How 'Parks and Rec' cast has flowered

"Parks and Recreation" may not have been a ratings blockbuster, but it helped propel the careers of its cast.

February 23, 2015 at 9:27PM
** FILE ** In this Tuesday, April 22, 2008 file photo, actress Amy Poehler makes an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV Studios in New York. Coming off her final and triumphant "Saturday Night Live" season, Amy Poehler says she's looking forward to switching gears in her new NBC comedy.(AP Photo/Evan Agostini, FILE)
** FILE ** In this Tuesday, April 22, 2008 file photo, actress Amy Poehler makes an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live at MTV Studios in New York. Coming off her final and triumphant "Saturday Night Live" season, Amy Poehler says she's looking forward to switching gears in her new NBC comedy.(AP Photo/Evan Agostini, FILE) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Amy Poehler

Then: A "Saturday Night Live" standout best known for anchoring "Weekend Update."

Now: A three-time Golden Globes co-host — and one-time winner — who also serves as executive producer for cult favorite "Broad City."

Up next: Co-starring with gal pal Tina Fey in big-budget comedy "Sisters," due in December.

Chris Pratt

Then: A little-known actor with a supporting role in TV drama "Everwood."

Now: A massive movie star who headlined "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Lego Movie," two of 2014's biggest hits.

Up next: Reboot man. In addition to starring in "Jurassic World," rumors are that he'll be cast in "Indiana Jones 5" and a new version of "The Magnificent Seven."

Rashida Jones

Then: A temptation for Jim Halpert on "The Office."

Now: An in-demand player both in front of and behind the camera, especially after co-writing 2012's "Celeste and Jesse Forever."

Up next: Supposedly working on a script for "Toy Story 4," due in 2017.

Aziz Ansari

Then: Created MTV cult sensation "The Human Giant."

Now: Popular stand-up comedian who sells out shows across the country.

Up next: "Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden" drops on Netflix March 6.

Nick Offerman

Then: Occasional appearances on series like "Gilmore Girls" and "The West Wing."

Now: In demand for his one-man show "American Ham" — and his canoe-building skills.

Up next: National variety-show tour with wife Megan Mullally, launching in April.

Aubrey Plaza

Then: A performer for Upright Citizens Brigade, where Poehler got her start.

Now: Indie-film favorite with roles in "Safety Not Guaranteed" and "The To Do List."

Up next: A slew of movies including Emilio Estevez's "The Public" and "Dirty Grandpa," with Robert De Niro.

Neal Justin

PARKS AND RECREATION -- "Pie-mary" Episode 708 -- Pictured: Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season:7
PARKS AND RECREATION -- "Pie-mary" Episode 708 -- Pictured: Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC) ORG XMIT: Season:7 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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