In the world of comedy, few people carry the torch of joyful, whip-smart humor quite like Amy Poehler. From her legendary stint on Saturday Night Live to creating the ultimate optimistic icon in Leslie Knope, Poehler has spent decades proving that being funny and being kind are not mutually exclusive.
As of early 2026, Amy is at the top of her game, recently making history by winning the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Podcast for her hit series, Good Hang with Amy Poehler.
Amy Poehler Biography
Born Amy Meredith Poehler on September 16, 1971, in Newton, Massachusetts, Amy grew up in a family of teachers. She discovered her love for improv at Boston College, later moving to Chicago to join the legendary Second City and ImprovOlympic. It was there she co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), a troupe that would eventually move to New York and revolutionize the world of sketch comedy and training.
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Career
Amy’s career is a masterclass in versatility:
- The SNL Era (2001–2008): She became a fan favorite for her “Weekend Update” desk presence and her iconic Hillary Clinton impression.
- Parks and Recreation (2009–2015): As Leslie Knope, she led one of the most beloved sitcoms in history, earning a Golden Globe for the role in 2014.
- The “Muva” of Podcasting (2025–2026): In March 2025, she launched her podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler. On January 11, 2026, she took home the inaugural Golden Globe for Best Podcast, beating out heavy hitters like SmartLess and Call Her Daddy.
- Producing Powerhouse: Through her company, Paper Kite Productions, she continues to produce hits like Russian Doll and Girls5eva.
Amy Poehler Movies
- Mean Girls (2004): Her role as the “Cool Mom” remains a permanent fixture in pop culture.
- Baby Mama (2008): A classic pairing with her comedic soulmate, Tina Fey.
- Inside Out & Inside Out 2 (2015/2024): Lending her voice to the character Joy, leading the sequel to become one of the highest-grossing animated films ever.
- Wine Country (2019): Her directorial debut, starring her real-life best friends.
- Moxie (2021): A directorial project exploring teen rebellion and feminism.
Amy Poehler Net Worth
As of early 2026, Amy Poehler’s net worth is estimated at $30 million. Her wealth stems from her high-profile acting roles, lucrative producing deals, and the massive success of her Paper Kite Productions banner. Her recent entry into the podcasting world has also opened new revenue streams through a major partnership with Spotify and The Ringer.
Family
Amy is the daughter of Eileen and William Poehler. She is a proud “Boy Mom” to her two sons, Archie (born 2008) and Abel (born 2010), whom she shares with her ex-husband Will Arnett. In 2026, Amy continues to prioritize co-parenting, often speaking about the “empathy over fixing” approach she uses while raising her now-teenage sons.
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Relationships and Dating History
Amy Poehler and Will Arnett
One of comedy’s most famous pairings, Amy and Will Arnett were married from 2003 to 2016. Though their split in 2012 saddened fans, they have become the gold standard for friendly co-parenting. In early 2026, they shared a hilarious moment at the Golden Globes when Amy’s podcast beat Will’s podcast, SmartLess, for the top prize.
Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll
Following her divorce, Amy dated comedian Nick Kroll from 2013 to 2015. While the relationship ended due to conflicting schedules, they have remained supportive colleagues. Amy even gave a nod to a “boyfriend who knows how to settle me” in her 2014 memoir, Yes Please, which fans widely understood to be Kroll.
Amy Poehler and Joel Lovell
Now, Amy is in a serious relationship with Joel Lovell, a former New York Times Magazine editor and current podcast executive. The pair were first linked in the summer of 2024. They made their red carpet debut at the 2025 Oscars and were seen hand-in-hand at the 2026 Golden Globes. During her acceptance speech for Best Podcast, Amy looked directly at him and said, “I love you. Thank you for everything.”
Controversies
Amy has largely stayed out of major scandals, though she has faced minor critiques for certain “edgy” SNL sketches from the early 2000s. In 2026, her playful jab at NPR during her Golden Globe speech, calling them “celebs phoning it in”, sparked a lighthearted “feud” with public radio fans, though most saw it as the classic biting wit she’s known for.
Amy Poehler’s Age
As of early 2026, Amy Poehler is 55 years old. She will celebrate her 56th birthday on September 16, 2026.
Amy Poehler Now
Now, Amy is expanding her podcasting empire. Following her Golden Globe win, she hinted that a video-taped version of Good Hang will see a massive expansion on YouTube in late 2026. She will also produce a new unscripted series about female entrepreneurs, continuing her mission to “make a rough world filled with a little more laughter.”
Conclusion
From the UCB stage to the Golden Globes podium, Amy Poehler has never stopped innovating. In 2026, she isn’t just a comedian; she’s a media mogul who still knows how to make us laugh with her, not at her.
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