Today I'm interviewing the actor who plays the character of one of my very favorite people on NBC's Parks and Recreation, which came back with a new season last night. As the merrily dense, delightfully succinct, totally confident local news anchor Perd Hapley, Jay Jackson's made me laugh probably more than any other actor on the show. After I reached out to him for an interview, I also learned of his background as a jazz musician and an actual news reporter--he got the role of Perd via an organization he runs that helps aspiring reporters break into the business. You can learn a lot more about him and his projects by checking out his site, where you can listen to him sing and find out about opportunities to see him perform live.

How was was the character of Perd Hapley described in the script when you auditioned for the part?
The character initially was just suppose to be in a single scene, so there was no intent to develop Perd. There wasn't a description, other than news reporter. But, that's why it's important to read the entire script. After reading the script, I got a since of how quirky the characters are. I tried to match that level of oddness when I did Perd for the first time.

How did the role go from one-time to recurring, and how did that affect your life? I imagine it's a great opportunity but it also must make a big change in your schedule.
The producers liked the way I did the character on the first appearance. The funny thing is that I didn't think the performance was anything special, at all. But, clearly they saw something and now Perd is an important part of the show, even though he shows up every now and then. As far as scheduling, yes, it's getting a little busier. But I'm not complaining.

What advice would you have for an actor on how to make a one-time role become a recurring one?
Go for the role that you specialize in when you're not acting. For instance, if you're a waiter, audition for the waiter roles that come up and be the best damn waiter they've ever seen. If you get the part, do something on the shoot that only waiters know about and surprise the director. For me, I was a reporter for years. There's no actor that can play a better reporter than I can because it takes years to develop the look, sound, pace and swag of a television news reporter. I have several reporter colleagues who appear in movies and tv. Fortunately for me, I got the part that could eventually put Perd in the same breath as Ted Baxter!

What did being a real news anchor teach you about being a fake one?
As a reporter you learn subtle inflections, facial gestures, tone of voice, etc. can have a huge impact on how the listener responds to what you're saying. For Hollywood, you have to crank those skills up a few notches. Even go over the top if you have to. Being a reporter gives me a since of what's good for the screen, but not overly done.

Have you crafted a secret inner life for Perd? I wonder if he's married, what he does to unwind, and so on.
No, Perd stops at the set. I'm a professional jazz singer. That's my passion. Everything I do, including Perd, is designed to help my jazz career. But, I do appreciate Perd fans love Perd. I like to read the comments on line. Some good, some negative. It's fascinating that fans only see Perd instead of Jay Jackson, like they only see George Castanza, not Jason Alexander (not that I'm saying anything is wrong with that).

What were some of your most memorable moments as a newscaster?
Of course, covering the 9-11 terrorist attacks was a day I'll never forget. The O.J. trial is another case that will be with me for a while. There are lots of heartwarming stories, too.

Typically what's the exchange like when you're recognized out in public?
I'm surprised so many people know the character, Perd Hapley. I only show up a few times a season. Must be striking a chord. But, the fans always talk about how funny they think I am. I always say (and always mean it) Perd is funny because of the writers. It's not easy to write Perd's lines because Perd fans know when it's a true Perdism vs. something silly. Perd isn't silly. He's just wired differently.

I know that Nick Offerman plays saxophone: have you two ever jammed together?
No, not yet. But I want to.

When you write your own music, what typically inspires you? Where and when do you write?
I love the great American Song Book. Jazz is my passion, so the swing of jazz combined with the timeless lyrics of American Song Book tunes, is where I find inspiration. I write mostly at my piano bench. A new song could come to me at any time day or night.

Did the Parks and Rec writers ask you to do the worm on the telethon episode, or did you volunteer that you could do the worm and they put it in the script?
No, they asked me. They gave me the option to do it. It seemed like a challenge. So, I YouTubed 'The Worm' and found a guy who taught you step-by-step how to do it. I learned it overnight and went for it on set. Now, it's become a real iconic moment for Parks fans.

How does it feel to be the 363rd person interviewed for Zulkey.com?
It's an honor. One day, there will be 30,000 interviews and 363 will seem historic.