Nick Offerman on the Essential Wisdom of Wendell Berry
This interview was originally published in 2020. Wendell Berry died two days ago at the age of 92. Growing up in the foothills of eastern Kentucky as a compulsive reader and full-time hillbilly, I was instinctively attracted, like most literary-minded
In 1995, Nick Offerman was working at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre when he received two books of Wendell Berry short stories, Fidelity, and Watch With Me, from a Kentucky actor named Leo Burmester. Offerman found Berry's writing appealing, as it aligned with the values of his own family and community, which he had grown up in. Berry's work resonated with Offerman, as it chronicled the nobility found in good, honest work, thrift, affection for family and neighbors, and love for the land.
Offerman was so inspired by Berry's writing that he wrote to him, asking for permission to adapt his fiction for stage or screen. Berry replied favorably, but politely declined, prompting Offerman to continue expressing his admiration for Berry's work. Over time, Offerman met Laura Dunn, who was making a documentary film about Berry, and became a co-producer.
Offerman also met Mary Berry, the daughter of Wendell and Tanya Berry, who was now in charge of the Berry Center. Through Mary and her brother Den, Offerman was introduced as a skilled woodworker, which elevated his standing in Berry's eyes. Offerman has been a dedicated advocate for Berry's work, sharing it with anyone who would listen and encouraging its inclusion in school curriculums.
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