How a friendship like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s lasts

by

As a dedicated cinephile, let me share a unique bond I’ve nurtured with Tina Fey for nearly two decades now. It’s not every day you find someone who shares such an extended slice of life, more so when they’re in the public eye. We met around mid-2002, and despite the miles that sometimes separate us, our friendship has never wavered.

We still chuckle about navigating the treacherous waters of middle school together, yet find joy in the ordinary routines that have since filled our lives. Neither of us craves the limelight, but I can only imagine the accidental, two-decade-long ‘feud’ we might have concocted if fame had befallen us. Thankfully, our friendship is too strong for such playful rivalries; we’d forget to call and remind each other that it was all just pretend!

Instead of them, Fey and Poehler aren’t the ones we’re talking about here. After all, both have not just made their way into the industry and achieved stardom, but also managed to maintain it. Neither is without flaws, as no one is, but that might be the very essence of their friendship—acknowledging their imperfections.

I have no intention of prying into these women’s personal affairs, as it’s not my style or interest. However, if two highly accomplished women can maintain a friendship spanning their life journeys and careers in Hollywood for such a long time, there must be valuable lessons for ordinary people to learn from their unique bond.

These two friends aren’t just repeating an old act; they’re embarking on another tour together. They still enjoy each other’s company, unlike some friendships that may grow tired after a while. It could be said that many people, particularly women, find joy in watching two friends accomplish cool things together, which is why they often share hosting duties for awards shows. However, for the purpose of this article, let’s assume their friendship is genuine and remains strong even when there are no cameras around or financial incentives involved. Let’s delve a bit deeper into their bond.

Sharing the journey of pursuing dreams with someone else can lead down one of two paths: It may foster a deep bond or trigger long-lasting rivalry tinged with jealousy. In the bustling comedy scene of 1990s Chicago, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler crossed paths. Fey commenced her stint as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 1997; Poehler joined the cast in 2001. They shared hosting duties for “Weekend Update” once, and since then, their story has been a continuous tale of laughter. Instead of vying for the same career path, they opted to perform together (occasionally side by side).

Women who support one another in their ascents tend to achieve greater success over time compared to those who don’t. Navigating the competitive landscape of this industry can be challenging enough due to male egos, but having an ally makes it significantly easier. Ideally, your ally not only cheers you on, but also includes you in her projects, promotes your work, and collaborates with you on tours, award shows, and more. In essence, having a fellow woman championing for you can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

It would have been quite a worn-out topic to discuss, with us all still reminiscing about Fey and Poehler’s comedy journey from obscurity to A-List stardom after 30 years. Yet, neither of them appears keen on revisiting such dramatic aspects. In the realm of friendship, it’s fortunate to find a confidante who shares your preference for quiet nights in and has moments of hesitance when interacting with strangers in certain situations.

Fundamentally, it is mutual experiences that keep friends connected over many years, even if they initially met in the same city. While we might ponder alternative factors, it’s best left to another author (or wait for another conversation) to delve into why two women in America, both being white, have managed to avoid significant disagreements leading to estrangement.

Read More

2025-04-17 22:15