A Twitter user is sharing the story of how Nick Offerman wound up leading his son’s baptism procession. Best known for his role as Ron Swanson in the hit NBC sit-com Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman’s character acting has served as a satirical male role model that has been influential to the millennial generation.
The true story is being shared by Twitter user and friend of Offerman Martin Garner. Garner explained that when his son was born in 2010, he approached Offerman to be the godfather. Offerman, who was born and raised Catholic, agreed to stand for the child at his baptism.
Garner explained in a subsequent Tweet that he and Offerman were old friends who had worked together as a writing duo. The pair were working on a comedic homage to 80s Christian hair metal when Offerman landed the role of Ron Swanson and the project was shelved. While Offerman went on to perform his iconic role, Garner and his wife set about expanding their family.
When the baby arrived, Nick was their first choice to be godfather, a position he graciously accepted. This meant that Offerman had to go through all the required classes, while he juggled his work on Parks and Rec. It was also due to this acting job that he could not shave his mustache for the baptism. As a result the photos show a very Swanson-esque Offerman.
The show was only in its second season at the time, so Offerman’s style was not immediately identifiable to those in the pews. So when the priest was selecting someone to carry the baptismal candle during the procession, the responsible looking Offerman was the go-to choice.
The look of concentration on Offerman’s face may lead fans of Parks and Recreation to recall the episode when Swanson carried the torch to kick off the funeral of Little Sebastian, the much beloved mini horse.
Offerman went on to help celebrate Garner’s son's baptism with the reverence of one who has a life-long familiarity with Catholic sacraments and customs. Here we can see Offerman taking part in the ceremony.
Garner finished his story by remarking that “many deviled eggs” were eaten at the after party, a nod to Ron Swanson’s love of deviled eggs, and all breakfast foods for that matter.
In a response to the Twitter thread, Offerman expressed that he continues to feel honored to be godfather to Garner’s son. He wrote:
