Chris Pratt (Andy) was such a good physical comedian that frequently the writers would just write "Andy does something physical" into the script, trusting he would come up with something in the moment.
Ron's second ex-wife (Tammy Two) was played by Megan Mullally who in real life is married to Nick Offerman (Ron).
Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson) has a woodworking hobby, as does his character on this show. Offerman has released an instructional DVD in canoe building, and runs a fine woodworking business on the side. He and co-star Amy Poehler have gone on to create a DIY show together: Making It (2018).
Ron Swanson's staunchly anti-government government official was based on a real city planner whom the show's producers interviewed when doing research. The planner was a Libertarian who admitted to them, "I don't believe in the mission of my job."
Andy was only supposed to appear as a guest in the first season but everybody liked Chris Pratt so much that he was promoted to series regular for season two.