If you’re a fan of funny stand-up comedy and/or great television, you are familiar with Aziz Ansari. He’s the fourth installment of my “Idolizing” series. The first three posts were about Chuck Klosterman, Chuck Klosterman (again), & the McRib sandwich.…I am sure that Mr. Ansari is glad to be in this group.

I don’t want this post to read like his Wikipedia page, but here’s the lowdown on him. He plays Tom Haverford on NBC’s Parks & Recreation and he has appeared on the big screen in Funny People and 30 Minutes or Less. He is a working stand-up comedian and has a successful comedy album under his belt (Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening). He even made a cameo in Jay-Z & Kanye West’s music video for Otis. Here is why idolize Aziz Ansari and what he has coming out in the near future.

I’m a big fan of Parks & Rec and I’m exactly sure why I haven’t written a hundred posts about Ron Swanson. Ansari steals the show with his facial expressions, faux-pimp swag, and for his anti-stereotypical portrayal of an Indian-American. My favorite episode is when Tom Haverford describes his nicknames for everyday food (which sparked up its own parody website). Guys in their late-20s and early 30s can relate to Mr. Haverford. He has a quasi-important 9 to 5 job, doesn’t have much game with women, and he yearns for a life of luxury.

I love stand-up comedy. I have loved it since I first watched a Richard Pryor comedy special when i was a little kid. I didn’t know what 90% of the jokes were about, but after hearing everyone laugh, I knew he was something special. Ansari is currently on a “Dave Chappelle-like” level, meaning that his timing is down so perfectly that his jokes come out flawless. In one of my favorite bits, he talk about harassing his chubby, young cousin Harris.

You can currently buy his latest stand-up special, Dangerously Delicious, on AzizAnsari.com for $5. He touches on some of the same subjects that he talked about on his last special (R. Kelly, Harris, etc), but in a fresh way. I recommend everyone to go buy it online, because it is easily worth the price.

In an interview with Grantland.com, Ansari says that he has signed on to join the cast of The Apocalypse. The movie will be directed by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg and star Rogen, James Franco, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, and himself. They will all be playing themselves at a party at James Franco’s house. While they are at the party, the Apocalypse begins…definitely something that I want to see.

The reason why I wanted to write about Aziz Ansari is because I enjoy his work a lot. He is a bright guy that “gets it.” He can write quirky and absurd skits on Human Giant and then go write comedy with mainstream appeal. He can do both things well and his versatility is the key to his success. I look forward to his future work and will try to catch him live when he tours in my area.

In closing, I want to leave you with a “Tom Haverford Face,” and as always, Treat Yo’self!