Aziz Ansari
The fast-talking, entrepreneurial Tom Haverford who brought flair and side-hustles to the Pawnee Parks Department.
Aziz Ismail Ansari (ahn-SAR-ee; born February 23, 1983) is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. He played Tom Haverford on the NBC series Parks and Recreation (2009–2015) and created and starred in the Netflix series Master of None (2015–2017), for which he won several acting and writing awards, including two Emmys and a Golden Globe. Ansari began performing comedy in New York City while a student at NYU Stern in 2001. He later co-created and starred in the MTV sketch comedy show Human Giant, after which he had acting roles in a number of feature films. From 2009 to 2015, Ansari played Tom Haverford in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Aziz Ismail Ansari
- Born
- February 23, 1983
- Birthplace
- Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
- Medium
- Stand-up
- television
- film
- books
- Education
- New York University (BBA)
- Active
- 2004–present
- Genre
- Observational comedy
- blue comedy
- sketch comedy
- surreal humor
- satire
- Spouse
- Serena Skov Campbell (2022)
Lore & Background
In June 2008, Ansari was announced as the first cast hire for NBC's comedy Parks and Recreation. The show debuted in April 2009 with Ansari playing one of the main characters, Tom Haverford, for the show's seven seasons. Ansari's performance was praised by critics, including Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide, and Yahoo! TV, which placed him in the No. 1 spot on its list of 'TV MVPS'. Ansari had been offered the role of Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation, and since the members of Human Giant wrote everything together, they decided, as Paul Scheer told Vulture, 'it would be better if we walked away as friends instead of burn out on each other and the show.'
Reader's Guide
When Michael Schur cast Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, he brought in a comedian already known for his MTV sketch show Human Giant. Ansari's Tom Haverford was a fast-talking, fashion-obsessed deputy director who dreamed of wealth and fame. Ansari's real-life friendship with co-star Aubrey Plaza translated into the memorable 'Treat Yo Self' day tradition with her character April Ludgate. He co-wrote episodes, including those featuring Tom's romantic arcs with Wendy (Jama Williamson) and later Lucy (Natalie Morales). The character's catchphrases and physical comedy—like his dramatic reactions to budget cuts—became fan favorites. Ansari's performance earned him critical praise, with Yahoo! TV ranking him No. 1 on its 'TV MVPS' list.
Did You Know?
- Ansari had a minor recurring role on Scrubs, but his character was written off so he could work on Parks and Recreation.
- Ansari hosted Saturday Night Live on January 21, 2017, becoming the first person of Indian origin to do so.
More in Behind the Scenes & Production
Elsewhere in Parks and Recreation
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