Aubrey Plaza's quirky side shines as she reminisces about snagging a personal note from Joe Biden's desk during a White House tour.
- February 8, 2026
AceShowbiz - Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza is known for her quirky portrayal of April Ludgate, but her off-screen antics reveal a different side of her personality. In a surprising incident, Plaza found herself in hot water for taking a memento from an unexpected source: a note from future U.S. President Joe Biden's desk during a visit to the White House.
During a casual tour of the White House, while Biden was serving as Vice President, Plaza couldn't resist the temptation to snag a small piece of memorabilia. This wasn't just any ordinary note; it was a personalized executive summary that had been prepared specifically for Biden. The note bore her name along with a few fun facts about her, which Plaza humorously described in a recent appearance on the podcast "Good Hang" with fellow cast member Amy Poehler.
Reflecting on the incident, Plaza recounted, "I saw a little, like, vice president-monogrammed notebook piece of paper that said, like, 'Aubrey Plaza' and then, like, three facts about me," she explained. "And I swiped it." Although this act of mischief raised eyebrows, it also sparked a conversation between Plaza and Poehler about the effectiveness of White House security.
The lighthearted theft did not sit well with Mike Schur, the co-creator and executive producer of Parks and Recreation. He was understandably concerned about one of his stars pilfering from the Vice President’s office. The incident revealed not only the playful side of Plaza but also highlighted the unexpected connections between the cast and real-life political figures.
So, why was the cast of Parks and Recreation even touring Biden’s office? In the show's universe, Biden is not merely a guest star; he is a celebrated figure for Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler. Throughout the show’s seven-season run, Biden is frequently mentioned as Leslie's ultimate celebrity crush and role model. Fans of the series will recall Biden makes two memorable appearances, with his first cameo in the episode "Leslie vs. April," where a surprise meeting is orchestrated by Ben Wyatt, played by Adam Scott.
In his second appearance, Biden and the First Lady, Jill Biden, host a dinner party in the series finale titled "One Last Ride." Leslie and Ben attend this gathering, during which Biden humorously expresses his exasperation at Leslie's tendency to linger during such events. The show cleverly interspersed nods to Biden throughout its narrative, making his presence felt in episodes like "Ben's Parents" and "Doppelgängers."
Overall, Parks and Recreation paid homage to the 46th President and captured the essence of his relationship with Leslie Knope, showcasing the show's unique blend of humor and heartfelt admiration.