Newt Gingrich gets surprise role in "Parks and Recreation"

The former Speaker of the House unknowingly walked onto the set of the NBC sitcom

Published December 4, 2012 4:32PM (EST)

NBC's "Parks and Recreation," set in fictional town Pawnee, Indiana, this week filmed in Indianapolis, where the cast had a serendipitous run-in with former House speaker Newt Gingrich. "It was a completely random chance," said co-creator Mike Schur to the Indianapolis Star. "But you can't pass up an opportunity like that."

Gingrich, who was in town to meet with Gov. Mitch Daniels, strolled into the renowned St. Elmo's Steak House (it has hosted football players Tom Brady, Eli Manning and even John F. Kennedy), where the crew was filming. Schur quickly gathered with the show's writer and director to figure out a way to incorporate Gingrich into the script. They shot scenes with Gingrich for the next four hours.

The question everyone is now wondering: How will Joe Biden's fangirl Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) react to meeting Gingrich, who may or may not be her new arch-nemesis?


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

MORE FROM Prachi Gupta


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Indiana Indianapolis Nbc Newt Gingrich Parks And Recreation