Spotlighting Female Comedy Icons

Taking the comedy world by storm, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have kept their friendship strong through films, television shows, marriages, and children for 30 years. From acting to writing to producing to directing, Fey and Poehler take the reigns in each and every one of their projects. 

As two of the most popular women in long-form comedy, Fey and Poehler continue to create spaces for fellow female comedians to share their humor with the world. 

Meeting in 1993 at an improv theater in Chicago, Illinois, Poehler and Fey continued working alongside one another while strengthening their best friendship. With the accomplishment of both ladies landing roles in the popular improv group Second City, the two kept the hilarity going strong. 

Tina Fey started on the widely popular live comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live in 1997 as a writer. She even eventually became the first female head writer the show had. Joining the cast of Saturday Night Live as a cast member in 2001, Amy Poehler brought her spunk to NBC.

Creating the most quotable comedy to this day, Tina Fey is the notable screenwriter behind the classic film Mean Girls (2004). Of course, Amy Poehler stars in the hit movie as the overly involved and “cool” mom while playing the part like no one else can. Just like her work in Mean Girls, Amy’s quirkiness and bright smile captivate audiences in each of her roles. 

Starring together in the comedy Baby Mama (2008), Fey and Poehler’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Their real-life friendship shines through the screen, so powerfully viewers have no other choice than to giggle at every other line and facial expression the pair share with one another. 

In 2009, Poehler began her journey with the sitcom Parks and Recreation, which quickly became a cult classic. Her bubbly and quirky character captured the heart of viewers over the seven seasons of the show. 

Even now, Amy Poehler works to uplift women in comedy. Premiering in 2014, Broad City was created by Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson with the help of Poehler. This Comedy Central show was an instant hit and continues to increase in popularity even after the show’s final episode on March 28, 2019. The show follows the two best friends, Ilana and Abbi, through their daily lives in New York City. Each episode is packed full of wildly hilarious moments that leave viewers clicking “next episode” the second one ends. 

Not only does Poehler assist fellow women in creative endeavors, but she also works to instill educational atmospheres for the next generations. As someone that strives for authenticity, Amy Poehler founded Smart Girls alongside producer Meredith Walker and performer Amy Miles. The company aims to help young individuals “cultivate their authentic selves.” 

As for Tina Fey’s career, her blunt and dry humor was spotlighted on the incredible sitcom 30 Rock. Not only did Fey star as a main character in the show, but she also was the creator of the series, wrote for the show, and produced it. 

Premiering in 2015, Tina Fey created and wrote the smash series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which also sparked a cult following, which is fitting of the show’s plot.

Starring the fabulous duo, Sisters was also released in 2015. Tina Fey produced the comedy, allowing for her voice to shine through as more than just a character in the film.

In 2019, Amy Poehler directed her first film called Wine Country. The film follows the friendship of multiple women navigating adulthood and includes actresses that are all true friends off-screen. The stacked cast includes Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Emily Spivey, Paula Pell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler, creating an astounding dynamic on the screen.

Over the years, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s projects have inspired us, gifted us with giggles, and reminded us of the meaning of true friendship between women. 

If you want to see the dynamic duo for yourself, the pair recently announced their first-ever live tour together, where I am sure they will stun each and every crowd they grace.

Article Courtesy of Katie Mann

Feature Photo: Heidi Gutmann/NBCUNIVERSAL/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images