Jun 26, 1970
Cancer
Joliet, IL
54 years old
N/A
N/A
TV Actor
Early Life & Background
Full Name: Nicholas David Offerman
Born: June 26, 1970 (age 54) in Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
Raised in nearby Minooka, Illinois, where his mother Cathy worked as a nurse and his father Ric taught social studies . He grew up in a Catholic household and graduated from Minooka Community High School .
Earned a BFA from University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign in 1993 and co‑founded Chicago’s Defiant Theatre during his college years .
Theatre & Early Career
After graduation, Offerman moved to Chicago and became active in the theatre scene, working with Steppenwolf, Goodman, and Wisdom Bridge. He drew on his carpentry skills as a fight choreographer and master carpenter .
In 1997, he earned a Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for his supporting performance in The Kentucky Cycle at Pegasus Players .
Television Breakthrough & Ron Swanson
Offerman appeared in various TV roles (e.g., ER, Will & Grace, 24, Gilmore Girls) before landing his iconic role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation (2009–2015) .
His portrayal earned him the TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy and two Critics’ Choice nominations .
He also co-hosted Making It (2018–2021) alongside Amy Poehler, earning multiple Emmy nominations .
Film, Voicework & Recent Roles
Has a diverse filmography, including The Kings of Summer, 21 & 22 Jump Street, The Founder, Hearts Beat Loud, and Civil War—where he portrays the U.S. President in a thought‑provoking alternate reality .
On TV, Offerman earned acclaim for his dramatic turn in Fargo (2015) and won a 2023 Emmy for Guest Actor in The Last of Us (episode “Long, Long Time”) .
Upcoming projects include starring in Sovereign (premiering Tribeca 2025) and a role in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning .
Woodworking, Writing & Creative Ventures
Passionate woodworker: founded Offerman Woodshop in L.A. (2001), producing handcrafted furnishings—from spoons to canoes .
Authored several books: Paddle Your Own Canoe (2013), Gumption (2015), Good Clean Fun (2016), and Where the Deer… (2021) .
Runs national comedy tours: Full Bush Tour (2017) and All Rise Tour (2019) .
Personal Life & Advocacy
Married to actress Megan Mullally since September 2003; the couple met in 2000 during a play and maintain a playful, collaborative partnership—co-starring, touring, and hosting a podcast together . They’ve chosen not to have children.
Offerman engages in philanthropy—partnering with L.A. nonprofit Would Works to teach woodworking to underserved youth.
Politically self-described as “progressive but conservative in many ways,” he has publicly supported Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and reform causes .
Nick Offerman’s journey from small-town Illinois to multifaceted success blends heartfelt artistry, genuine humor, and a grounded sense of purpose—whether acting, building, writing, or giving back.
