Amy Poehler and Tina Fey met in Chicago in the early 1990s when they were both up-and-coming comedians and actors. They went on to become close friends and frequent collaborators, most notably as co-anchors of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment from 2004-2008.
Poehler and Fey had an instant comedic chemistry and their time on Weekend Update cemented them as one of the most beloved comedy duos of the 2000s. After leaving SNL, they continued to work together frequently, co-starring in movies like Baby Mama and Sisters and co-hosting the Golden Globes from 2013-2015. Their easy rapport and ability to play off each other made them a hugely popular hosting duo at the Globes.
In the years since they left SNL, both Poehler and Fey have continued to find success in movies, TV shows, books, and other ventures. They’ve both expanded their profiles as producers and directors as well.
But the question remains: after forming such an incredible bond and partnership over the years, are Amy Poehler and Tina Fey still close friends today? Read on to find out the status of their friendship.
History of Poehler and Fey’s Friendship
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey first met in 1993 at Chicago’s ImprovOlympic comedy theater. At the time, Fey was a performer and Poehler was taking classes. According to Poehler, sparks flew immediately:
“We got along like a house on fire,” Poehler said of meeting Fey for the first time.
They began performing together and eventually became part of legendary improv group Upright Citizens Brigade alongside Matt Besser and Ian Roberts. The foursome would go on to found the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre which launched in Chicago before expanding to New York City and Los Angeles.
Poehler and Fey continued performing together at UCB as their stars rose in the comedy world. They both joined the cast of SNL, Poehler in 2001 and Fey as a writer in 1997 before becoming a performer in 2000.
They first appeared on screen together in an iconic SNL sketch in 2001 called “The Sinéad O’Connor Awards on E!” That sketch illustrated their fantastic chemistry and foreshadowed their time as Weekend Update co-anchors.
Poehler and Fey anchored the Update desk together for three seasons, from 2004-2008. Their time on Update is still remembered as some of the funniest in SNL history, with the duo’s sharp banter and ability to bounce off each other.
Even after Fey left SNL in 2006, she continued to make guest appearances on Update alongside Poehler. When Jimmy Fallon took over Update halfway through Poehler’s time as anchor, Fey still regularly appeared in segments.
After SNL, Poehler and Fey looked for projects to team up on. They co-starred in the 2008 comedy Baby Mama, with Poehler as an aspiring single mother and Fey as her surrogate.
In 2009, they reunited at the SNL Weekend Update Thursday primetime specials. They went on to host the Golden Globes from 2013-2015, bringing their signature brand of comedy to the awards show hosting gig.
Their opening monologues and bits during their three years at the Globes included sharp jabs at Hollywood celebrities and the entertainment industry. Their popularity as hosts led the Globes to receive critical acclaim and higher ratings.
Poehler and Fey have made cameo appearances in each other’s projects over the years like Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock. They’ve supported each other’s book releases and passion projects as their profiles expanded beyond performing.
In 2015, they starred together in the comedy Sisters as siblings throwing one last party in their childhood home. 2018 saw the release of Wine Country, a movie featuring Poehler’s directorial debut and starring Fey among other SNL alumni.
After nearly 30 years of friendship, Poehler and Fey have forged a bond on screen and off that seems unbreakable. As evidenced by their continued collaborations and public support of each other’s work, these two genuinely appear to be close friends.
But do they manage to make time for their friendship amidst busy careers? Let’s take a look at what they’ve said over the years about maintaining their tight-knit connection.
Quotes from Poehler and Fey About Their Friendship
In various interviews over the past decade, Poehler and Fey have been asked about their off-screen friendship and what makes it work so well. Here are some quotes that provide insight into their bond:
In their 2014 Golden Globes opening monologue, Fey remarked:
“I wish I could tug lightly on your ear and whisper into it all the craziest things I think sometimes.”
Poehler replied, “Aw, I love when you say sweet things to me and then bite my ear.”
This exchange shows their genuine affection and chemistry in their trademark comedic style.
In 2015, Poehler told Entertainment Weekly about making time for friendship amid busy schedules:
“We check in with each other almost daily just to say hi or to make each other laugh. But we carve out time to have meals together.”
This quote demonstrates that they make an effort to regularly connect in person when possible.
In a 2018 interview with Variety, Fey said:
“Amy and I have a way of checking in that I don’t have with anyone else. When we see each other, even if it’s just for a minute backstage or across a crowded room, it’s like we’re saying, ‘Oh good, you again.’”
This shows they have a special appreciation and connection with one another.
When asked in 2014 by TIME Magazine if they give each other career advice, Poehler said:
“We talk a lot. We e-mail. We examine projects through the lens of ‘Is this good for you? Is this good for me? Is this good for us?’ We have a lot of the same reference points — family, relationships, politics. But we always call each other first about any life decision.”
This demonstrates they still turn to each other regularly when making big career and life choices.
Based on these quotes, Poehler and Fey have made an effort to keep their incredible bond strong in the midst of crazy schedules and lives spent in the spotlight.
Do They Socialize Outside of Work?
With both women married with children, do Poehler and Fey still find time to socialize as friends outside of work projects?
In multiple interviews, they’ve mentioned relying on technology like texting and email to keep in frequent contact. This allows them to exchange jokes or updates on a daily basis amidst busy family lives.
But they’ve also made it clear that they prioritize quality in-person catch-ups. As mentioned earlier, Poehler told EW they regularly “carve out time to have meals together.” This indicates they schedule one-on-one visits.
In a 2014 interview with The Daily Beast, Fey shared that she and Poehler make sure to see each other without kids in tow:
“Amy and I make sure we spend time alone together without kids, without other friends.”
So while texting serves as a check-in, they also recognize the importance of adult hangouts. They’ve also been photographed together over the years at public events like birthday parties and sports games, indicating social visits.
Both women have children who are similar ages. Poehler has two boys, Archie and Abel, with ex-husband Will Arnett. Fey has two daughters, Alice and Penelope, with husband Jeff Richmond. The fact that they’re on parallel parenting journeys likely strengthens their bond.
In sum, Poehler and Fey seem to have struck a balance between frequent digital communication and making sure to see each other in person whenever possible, minus kids. This enables them to keep their amazing connection going strong.
Have They Ever Had Any Rifts?
By all accounts, Poehler and Fey have maintained an incredibly strong, positive friendship since meeting in the ‘90s. Neither has spoken about any major rifts or conflicts between them over the years.
Based on interviews, they appear to make communication, gratitude, and respect top priorities in their relationship. This likely prevents small issues from escalating into feuds.
In a 2008 Marie Claire interview, Poehler said this about fights with friends:
“The people I don’t like, I just don’t talk to. I really feel like I can tell my friends when I feel slighted. Talking it out can help.”
This philosophy likely applies to her friendship with Fey. Open communication seems key to preserving their bond.
That’s not to say they don’t poke fun at each other regularly – their comedy often derives from teasing and banter. But this mutual riffing never seems to cross into hurtful territory.
In their joint memoir, Yes Please, Poehler wrote:
“There are some people who you meet and you just click. You are comfortable with each other instantly. That’s how it was when Tina and I first met.”
This natural connection seems to have prevented outright drama. When issues come up, they turn to humor and honesty to work through them.
So while no friendship is 100% smooth sailing 100% of the time, Poehler and Fey don’t appear to have any animosity or negativity clouding their sisterly bond.
What Have They Said About Each Other Recently?
To get a sense of where Poehler and Fey’s friendship stands currently, we can look at what each has said about the other over the past few years. Have the public compliments and expressions of support continued, indicating an ongoing positive relationship?
Here are some recent quotes showing Poehler and Fey’s admiration for one another:
In 2016 on Fey’s acceptance speech for the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes, she said:
“I want to thank my soul sister, Amy Poehler…I’m so happy I got to spend that 6 years curled up in a ball next to you under a desk.”
This nod shows Fey’s appreciation of Poehler’s partnership.
In 2017, Poehler said this to Entertainment Weekly about Fey’s book launch:
“I’m so proud of her. 30 Rock was so influential…she’s so dedicated to being an artist.”
This demonstrates Poehler’s continued pride in Fey’s accomplishments.
In 2020 when Poehler’s Wine Country movie received criticism, Fey said to the Washington Post:
“I’m always going to defend Amy. I think she’s brilliant and can do no wrong.”
This staunch support reveals an unwavering loyalty between the two.
And at the 2021 Golden Globes, Fey said this about teaming up again:
“I always know that no matter what, I’m about to laugh my head off when I work with Amy.”
This reinforces that their chemistry is still going strong.
Based on these recent quotes, Poehler and Fey continue to champion each other personally and professionally. Their mutual respect and appreciation is still evident.
Conclusion
After forming a fierce friendship in Chicago’s comedy scene in the ‘90s, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have spent 30+ years cultivating a shared career and personal bond. They’ve relied on trust, communication, and humor to cement their status as comedy soul sisters.
Though busy with their own families and careers, Fey and Poehler ensure they connect regularly via digital check-ins and in-person hangouts. They support each other’s professional ventures and provide unwavering loyalty as evidenced by recent public compliments.
By all accounts, these two funny ladies have a rock-solid friendship built to last. Though they no longer work on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, fans can hope they might partner on future projects so we can witness their comedy magic again soon.
