate, relationship with Rosa Diaz. Pimento is now a recurring character, with 10 episode credits to his name, and Mantzoukas also enjoyed a semi-regular presence in Pawnee as Dennis Feinstein. A fragrance magnate, Feinstein is a pretentious and cruel businessman with a nose for an expensive scent, such as “Attack” – for attacking your lover’s senses.
Patton Oswalt
A famed stand-up comedian and actor, Patton Oswalt is known for The King of Queens and Agents of SHIELD, but has also made his presence known in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks & Rec. Oswalt plays Garth Blundin in Parks & Rec season 5 episode “Article Two,” fighting Leslie as she attempts to modernize the town’s outdated charter. Garth is a stubborn history buff that Leslie ultimately tries to help after discovering his lack of friends. Patton Oswalt’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine character isn’t much better off in that department, especially where Jake Peralta is concerned. As the city’s Fire Marshal, Oswalt’s Boone has irritated the Nine-Nine on two separate episodes.
Kathryn Hahn
Now enjoying a surge in popularity after her villainous turn as Agatha Harkness in WandaVision, Kathryn Hahn frequented the comedy world before making her way to the MCU. The actress will be more familiar to Parks & Recreation fans, having played Jennifer Barkley from season 5 onward. Barkley is a political campaign manager and an initial antagonist for Leslie, working against her in the local electoral race, although the two eventually develop somewhat of a working friendship. Hahn can be found in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 3’s “Hostage Situation” as Eleanor, Boyle’s ex-wife who holds his sperm hostage.
J.K. Simmons
Famous as Spider-Man‘s J. Jonah Jameson and Whiplash‘s devilish drum tutor, J.K. Simmons plays master detective Frank Dillman in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 7. Holt hires Dillman as a personal investigator, and his Sherlock Holmes-esque deduction skills leave Peralta both impressed and slightly jealous. The role demonstrates Simmons’ combination of effortless cool and brash humor perfectly, but the actor also has a lone credit in Parks & Rec as Mayor Stice – another prickly public servant. Stice offers Ben the key to Pawnee in season 5, only to deny him as a cruel punishment for the department’s bad publicity.
Marc Evan Jackson
Playing Kevin Cozner (yup) in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Marc Evan Johnson is perhaps better known as Raymond Holt’s husband – a prim-and-proper professor with a police problem. Kevin and Jake become firm friends eventually, and make for an effective double-act when conspiring against Holt. As Kevin, Jackson is a recurring character featuring in 14 episodes across 7 seasons, and he enjoys a similarly regular role in Parks & Rec as Trevor Nelsson, a lawyer every bit as serious and severe as Kevin.
Jim O’Heir
As Jerry Gergich, Jim O’Heir is one of Parks & Rec‘s biggest names, but despite appearing in season 1, it wasn’t until season 2 that Garry became a main figure as a member of the department others target as the butt of jokes. Larry is constantly down-trodden by his colleagues, and always on the receiving end of misfortune, making him the chief source of sympathy in the show. Jim O’Heir’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine character is somewhat less endearing – an unlikable bigot who appears in season 5 to antagonize Jake and Holt while the pair are in protection.
Other Actors In Brooklyn Nine-Nine & Parks & Rec
Bradley Whitford – Jake Peralta’s father is notoriously absent from his son’s life, but makes time for a handful of appearances across Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s 7 seasons thus far. Bradley Whitford was cast alongside Chelsea Peretti in Parks & Rec‘s “Live Ammo” as Councilman Pillner.
Phil Reeves – Plays villainous New York commissioner John Kelly in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 6, and Paul Iaresco in the earlier seasons of Parks & Rec.
Helen Slayton-Hughes – This veteran actress portrays Ethel Beavers – a recurring court stenographer who can be found dotted throughout Parks & Rec. Has a small role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 1’s “The Slump.”
Kirk Fox – Although Kirk only appears briefly as Kurt, the ex-boyfriend of Jake’s sister, in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5, he enjoys a much larger role as Joe Fantringham in Parks & Rec, included in 8 episodes across the series. Joe is the head of the local sewage facility with a very specific taste in interns.
Jenny Slate – Mona-Lisa Saperstein is a recurring character throughout Parks & Rec, and dates Ben for a brief period. Less than endearing, Mona doesn’t exactly have her life together. Jenny Slate doesn’t fare much better with her Brooklyn Nine-Nine character – a mob boss mistress called Bianca.
Richard Burch – Debuting in Parks & Rec season 5 as Herman Lerpiss, Richard Burch amasses around a dozen credits. The owner of a pawn shop, Burch was once highly intelligent, not that you’d necessarily know it in the present day. Burch has a small role as a gangster in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s first season.
James M. Connor – Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 1’s Deputy Commissioner Podolski and Eugene Pilogrimaldy in Parks & Rec seasons 4 and 7.
Scott Michael Morgan – Morgan plays Skipper in Parks & Rec season 6, and Judd Sterrino, a fraudster in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 1.
Mel Cowan – Mel can be found getting angry over local matters in several Parks & Rec episodes. Also plays Doctor Nash in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s debut season.
Kenny Stevenson – Other police officers do exist in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, such as Kenny Stevenson’s Officer Mark. The actor is also Jim Kabernick in 4 episodes of Parks & Rec.
Matt Walsh – Matt Walsh’s Detective Lohank is another Nine-Nine officer, though not a favorite of the main gang. He plays Leonard in Parks & Rec season 5’s “Emergency Response.”
Jane Morris – Lauren in Parks & Rec. Jane Morris also plays Florence Tinj in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5 – a stickler for the rules that has a massive fan in Amy Santiago.
Stewart Skelton – Skelton appears in two episodes of Parks & Rec seasons 1 and 2 as Phil, investigating claims against Leslie. Weirdly, Skelton’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine character, Patrick Faricy, is responsible for judging Raymond Holt.
Katie Dippold – As well as writing on Parks & Rec, Katie Dippold appears in various small roles throughout the series. She also plays a diner worker in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Will McLaughlin – After initially appearing as a random police officer in Parks & Rec season 3, Will McLaughlin became known as Randy Killnose for a total of 7 episodes across the show’s run. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he plays Santa for a season 1 Christmas special.
James Greene – Greene first emerges as Councilman Milton in Parks & Rec season 5’s “Soda Tax” but goes on to make further turns in seasons 6 and 7, totaling 16 episodes. The actor only makes a single appearance in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s second season as Hugh.
Andy Forrest – A background member of the Pawnee community, Andy Forrest plays Kyle, who never seems to have much luck with Andy Dwyer. Across the space of 16 episodes, Kyle is mocked and humiliated even worse than poor Jerry. Forrest has a smaller part as an NYPD sergeant named Crawley in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 1.
Andrew Burlinson – Playing a character with his own name, “Burly” is a guitarist in the band Mouse Rat during Parks & Rec seasons 2 and 4. Obsessive about neatness, Burly is Andy Dwyer’s roommate. Continuing the theme, Andrew Burlinson is “Andrew” in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s hard-hitting “Show Me Going” episode.
Jama Williamson – Jama portrays Wendy Haverford between seasons 1 and 3 of Parks & Rec. A talented surgeon and Tom’s ex-wife, Wendy later begins dating Ron, appearing in a total of 11 episodes. Williamson’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine role is remarkably similar – her character, Rachel, is romantically involved with Teddy.
Brent Briscoe – In Parks & Rec, Brent Briscoe’s J.J. features in 5 episodes, the first of which comes in season 3. The actor is one of Hawkins’ gang of corrupt police officers in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Nicole Pettis – As Paul, Nicole Pettis is credited in 2 episodes of Parks & Rec season 2. She’s also Teri in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Becky Thyre – Thyre plays Tania between seasons 2 and 4 of Parks & Rec, making a total of 3 episode credits working in a salad restaurant. The actress plays Mrs. Patterson in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Mark Berry – Deputy Chief Gerber in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Officer Merffl in Parks & Rec.
Phil Miler – Alan Straunch in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4’s “The Slaughterhouse.” Jerffus Lerpis in Parks & Rec season 6.
Jim Hoffmaster – Lawrence in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Carl in Parks & Rec.
Craig Stepp – Gary Shaw, a security chief in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Glenn Furgiolio in Parks & Rec season 6.
Dan Cole – Sheriff Grant Knox in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Cole was cast as Greg in Parks & Rec season 6.
Emily Spivey – Strangely enough, Spivey plays doctors in both shows. She also served as a Parks & Rec writer.
Dave King – King plays Kurt Lurpiss and Bob in Parks & Rec and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, respectively. Like Spivey, he’s also a writer on the former.
Kristin Hensley – Parks & Rec‘s Karen Lurpiss-Gretzky joins the Brooklyn Nine-Nine gang as Blarn.
Steve Tom – Kellan Heller (get it?) in Brooklyn Nine-Nine looks suspiciously like the principal from Parks & Rec‘s “Prom” episode.
Rachael Drummond – Jessica Moorgil, a writer’s wife in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Also portrays Louise in Parks & Rec.
Carole Gutierrez – Judy Zappossoppazzappossoppaz has a slightly more pronounceable name in Brooklyn Nine-Nine as Beth Nurminstein.
Ben Zelevansky – Ranger Patrick in Parks & Rec; Phil in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Ryan Radis – Chip in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Also Jordon in Parks & Rec.
Gil Glasgow – This actor is blessed with two fantastic character names in both shows: he’s Carl Turtlehump while in Pawnee, but Lengarry Len Ross in New York City.
Heather McPhaul – Heather is cast as Riley Zumph in Parks & Rec‘s “London” double episode in season 6, and Lenore in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Blake Anderson – Anderson is Mike Bean in Parks & Rec‘s “Moving Up” double episode. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he’s a rock singer that Amy Santiago once dated, and Jake accidentally hires his group for their wedding.
Seth Morris – Mike Patterson in Parks & Rec seasons 6 and 7. Agent Piln in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Nancy Lantis – Kimble in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Gwendolyn in Parks & Rec.
Timothy Hornor – Simon in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Jim Ferkman in Parks & Rec. Both credits came in 2013.
Jimmy Smagula – John Perpton in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Smagula also played Peter in Parks & Rec.
Devin Sidell – Plays Brenda in Parks & Rec, and also Gwen in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Tim Trobec – Steve Ferpl in Parks & Rec, and Kevin (not that one) in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Christopher Wolfe – Tyyler in Parks & Rec, and Austin Grant in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Rob Kerkovich – Bunder in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s very first episode, and Dirk in “The Cones of Dunshire.”
Andy Kreiss – Alec and Eric in Parks & Rec and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, respectively.
Kaliko Kauahi – Khongordzol in Parks & Rec‘s “London” pts 1 and 2. Brenda Hix in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 3’s “Ava.”
Loretta Fox – Janine in Parks & Rec, and Luann in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Rob Huebel – Harvey Spielyorm in Parks & Rec, but better known as Landon Lawson, the criminal author of the Shadowbringer chronicles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Paul Scheer – Keef Slertner in Parks & Rec, but also Devin Cathertaur in Brooklyn Nine-Nine – two great names there.
Jamie Denbo – Kim in Parks & Rec. Hillary in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
John Colella – Parks & Rec has a litany of amazing character names, but John Colella’s Marv Vavavma arguably tops the lot. He’s just John in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Esther Povitsky – Esther is Julie in Parks & Rec season 5’s “Swing Vote.” She enjoys a more significant role as Gina’s assistant Emily in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4’s “Coral Palms.”
Nick Kroll – Known predominantly as The Douche in Parks & Rec, Nick Kroll plays radio DJ Howard Tuttleman in 5 episodes. In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he’s the Homeland Security’s Agent Kendrick.
Matt Besser – Crazy Ira in Parks & Rec, making 3 on-screen appearances beginning with season 3. Detective Holderton in a single 2016 offering of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Eric Edelstein – Kurt Ovarp in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Eric Edelstein makes 3 appearances as Lawrence in Parks & Rec season 2.
Jill Basey – Parks & Rec‘s Erica Weekstrong, and Dotty in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Liz Benoit – Tanda in Parks & Rec. Also Elaine in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Brian Huskey – Mr. Henders in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Morgan in Parks & Rec.
Julie Brister – Ellen in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Gloria in Parks & Rec.
Mary Holland – Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Tricia. Parks & Rec‘s Victoria Herzog.
Harvey J. Alperin – Dennis in Parks & Rec; Joseph in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Chris Bauer – Harold in the Parks & Rec episode “Ann & Chris.” Bauer is also the negotiator that loses his big moment to Jake in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Jason Boegh – Thad in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4. Also a bartender in Parks & Rec season 3.
Abbey McBride – Susan Mintz-Plasse in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5. Also appears in Parks & Rec‘s “Second Chunce” alongside Dan Cole.
Kulap Vilaysack – Plays Ulani in Parks & Rec, but can also be found in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4.
Danielle Kennedy – Marvis in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Danielle Kennedy plays two separate roles in Parks & Rec.
Jesse Mackey – Ken Erdedy in Parks & Rec. Simply credited as “Pervert” in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Eugene Cordero – Can be glimpsed in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 4 and Parks & Rec season 7.
John Deignan – Trooper Clint in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Gets two credits driving a tow truck in Parks & Rec.
Marcus Folmar – Ronald Palmer in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Folmar has a role in Parks & Rec season 2’s “Freddy Spaghetti.”
Billy Merritt – Scott in Parks & Rec‘s “Live Ammo.” Also in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 2.
Nick Armstrong – Craig in Parks & Rec. Has a small role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5.
Michael Daniel Cassady – Credits in Brooklyn Nine-Nine season 5 and Parks & Rec season 7.
Jon Daly – Daly has two separate roles in Parks & Recreation, in addition to playing Bram Applebaum in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s “The Funeral.”
