The Life of Amy Poehler: A Triple Threat
The queen of comedy. From running the Pawnee Parks Department to roasting Hollywood at the Golden Globes with her best friend, she proves that being funny is a superpower. Buckle up for a wild ride through Amy's world—where every moment is a punchline and every laugh is guaranteed.
Amy Poehler, born Amy Meredith Poehler on September 16, 1971, in Newton, Massachusetts, is an actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director. She was born to high school teachers Eileen Frances and William Grinstead Poehler and older sister to producer and actor Greg Poehler.
Early Life
Poehler spent her formative years in Burlington, Massachusetts, and at the age of ten, Poehler took on the role of Dorothy Gale in her school's rendition of "The Wizard of Oz," igniting her passion for performing. Throughout her high school years at Burlington High School, Poehler remained active in the theater scene, participating in various productions.
Growing up in a supportive family environment, Poehler discovered her passion for performing at an early age. This passion continued as she attended Boston College, where she studied communications and honed her comedic skills as a member of the improvisational comedy troupe My Mother's Fleabag.
Early Acting Career and First Roles
In 1993, she ventured to Chicago, where she immersed herself in comedy studies at Second City and Improv Olympics. She continued her comedic journey, and by 1996, she had become a pivotal member of the Upright Citizens Brigade alongside Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. Their collaboration eventually led them to relocate to New York, where they transitioned into a Comedy Central show; unfortunately, it only lasted three seasons. However, Poehler's talent and charisma from the show quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to her breakthrough role as a cast member on the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) in 2001. Available now on Peacock
SNL and the Rise of Amy Poehler
During her eight-year tenure on SNL, Poehler became known for her memorable characters, spot-on impressions, and impeccable comedic timing. She also formed a dynamic friendship with Tina Fey, with whom she co-anchored the Weekend Update segment. Their chemistry made them one of the most beloved duos in SNL history.
In addition to her work on SNL, Poehler co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) in New York City, a renowned improv comedy troupe and training center. UCB has since become a breeding ground for comedy talent, nurturing the careers of numerous successful comedians and actors.
TV and Film Career Success
Poehler's success on SNL paved the way for a thriving career in television and film. She starred in the NBC comedy series "Parks and Recreation" (2009-2015), where she portrayed the ambitious Leslie Knope, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her performance. Poehler also served as a producer and director on the show, further expressing her creative talents behind the camera. Available now on Peacock
In addition to her work on "Parks and Recreation," Poehler has appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including "Baby Mama" (2008), "Inside Out" (2015), and "Sisters" (2015), and the soon to come, "Inside Out 2" (2024). She has also lent her voice to animated series such as "The Simpsons" and "Bob's Burgers," and has hosted award shows such as the Golden Globes alongside her companion, Tina Fey. Available now on Hulu
Off Screen Ventures
Outside of entertainment, Poehler is known for her activism and advocacy work, particularly in women's rights and gender equality. She is a vocal supporter of organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Time's Up movement, using her platform to promote social change and empowerment.
In addition to her work in entertainment and activism, Poehler is also a bestselling author, having written the memoir "Yes Please" in 2014. The book offers insights into her life and career as well as humorous anecdotes on motherhood, friendship, and ambition.
Recent Work
Poehler has been a triple threat the past few years as she transitioned behind the camera, directing films like the 2021 coming-of-age story Moxie, which she also starred in. She has also produced for various TV shows, including comedies like "Duncanville" on Hulu and critically acclaimed dramas like "Russian Doll" on Netflix. She's also returning as our favorite emotion, Joy, in Inside Out 2, and is currently on the Restless Leg Tour with her sidekick Tina Fey. Available now on Hulu
Personal Life
Poehler was married to actor Will Arnett from 2003 to 2016, and they have two sons, Archie (15) and Abel (13). Following their divorce, Poehler has kept her personal life relatively private, focusing on her career and raising her children.
