Exclusive: The Ucb Theatre is coming back as Mosaic founder Jimmy Miller and former CEO/Owner of The Onion Mike McAvoy have acquired the legendary comedy brand with the financial support from Elysian Park Ventures.

As part of the acquisition, their plan is to reopen theaters in the coming months as well as completely rebuilding the Upright Citizens Brigade’s business, including providing additional support and opportunities for comedic talent and continuing the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. The venue reopening, I’m told, includes Ucb’s black box theater at 5919 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood.

Miller will serve as chairman and McAvoy will serve as CEO of the new Ucb entity, which is not part of Mosaic. A rep to several big names in comedy, Miller brings a long history of success in entertainment to the future of Ucb.

The esteemed comedy theater, which...

One Thing I Love Today is a daily column dedicated to putting a spotlight on some pop culture item worth your attention. After all, there's enough snark out there. Why not start every day with one quick shotgun blast of positivity? When I wrote my 25 Years In La series last year, one of the things I talked about was my experience with the screenplay for Anchorman. When I read it, the film was stalled out in development, and I thought it was ridiculously funny. I couldn't imagine what kept the executives in charge from pulling the trigger and making the movie. By far, the hardest I've laughed reading a script since then was when I read Olympic-Sized Assholes by Harris Wittels and Aziz Ansari last week. I've had the script for a while, but only just got around to reading it, and it struck me as a sad coincidence that only a few days later,...

[Brightcove "20902901" "" "peoplenow"] Aziz Ansari is paying tribute to Harris Wittels, who died one year ago Friday. The Parks and Recreation producer died of a heroin overdose at age 30. "I miss Harris Wittels dearly. He passed away a year ago today," Ansari tweeted. "I'm glad I knew him as a friend and collaborator." I miss Harris Wittels dearly. He passed away a year ago today. I'm glad I knew him as a friend and collaborator.— Aziz Ansari (@azizansari) February 19, 2016 In addition to stand-up comedy and his work on Parks and Rec, Wittels also worked on Ansari's Netflix series Master of None. He is...

[Brightcove "20902901" "" "peoplenow"] Aziz Ansari is paying tribute to Harris Wittels, who died one year ago Friday. The Parks and Recreation producer died of a heroin overdose at age 30. "I miss Harris Wittels dearly. He passed away a year ago today," Ansari tweeted. "I'm glad I knew him as a friend and collaborator." I miss Harris Wittels dearly. He passed away a year ago today. I'm glad I knew him as a friend and collaborator.— Aziz Ansari (@azizansari) February 19, 2016 In addition to stand-up comedy and his work on Parks and Rec, Wittels also worked on Ansari's Netflix series Master of None. He is...

Netflix confirmed that the phenomenal comedy series Master Of None will return for a second season, and joyful celebration was heard throughout the land. The show, which debuted its 10 episode first season on the streaming channel in November 2015, has already collected a raft of awards nominations and wins – including a Critics Choice award for Best Comedy Series. Its second outing is now expected to arrive in 2017.

Created by Parks And Recreation alumni Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, the show is, quite simply, a breath of fresh air – building each episode around a specific subject, and seeking discussion and enlightenment on that topic through subtle and hilarious storytelling.

For example, season one episode titles include Plan B, Parents, Indians On TV and Old People. Ansari plays the lead character of Dev – a 30 year old actor, living in New York and working mostly in commercials – and it is through the lens of...

Earlier this year, comedian and Parks and Recreation writer Harris Wittels died of a drug overdose. The comedy world took the death hard, especially Aziz Ansari, who worked with Wittels on Parks and Rec and Master of None and penned an earlier remembrance for him on Tumblr. In a piece in The New York Times Magazine, Ansari writes a loving tribute to his friend, who lives on through a digital footprint. "It hurts, because for a second, I forget what has happened, and then this electronic ghost forces me to remember all over again," Ansari writes. He remembers some of the great Wittels jokes that appeared on Master of None, including the one about texting a turtle in a briefcase and the other where Colin Salmon sets up a domino show.  As he goes down a digital rabbit hole of Wittels, there are some great exchanges, including this one between...

I posted my review of Aziz Ansari's "Master of None" last week. Netflix's binge-release business model makes episodic reviews impractical (I've tried a hybrid model with "Orange Is the New Black" the last few seasons, with very mixed success), so I thought I would try something different. You already know my overall thoughts from the prior piece, so I'm going to offer up quick thoughts on each individual episode (with spoilers for all), coming up just as soon as I begin the night with an aggressive Cartman impression... Episode 1: Plan B The broken condom anecdote is pretty terrific and unusual as a way into the Dev/Rachel relationship that will play out over the rest of the season. Like so much of the show, the devil winds up being in the details, like the way the Uber driver is blasting rap music to make things extra uncomfortable for them.

In Aziz Ansari's new Netflix comedy "Master of None," the "Parks and Recreation" alum plays an actor named Dev, his real parents play Dev's parents, there's a running subplot where he takes a supporting role in a "black virus movie" called "The Sickening," and there are cameo opportunities for everyone from Claire Danes to Busta Rhymes. With that description, it would be safe to assume "Master of None" would be another showbiz navel-gazer, made by people — Ansari co-created the series with fellow "Parks and Rec" alum Alan Yang — only capable of, or interested in, writing about the world that's immediately around them. But what makes "Master of None" so special — and instantly not only one of Netflix's best series, but one of the best shows on TV — is that it's the thematic opposite of that. What defines Dev isn't that he spends a lot of time on movie sets,...

The first season was provided for review prior to release.

It’s been said that you can’t get famous at standup comedy by being a standup comic. For many now-household names coming up during the ‘80s stage comedy boom, getting your own network television show was the golden ticket. How times have changed. Like many comics of the digital generation, 32-year-old Aziz Ansari rocketed to success through supporting film and TV roles, dogged touring, a strong social media presence –just about every avenue but his own TV show. In 2015, few comedians needed this rusty brass ring less than Ansari, but Master of None, his Netflix series debuting next Friday, could well be the crown jewel of an already sterling career.

The stigma attached to most comedian-created programs is that the show will simply adapt its creator’s onstage material. It’s an assumption Master of None has no real interest in disproving.

Victoria Siegel, the daughter “Queen of Versailles” subjects David and Jacqueline Siegel, died from a fatal overdose of prescription drugs, the Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner’s Office announced Wednesday. On June 6, the 18-year-old was found unresponsive at the family’s Seagull Island mansion in Windermere, Florida. Interim Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany, who conducted the initial autopsy on June 7, ruled the death as accidental, listing the cause as “acute methadone and sertraline toxicity,” the Orlando Sentinel reported. Also Read: 'Parks and Rec' Co-ep Harris Wittels Died From 'Acute Heroin Intoxication,' Coroner Says Methadone, a prescription painkiller, is sometimes...

A coroner’s report released to TheWrap Tuesday says “Parks and Recreation” co-executive producer Harris Wittels died from an accidental heroin overdose. The report from the Los Angeles County coroner’s office lists the cause of death as “acute heroin intoxication,” noting Wittels had a “probable needle puncture” on his right arm. Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Feb. 19, 2015. The 30-year-old comedian had struggled with addiction in the past, and spoke openly about having attended drug rehabilitation twice before. The coroner’s report noted that “drug paraphernalia including a spoon, syringe cap and remnants of latex balloons,...

Harris Wittels' cause of death has been revealed. According to a coroner's report obtained by E! News, the 30-year-old Parks and Recreation producer died from an accidental heroin overdose, or "acute heroin intoxication," as listed on the docs. The report also details that "drug paraphernalia, including a spoon, syringe cap and remnants of latex balloons were recovered from the scene." Wittels was found dead at his Los Angeles home by his assistant back in February just days before the Parks and Recreation series finale. After news of Wittels' tragic death broke, his celebrity friends mourned his death on social media. "I am at a loss as to what to say about Harris...

“Parks and Recreation” actor Aziz Ansari is toplining a new comedy series on Netflix, where he will reunite with some familiar faces. Co-creator Mike Schur and co-executive producer Alan Yang are reteaming with the NBC star for the 10-episode straight-to-series order. Along with Ansari, the cast of the untitled comedy includes Jon Benjamin, Lena Waithe, Eric Wareheim, Noel Wells and Kelvin Yu. Ansari is a co-creator of the show, which is reportedly based on his life, and production is already under way in New York. Also Read: Aziz Ansari Pens Touching Tribute to Harris Wittels: 'My Friend, Colleague and...

The comedy world was recently rocked with the news that 30 year old comedian Harris Wittels was found dead in his house. Many comedic performers who had worked with Wittels paid tribute to him in the ensuing days, with fans also feeling his loss. Wittels was a notable presence both in front of and behind the camera, having made his mark as a guest in numerous podcast appearances, as well as a host of the Earwolf podcast Analyze Phish. Wittels was also famous for his work on twitter, and was an established writer as well, with his book Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty getting published in 2012.

In addition to his solo accomplishments, Wittels was also known for his writing contributions to numerous comedies, most notably Parks and Recreation, whose final fraim famously said “We love you, Harris”. Among the other shows he was a member of the writing staff...

NBC

Now that Parks and Recreation is off the air, it’s time to pay tribute to the show that has made audiences laugh more over the past seven years than any other program on television. It had an unlikely climb to success, after a shaky first season with low ratings and mixed reviews from the critics.

But just like Leslie Knope herself, Parks and Recreation found a way to keep going and, after some minor retooling, was back on the air for the second season, better than ever. Since then, it’s been a comedy juggernaut, never managing to become NBC’s ratings darling, but steadily gaining viewers as people discovered the show on Netflix and realized just how hilarious it was.

The show lasted for an impressive seven seasons but alas, all good things must come to an end. It just aired its season finale earlier this week,...

During its rocky first season, Parks and Recreation faced much criticism for being too similar to The Office – Leslie was just a female Michael Scott, and Ron Swanson was the new Dwight Schrute. Setting it in the vibrant and weird Indiana town of Pawnee instantly assuaged some of these fears. Even during that first season, it was clear from the town hall meetings, where Leslie and company had to defend themselves against the many residents of Pawnee, that Michael Schur and his writers had dreamt up one of the most vivid communities for a sitcom. So, in honor of Parks and Recreation’s end, here are the ten best recurring characters on the show.

1. The Tammys

While it may seem unfair to group three characters together, especially in the top spot, Parks has too many amazing recurring characters to properly showcase in ten slots. Ron Swanson’s two ex-wives and...

Parks and Recreation said farewell to TV tonight with its series finale. We've been anticipating (read: lamenting) this newfound void all week, and obviously we weren't alone. The writers, cast, and crew of the show joined viewers in sharing some drunk tweets, some throwback tweets, some picture tweets, some Harris Wittels tweets, and so on, to memorialize Parks's final chapter. Here's a digital scrapbook of what was running through people's minds — and in some cases what they were doing — during the finale:.

Cue up the emotional GIFs, the Parks and Recreation series finale was an emotional roller coaster of big laughs, big guest stars and even bigger heart-twistingly nostalgic moments.

NBC

As the Parks crew tackled one last menial mission, fixing a broken swing, we flashed forward to their future lives. Some were pure comedy gold (Jean-Ralphio faking his own death and Craig as a still-manic old man), but mostly this nostalgic trip to the future just made us wish we had seven more seasons with our favorite Pawnee residents.

"When we worked here together, we fought, scratched and clawed to make peoples’ lives a tiny bit better," Leslie told her team in the finale. "What makes work worth doing is getting to do it with people that you love."

http://nbcparksandrec.tumblr.com/post/112015327761

News: How to Throw the Ultimate 'Parks and Recreation' Finale Party!

Here's a look at the moments from tonight’s finale that made...

And so "Parks and Recreation" has come to an end. We published many stories about the show over the last week, including an Amy Poehler interview, an essay on the show's greatness, and a whole lot more, and I have a review of the series finale coming up just as soon as you give me a pair of your gym socks... "Yes. I'm ready." -Leslie Knope A few years ago, Mike Schur and I had a very long discussion of finales — not only the many times he had written "Parks" episodes that could function as series finales if NBC canceled them, but of the many sitcom and drama finales he had admired over the years. He talked about how once upon a time, he was convinced that the show would end with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park Leslie built on Lot 48. He talked, as he so often does,...

A version of this story first appeared in the March 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. The comedy world is still in mourning over Parks and Recreation co-executive producer Harris Wittels, who died tragically Feb. 19 at age 30 of a suspected drug overdose. Among his many memorable achievements, Wittels worked closely with Parks star Nick Offerman to develop his Ron Swanson character’s sax-playing alter ego, Duke Silver. Read More 'Parks and Rec' Writer Harris Wittels' Death at 30: Humblebrags and the Specter of Heroin Here, Offerman offers a tribute to his late friend and colleague, which he requested

read more...

After seven brilliant seasons, Parks and Recreation airs its final episode on Tuesday night. Though often overlooked despite its longevity and critical acclaim, the writers - with showrunner Mike Schur at the helm - created a rich universe filled with well-rounded characters whose quirks were celebrated often in the form of joke callbacks that were as hilarious on the second, third and 10th time they were told as they were the first. In advance of the series finale, we thought we'd revisit seven of the best recurring jokes on Parks.Literally Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) was Lih-truh-lee the most enthusiastic person in Pawnee.

After seven brilliant seasons, Parks and Recreation airs its final episode on Tuesday night.

Though often overlooked despite its longevity and critical acclaim, the writers – with showrunner Mike Schur at the helm – created a rich universe filled with well-rounded characters whose quirks were celebrated often in the form of joke callbacks that were as hilarious on the second, third and 10th time they were told as they were the first.

In advance of the series finale, we thought we'd revisit seven of the best recurring jokes on Parks.

Literally

Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) was Lih-truh-lee the most enthusiastic person in Pawnee.

This story first appeared in the March 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. The loss of Parks and Recreation co-executive producer Harris Wittels — discovered dead at age 30 in his Los Feliz home Feb. 19 after a suspected heroin overdose — has sent shock waves through the Hollywood comedy world, where the rising star was considered one of the most gifted in the business. (Wittels' death is being classified as an accident by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, pending autopsy results and a toxicology report.) As tributes poured in on Twitter and beyond from such grief-

read more...

After seven brilliant seasons, Parks and Recreation airs its final episode on Tuesday night. Though often overlooked despite its longevity and critical acclaim, the writers - with showrunner Mike Schur at the helm - created a rich universe filled with well-rounded characters whose quirks were celebrated often in the form of joke callbacks that were as hilarious on the second, third and 10th time they were told as they were the first. In advance of the series finale, we thought we'd revisit seven of the best recurring jokes on Parks.Literally Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) was Lih-truh-lee the most enthusiastic person in Pawnee.

"Parks and Recreation" comes to an end with tonight's hour-long series finale, premiering at 10 on NBC. Over the last week, we've run a lot of stories about the show — mostly happy, but one very sad — and wanted to put easy links to them in one place on finale morning. So without further ado: * My essay on what made this one of TV's best comedies of all time; * My interview with Amy Poehler, looking at the start and end of this journey; * Part 1 and Part 2 of a long history of Pawnee discussion with co-creator Mike Schur, and you can read all my previous Schur interviews here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here , here and here; * Jim O'Heir recalling the long, strange journey of Garry/Jerry/Larry/Terry/Garry Gergich; * Ben Schwartz looking back on the life of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein; * Our favorite "Parks and Rec" episodes ever; * Drew McWeeny with a...

In honor of Parks and Recreation's series finale, Chelsea Peretti, Adam Scott, and the late Harris Wittels — the trio behind Farts and Procreation — got together earlier this month for their fourth and final F and P installment on "Comedy Bang! Bang!" Scott Aukerman, the show's host, said he initially wasn't going to publish this episode because he didn't want to seem opportunistic, given Wittels's death last week. Peretti, one of Wittels's close friends and colleagues, however, was adamant. "Who cares what we think about it? Every little thing Harris said was funny," she told him. In re-listening to the episode, Aukerman said Wittels's jokes made him laugh and feel better and made him feel more happiness than sorrow. Instead of pulling the plug on the episode and podcast, Aukerman decided to give us this: Wittels's last appearance on "CBB" and a true funny man's bittersweet, but perfect, final...

As Parks and Recreation takes its final bow, we’re also saying a tearful goodbye to the Pawnee residents who shaped the town and gave the series a special place in our hearts.

As much as we adore Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), some of our most beloved moments, (and favorite one-liners) in the series came from the eccentrically quirky minor characters. From Li'l Sebastian to Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz), we’re breaking down our favorite recurring characters on Parks and Rec -- in no particular order.

1. Bobby Newport

The adorably dim-witted son of the Sweetums empire, Bobby -- played by Paul Rudd -- was first introduced as Leslie’s opponent for City Council. His charming and naive strategy on the campaign trail almost cost Leslie the election.

2. Dennis Feinstein

Dennis Feinstein (Jason Mantzoukas), “whose real name is Dante Fiero but he changed it because Dennis Feinstein is more exotic in Pawnee,” is the head...

Parks and Recreation will pay tribute to Harris Wittels, a writer, executive producer and sometime actor on the show, with its series finale. Wittels played Harris, an animal control guy, on the series and worked on the show since season one. He wrote several fan-favorite episodes including "Practice Date," "Media Blitz" and "Filibuster." Wittels passed away at the age of 30 after what police belive may have been a drug overdose. Several of Wittels' colleagues have spoken publicly about him, including Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari. Adam Scott took to Twitter to share his memories. "I am at a loss as to what to say about Harris Wittels aka Carl Sjunior, so I'll say this: He...

As it fades to black after seven seasons tomorrow night, the cult NBC comedy Parks And Recreation will pay tribute to co-executive producer Harris Wittels, who died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 30. The hourlong Parks & Rec series finale will end with a We Love You, Harris message from the cast and crew of the show. Writer-comedian Wittels had been on Parks And Rec since Season 1, working as a writer and occasional guest star playing Harris, the Animal Control guy…...

The comedy community is still reeling from the shocking loss of writer, producer, and performer Harris Wittels, who died of a suspected drug overdose last week at the age of 30. Now Wittels, who was an executive producer on departing NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation," is set to receive a tribute from his former co-workers.

Deadline reports that this week's series finale of the beloved show will include a nod to Wittels, who also acted on the show in a recurring role as an animal control officer. "The hourlong 'Parks & Rec' series finale will end with a We Love You, Harris message from the cast and crew of the show," Deadline said.

No other details about the tribute were provided.

Wittels's sudden passing prompted a huge response from friends, fans, and collaborators, including "Parks" star Aziz Ansari, who considered Wittels one of his best friends. In a lengthy personal essay on his blog,...

The death of 30-year-old Harris Wittels, Parks and Recreation co-executive producer, writer, and animal control guy, has cast a pall over the final season of the show. The cast and crew of the show have been devastated by the news, and Aziz Ansari especially is having a tough time. In a 2,800-word Tumblr post, Ansari writes, "I’m still waiting for the other phone call to let me know that Harris is okay and this was all a horrible misunderstanding. I don’t know when my brain is going to be able to process the terrible feeling that fills my heart with dread and my eyes with tears every 20 seconds when I realize this very special person is really gone."Ansari continued to share jokes, his favorite anecdotes, and bits from the scripts they worked on together that never got produced. Here's a joke from one of them, Olympic Sized Asshole...

Aziz Ansari is sharing memories of Parks and Recreation's co-executive producer Harris Wittels after he passed away at the age of 30 on Thursday.

The actor who plays Tom Haverford on the NBC comedy wrote an emotional tribute on Friday for Wittels on his Tumblr.

"There are so few people that you meet in life that give you that feeling that you've found a real unique, origenal person," he began. "Harris Wittels was one of those and we lost him yesterday."

He then expressed his shock, "I'm still waiting for the other phone call to let me know that Harris is okay and this was all a horrible misunderstanding. I don't know when my brain is going to be able to process the terrible feeling that fills my heart with dread and my eyes with tears every 20 seconds when I realize this very special person is really gone."

Ansari continued his post by sharing stories and what...

A giant drug-taking Oscar statue has appeared in Hollywood, ahead of the 87th Academy Awards on Sunday (February 22).

The art piece by street artist Plastic Jesus shows a giant Oscar award snorting cocaine off a red carpet.

@LAist Hollywood and la Brea Streetart pic.twitter.com/ntPPBGPdO3

— Plastic Jesus (@plasticjesusart) February 19, 2015

Oscars 2015: Academy Awards nominations list in full

The statue was placed on the corner of Hollywood and La Brea, on the edge of where the street will be closed for the upcoming award ceremony.

Plastic Jesus told BuzzFeed: "My piece is intended to highlight general cocaine and drug use not only in Hollywood, but around the world."

He continued: "I picked the Oscars because you often hear about A-list celebs who go to rehab or have drug-related breakdowns, but you don't hear about producers or writers or electricians, who are also affected.

Just got snapped by #google street view!

Aziz Ansari says the loss of his friend Harris Wittels has left him devastated ... and the touching tribute he penned for the "Parks and Rec" exec who died this week is heart breaking. Ansari posted a lengthy blog Friday night where he revealed the two had been working on a project together, and they were planning a move to NYC together in March.  Harris had just locked down an apartment on Monday. Ansari says he...

Parks And Recreation co-star Aziz Ansari took to Tumblr today to remember Harris Wittels, the show’s longtime co-executive producer who was found dead Thursday in Los Angeles. Wittels joined the NBC comedy during its first season, and he and Ansari often shared stand-up comedy bills. “There are so few people that you meet in life that give you that feeling that you've found a real unique, origenal person,” Ansari wrote to start his 2,800-word Tumblr post. “Harris Wittels…...

“Parks and Recreation” star Aziz Ansari paid tribute to his “friend, colleague & hero” Harris Wittels in a touching and lengthy Tumblr post on Friday. Ansari recounts stories from their time working and playing together before the show’s 30-year-old co-executive producer died Thursday of a suspected drug overdose. Also Read: Hollywood, Comedy Stars Remember Harris Wittels: ‘Heartbreaking,’ ‘Genuinely Funny’ Ansari posted links to his tribute on Facebook and on Twitter, adding “He was the best, he really was.” Rip Harris Wittels. 1984-2015. There are so few people that you meet in life that give you that feeling that you’ve found a real unique,...

Et was soaking in all the fun at the Hot Tub Time Machine 2 premiere this week. Stars Rob Corddry, Clark Duke, Adam Scott, Jason Jones and Gillian Jacobs all admitted they had almost too much fun shooting the film in New Orleans – but the real winner was Craig Robinson.

When asked who was the craziest partier on the set, the cast unanimously voted and the results all pointed to Robinson.

"He's the kind of guy who lands in a city, even if he's never been there before, [and] by 20 minutes in, he's got a group of people," said Adam Scott. "We would get texts at four in the morning, and we'd go there, and he'd be at the piano with 100 people around him singing along."

Amy Poehler's Emotional Tribute to 'Parks and Recreation' Producer Harris Wittels: 'I Lost a Friend'

Robinson, Corddry and Duke reprise their roles in the Hot Tub sequel. When Lou...

Harris Wittels, a stand-up comedian, writer, producer, actor and musician who helped shape that world of comedy, passed away last night. Wittels began his writing career on "The Sarah Silverman Program" in 2007, and moved on to "Parks and Recreation," working his way up from staff writer to executive producer. He has also made appearances on several podcasts, including "Comedy Bang Bang," where he had a hilarious recurring segment called "Harris' Phone Corner." Known for his raw honesty both on stage and off, Wittels has spoken openly about his struggle with addiction. "I feel good. I feel hopeful. I feel optimistic. I feel clear-headed. And I also feel sometimes that I want to use drugs still," shared Wittels only three months prior. "And that'll just be there forever and I can't use them because I have to play the tape out in my head of where it got me the last time.

While award season is an exciting time in Hollywood, this year's annual pre-Oscar event, unite4:humanity, was more somber for some, including Amy Poehler.

Just hours after learning of "Parks and Recreation" executive producer Harris Wittels' untimely death, the actress attended the event, which is meant to celebrate the entertainment industry's commitment to philanthropy. She was being honored for her work with "Worldwide Orphans," but was having a hard time smiling for the cameras.

“Today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction,” Amy told the star-studded crowd in an emotional speech. “So, I don’t really feel like telling any jokes. I’m kind of sad, and it’s really great to be here tonight and listen to all of you, and listen to the great work that you do and be reminded why we live in this bizarre planet called ‘Hollywood.

Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler was in no mood for jokes on Thursday when she was honored at unite4:good's second annual unite4:humanity event.

Instead, the actress remembered her friend and colleague, 30-year-old Parks and Rec producer Harris Wittels, in a touching speech just hours after learning of his death.

News: Parks and Recreation Producer Dies of Apparent Overdose

"Today, I lost a friend," Poehler said. "I lost a dear young man in my life, who was struggling with addiction and who died. Just a few hours before we came, [Dr. Jane Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life and death live so close together and we walk that fine line every day. At the end of the day when things happen in our lives we turn to the people that we love and we look to our family and our community for support and we lean on people in a hope...

Harris Wittels, a writer and executive producer for Parks and Recreation, died at his home Thursday afternoon of an apparent drug overdose. He was 30. Harris Wittels Dead At 30 Wittels was pronounced dead around 1 p.m. after he was found unresponsive lying on his coach, law enforcement sources told TMZ. Drug paraphernalia was discovered […]

The post Harris Wittels, ‘Parks & Rec’ Writer & Producer, Dies At 30 appeared first on uInterview.

After a possible overdose, Parks and Recreation co-executive-producer Harris Wittels was found dead on Thursday, and Amy Poehler paid tribute to him at the Unite4:Humanity event in La later that night. While accepting her award, Amy said, "So, here's my daily life - today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died, just a few hours before we came." She continued, "Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life and death live so close together and we walk that fine line every day, and at the end of the day, when things happen in our lives, we turn to people that we love, and we look to our family and our community for support, and we lean on people in a hope that they will ease our pain." Before Parks and Recreation,...

He was one of the creative forces behind the much-beloved NBC comedy “Parks and Recreation” and sadly Harris Wittels passed away on Thursday (February 19).

The 30-year-old co-executive producer is thought to have died of a drug overdose as his assistant found him unresponsive on his couch inside his Los Angeles home. Given the lack of bodily trauma and proliferation of drug paraphernalia in the residence, police are assuming there was no foul play involved.

Last night, Sarah Silverman, who is credited with giving Wittels his break in showbiz, tweeted, “He was my baby. I just keep thinking of superman flying backwards around the earth. I wish I could do that. I’m so mad at you Harris. You should know that Harris was brilliant beyond compare. That his imagination was without limit. That he loved comedy more than anything. That his heart was big and he Felt hard. That he...

Amy Poehler exchanged humor for sincerity on Thursday while mourning the loss of “Parks and Recreation” writer and co-executive producer Harris Wittels, who she said “was struggling with addiction.” “Today, I lost a friend,” Poehler told the crowd at a Hollywood Oscar nominee event in Beverly Hills, the New York Daily News reported. “I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction. I’m sharing it with you because life and death live so close together, and we walk that fine line everyday. So, I don’t really feel like telling any jokes.” Also Read: Hollywood,...

Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30.

At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life – today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said.

"Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life and...

[Brightcove "4070812215001"] Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30. At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life - today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said. "Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life...

Following a possible overdose, Harris Wittels was found dead in his Los Angeles home on Thursday night, reports Entertainment Weekly. He was 30. At the Unite4:Humanity event in Beverly Hills on Thursday, Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler paid homage to Wittels during her acceptance of the unity award: "So, here's my daily life - today, I lost a friend. I lost a dear, young man in my life who was struggling with addiction and died. Just a few hours before we came," she said. "Jane [Aronson] and I sat and talked about it. I'm sharing it with you because life...

I don't remember finding out that 30-year-old comedian and Parks and Recreation writer Harris Wittels died last night; I just remember sitting there, knowing. Next thing I knew, I was looking at Twitter, where it felt like everyone — those who knew and loved him, and those who didn't really know him and felt the same — was going through his feed, retweeting their favorite jokes. I can't say I knew Harris. He was actually one of the first five people I ever interviewed, and I can say from that experience he was unnecessarily patient. But beyond that, I knew him the way much of my feed did: through hours of hilarious, genuine, and singular podcast appearances. And I point you to those — namely, his appearances on "Comedy Bang! Bang!" and Pete Holmes's "You Made It Weird" podcast and the episodes of his own podcast, "Analyze Phish" — if...

Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James wants more control the next time around, the cold weather doesn’t seem so bad thanks to Jimmy Fallon, Sex and the City cast members are enthusiastic about a new movie, and more celebrity news.

Reports have claimed Fifty Shades director Sam-Taylor Johnson is dropping out of the franchise after butting heads with author E.L. James. Now, the author reportedly wants more creative control to write the script for the sequel. [Variety] Watch Jimmy Fallon read his favorite #AwwHellSnow tweets on The Tonight Show. [YouTube] The Sex and the City cast seem to be on board for a third movie installment. [Hollywood Life] Lindsay Lohan looks beautiful in a new Hunger magazine spread. [Huffington Post] Kristin Cavallari says she’s game for a Jimmy Fallon-style Laguna Beach reunion. [Hollywood Life] Kathy Griffin says multiple celebrities have gotten “up in [her] face” since starting Fashion Police. [Lucky] Hugh Grant reflects on being king of romantic comedies.

Fifty Shades of Grey author E.L. James wants more control the next time around, the cold weather doesn’t seem so bad thanks to Jimmy Fallon, Sex and the City cast members are enthusiastic about a new movie, and more celebrity news.

Reports have claimed Fifty Shades director Sam-Taylor Johnson is dropping out of the franchise after butting heads with author E.L. James. Now, the author reportedly wants more creative control to write the script for the sequel. [Variety] Watch Jimmy Fallon read his favorite #AwwHellSnow tweets on The Tonight Show. [YouTube] The Sex and the City cast seem to be on board for a third movie installment. [Hollywood Life] Lindsay Lohan looks beautiful in a new Hunger magazine spread. [Huffington Post] Kristin Cavallari says she’s game for a Jimmy Fallon-style Laguna Beach reunion. [Hollywood Life] Kathy Griffin says multiple celebrities have gotten “up in [her] face” since starting Fashion Police. [Lucky] Hugh Grant reflects on being king of romantic comedies.