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Gayle Gergich is a recurring character in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. She is the wife of Garry Gergich, and the mother to their three daughters, Millicent, Miriam, and Gladys Gergich.

Background[]

According to the May 3, 2012 Parks Department Newsletter, Gayle received her undergraduate degree in Art History. Garry mentioned in an episode that people say their daughter Millicent takes after Gayle, this ringing true for all of his daughters. In the episode "Sweet Sixteen", Garry mentions that Gayle "makes a huge deal" out of his birthday every four years (since his birthday is on February 29); this celebration consists "splitting a piece of cotton candy cheesecake from Cakey J's Cheesecake Facility, holding hands for a while and listening to some Anita Baker," at which point she meets up with some friends and Garry turns in early. Despite everyones confusion over the pairing, Gayle is devoted to Garry and always expresses her love and affection for him.

Season 3[]

In "Camping", Garry mentions to a visibly uncomfortable Ron Swanson that he was twenty-four when Gayle took his virginity.

The episode "Jerry's Painting" ends with Leslie on the phone with Gayle, explaining that she isn't having an affair with Garry. She tells Gayle that she didn't pose for Garry's painting, but thanks her for thinking that she did. Tom Haverford is then shown on the phone, assuring Gayle that neither he nor Garry is gay and that he, too, didn't pose for the painting. He then tells her that Garry has only eyes for her and pound cake, cracking up at his own joke. Gayle is neither seen nor heard in this episode. 

Season 5[]

Gayle first appears on-screen in "Ron and Diane", when she and Garry cohost the Gergich holiday party. Everyone is stunned by the disparity between their levels of attractiveness. Later at the party, the whole Gergich family sings "Here We Go A-Caroling" together.

Gayle reappears in "Jerry's Retirement", greeting Leslie into the Gergich household after Garry's retirement. During breakfast, the whole Gergich family serenades Leslie in five-part harmony. Seeing the happiness of the Gergich family causes Leslie to realize that she needs to focus less on achievements, and more on the relationships in her life, especially her relationship with Ben.

Throughout Season 5, Ben constantly questions why Gayle is with Garry. A possible answer could be from Season 4 when it was revealed that Garry has an enormous penis or season 6 where his masterful cooking skills are showcased. Another possible reason could be from the fact that Garry was a lot like Chris in his youth.

Appearances[]

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