Amy Poehler, 53, recently reflected on her long-standing friendship with Tina Fey, 54, during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon ahead of SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. The heartfelt moment revealed just how special their bond is, established more than 30 years ago on the iconic sketch comedy show.
As Fallon, 50, reminisced about their time on Saturday Night Live, where they co-hosted “Weekend Update,” Poehler humorously acknowledged that while they have journeyed together, she feels like she is “Tina’s second wife” due to Fey’s earlier partnership with Fallon. “We’ve been friends for over 30 years, and we’ve been together doing stuff a lot, but I was—I’m kind of like Tina’s second wife because you guys did it first,” Poehler shared, prompting Fey to agree with a laugh.
Poehler and Fey’s dynamic during “Weekend Update,” which Poehler co-hosted with Fey from 2004 to 2006 and later with Seth Meyers, set the stage for their iconic careers. Poehler’s admission of initially feeling intimidated by the role adds depth to their story. “I remember watching you guys and being like, ‘Wow, that seems hard. I hope I never have to do that,’” she recalled, indicating the admiration she has for her friend.
Fallon expressed his amazement at Poehler’s talents after witnessing her performance with Fey. “I had never seen a performer like you in my entire life,” he remembered. “I was blown away. I go, ‘Oh, my God. Who is this person?’ You’re [Fey] like, ‘This is my friend Amy, dude.’ And I go, ‘There’s no one funnier. I’ve never seen anything like you ever.’” This admiration reflects the influence Poehler and Fey have had on modern comedy, establishing them as leading figures in the entertainment industry.
Diving deeper into their comedic origins, Poehler jokingly remarked about how she landed her role on SNL, crediting Fey for her success. “I got cast because I was technically a nepo friend. Tina got me the job 100%. Vouched for me in every way,” she quipped. This playful acknowledgment highlights the camaraderie that has fueled their careers and resonated with fans.
For those eager to experience their chemistry live, tickets for the Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour are available now. Their journey continues as they bring their enduring friendship and comedic bond to audiences across the country.
SNL 50: The Anniversary Special is set to air live from Studio 8H on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, promising to showcase the unforgettable moments that have defined Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s remarkable careers.
