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Jenny Slate cries during ‘Parks and Rec’ reunion with Henry Winkler

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Don’t be suspicious, don’t be suspicious is probably what Henry Winkler was thinking just before he surprised his Parks and Recreation costar Jenny Slate during Friday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show

The actor, who starred as the wonderfully absurd doctor and investor Lu Saperstein on the beloved NBC sitcom, donned a flat cap and a pair of glasses as a disguise while sitting in the audience during Slate’s interview. It wasn’t until host Drew Barrymore revealed that they had a “Parks and Rec superfan” in the audience that Winkler made his presence known.

“Sir, you have a question?” Barrymore asked, to which Winkler stood up and replied, “I do, I do!”

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Henry Winkler (left); Jenny Slate.

 The Drew Barrymore Show


Slate, who played Winkler’s money-hungry daughter Mona Lisa Saperstein, let out a large gasp when she recognized who was standing in front of her. “I was just wondering: can I have some of that money back?” Winkler asked, to which Slate gleefully responded, “No!” 

To say that Slate was happy to be reunited with her onscreen dad was an understatement. “Oh my gosh, Henry! Geez Louise. I’m afraid to swear. Can I go over there?” She asked Barrymore, who urged Winkler to join them both onstage.

The second he got close enough, Slate pulled Winkler into a hug. “Kiddo, I’m so happy to see you,” he said, continuing to hold onto her hand even after their embrace. 

Jenny Slate and Henry Winkler hugging.

 The Drew Barrymore Show


“I didn’t know that people really get surprised on TV!” Slate remarked. “My heart is beating so fast and I love you so much.” 

Sadly, Lu’s other child, the devious Jean-Ralphio Saperstein (Ben Schwartz) was not present to complete the Saperstein family reunion. Still, Slate was so overwhelmed by the surprise that she began to tear up. “Now I’m crying,” she said, wiping her eyes. “What the heck is going on with me!”

Slate explained that the last time she’d seen Winkler was at the Golden Globes, where he provided an her with an unexpected comfort. “That was also like, ‘Oh, this is a crazy experience, but at least my TV dad is here,’” she said of being at the awards ceremony. “It was very nice.”

While Slate did not specify which ceremony their reunion to place at, the pair were both nominated at the 2023 Golden Globes — Slate for Best Animated Film for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and Winkler for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series for his performance on Barry.

“Let me just say: congratulations on your book, have a wonderful time, and you both continue having a great conversation,” Winkler said. Barrymore replied, “Thank you for having a little reuniting and hiding in the audience!”

After Winkler departed the stage, Slate told Barrymore, “That made me feel so good. Thanks for setting that up.” 

The host explained that Winkler was more than happy to reunite with his costar. “He was so excited and so game,” Barrymore said, “and he’s such a good person.” 

Watch Slate and Winkler reunite in the clip above.

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