Amy Poehler Reveals How Tina Fey Helped Her Land SNL Gig

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At some point, mentioning Tina Fey or Amy Poehler often led to the other name being mentioned soon after. From their early days on Saturday Night Live where they were the co-anchors of Weekend Update, these writers and actresses formed a powerful comedy duo as their careers overlapped, from their shared touring life to impressive individual projects, all thanks to their long-standing friendship which predates their widespread fame. Interestingly enough, the star of Inside Out admitted that her being a “nepo friend” played a significant role in her journey to stardom.

During their appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the co-stars from Baby Mama reminisced about the second phase (a little joke there) of their Restless Leg Tour and everything related to SNL. On the show’s YouTube channel, these three Studio 8H veterans shared stories about their origins, including how Fallon first encountered Poehler at a sketch show she was involved in (Upright Citizen’s Brigade). After Fallon retold this story, he and Fey commended Poehler, acknowledging that her entry into the SNL cast was due to her talent.

The actress from “Blades of Glory” readily admitted that her friendship with Fey was instrumental in securing the role, and admitted candidly that she would not have a fair shot at it now, as she expressed.

I wasn’t chosen randomly; instead, my connection (Tina) played a significant role in getting me the job and endorsed me thoroughly. In addition, during a conversation backstage at SNL, I compared it to college, suggesting that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be part of it now if I were applying today.

Consistent with their long-standing pattern, the actress from The House generously shares accolades and affection with her comedy partner, a fact that doesn’t catch us off guard. Their careers have been deeply interconnected, with many of Tina Fey’s seminal films and shows coinciding with some of Amy Poehler’s most memorable movie roles and TV quotes. However, both women excel brilliantly independently. There’s little doubt in my mind that the Moxie alum would have made her mark on the iconic sketch show, whether or not her Sisters costar was by her side.

For the upcoming SNL 50 hosts and musicians in our 2025 TV lineup, who are illuminating an extraordinary season, we’re moving towards a weekend brimming with unique reunion events. Highlights include a Friday night concert at homecoming, red-carpet Saturday, and the actual reunion special. It is anticipated that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will make multiple appearances throughout this festive weekend, making them a must-see for me. I’m eagerly looking forward to their participation in any event, but my hopes are particularly high for a special Weekend Update segment.

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Recently, both actresses from “Wine Country” have been reminiscing on old times at Rockefeller Plaza. Tina Fey’s upcoming reboot of the Four Seasons is set to air on Netflix in 2025, while Amy Poehler’s Inside Out franchise remains a hit for Pixar and Disney. Moreover, Poehler’s organization, Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, which encourages young people to shape their own future, is also making headlines.

It’s likely that Amy Poehler has established a reputation far exceeding Tina Fey’s contributions, regardless of whether she considers herself a nepotistic figure or not. Her enduring friendship with Tina seems to hold greater significance for her than the circumstances surrounding her appearance on Saturday Night Live many years ago.

Enjoy the Amy Poehler and Tina Fey years of Saturday Night Live by subscribing to Peacock. Catch the main event every Saturday night at 11:30 pm Eastern Standard Time, or if you miss it, stream it the next day with an active Peacock account.

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2025-02-14 00:08