Women in Comedy - Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is a highly accomplished American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and director known for her versatile talents and her significant contributions to comedy and entertainment. Here's an overview of her life and career:

• Early Life: Amy Meredith Poehler was born on September 16, 1971, in Newton, Massachusetts. She developed a passion for comedy and improv at a young age and honed her skills through school and college performances.

• Improv and Upright Citizens Brigade: Amy Poehler co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), an influential improvisational comedy troupe, in the 1990s. UCB's success led to the creation of a sketch comedy television series of the same name on Comedy Central.

• "Saturday Night Live": Poehler gained widespread recognition as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) from 2001 to 2008. She was known for her memorable characters, including the hyperactive Kaitlin, and for her co-anchoring of "Weekend Update" with Tina Fey.

• "Parks and Recreation": One of Amy Poehler's most iconic roles is as Leslie Knope on the NBC mockumentary series "Parks and Recreation" (2009-2015). Her portrayal of the enthusiastic and optimistic public servant earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award.

• "Mean Girls": Like her friend Tina Fey, Poehler had a role in the hit film "Mean Girls" (2004), in which she played Regina George's "cool mom." Her performance in the film contributed to its enduring popularity.

• "Sisters": Amy Poehler teamed up with Tina Fey again for the comedy film "Sisters" (2015), where they played sisters throwing one last party in their childhood home.

• Directorial Debut: Poehler made her directorial debut with the coming-of-age film "Wine Country" (2019), which she also starred in alongside a cast of her former SNL colleagues and friends.

• "Smart Girls at the Party": Poehler created and hosted the web series "Smart Girls at the Party," which focuses on empowering and inspiring young girls to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions.

• Awards and Recognition: Amy Poehler has received numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards for her work on "Saturday Night Live" and "Parks and Recreation." She has also been honored with accolades for her contributions to comedy and entertainment.

• Books: Poehler is the author of the memoir "Yes Please" (2014), which delves into her life, career, and experiences in the entertainment industry.

• Social and Political Activism: Poehler has been actively involved in social and political causes. She is known for her advocacy for gender equality and women's rights, often using her platform to raise awareness and support initiatives that empower women and girls.

• Voice Acting: Amy Poehler has lent her voice to various animated films and television shows, including "Inside Out" (2015), where she voiced the character Joy.

Amy Poehler's career is marked by her humor, versatility, and commitment to empowering others through comedy and creativity. Her work in improv, "Saturday Night Live," "Parks and Recreation," and beyond has solidified her status as a beloved figure in comedy and entertainment.

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Certainly, here are some more details about Amy Poehler and her career:

• Improvisational Comedy Pioneer: Amy Poehler's involvement in the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) helped establish her as a pioneer in the world of improvisational comedy. UCB has since become a renowned comedy institution, with theaters and training centers in New York and Los Angeles.

• Golden Globe Host: Alongside her friend Tina Fey, Amy Poehler co-hosted the Golden Globe Awards several times, earning acclaim for their witty and irreverent hosting style. Their hosting stints were widely praised for their humor and candid commentary on Hollywood.

• "Baby Mama": Poehler starred alongside Tina Fey in the comedy film "Baby Mama" (2008), where they played characters involved in a unique surrogacy arrangement. The film showcased their on-screen chemistry and comedic talents.

• Voice Acting in Animated Series: In addition to her work in animated films, Amy Poehler has provided her voice for animated television series. She voiced the character Bessie Higgenbottom in the animated series "The Mighty B!" and was a guest voice on shows like "The Simpsons."

• "Difficult People": Poehler served as an executive producer for the Hulu series "Difficult People" (2015-2017), which starred Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner. The show received critical acclaim for its humor and irreverence.

• Directing and Producing: In addition to her directorial debut with "Wine Country," Poehler has been involved in producing various television projects, including "Broad City" and "Russian Doll."

• "Saturday Night Live" Return: Amy Poehler has made several guest appearances on "Saturday Night Live" since leaving the show, often reprising her beloved characters and contributing to special sketches.

• Smart Girls Alliance: Building on her "Smart Girls at the Party" web series, Poehler founded the Smart Girls Alliance, an organization that encourages young people to celebrate their true selves, explore their interests, and make a positive impact on the world.

• Podcast: Amy Poehler co-hosts a popular podcast called "Smart Less," along with comedians Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. The podcast features humorous and insightful conversations with celebrity guests.

Amy Poehler's career is marked by her comedic brilliance, her contributions to the world of improv and sketch comedy, and her commitment to empowering and inspiring others. She continues to be a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry.