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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

Amy Poehler's Parents Tell All - In a Good Way

Photo via WSJ, courtesy the Poehlers.

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Amy Poehler has been a recognizable face in American comedy for years, with a successful stint on Saturday Night Live and her current role as Leslie Knope on NBC’s Parks & Rec. She’s also a founding member of LA’s own Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, as well as real-life wife to everyone’s favorite Will Arnett. But what was Amy like as a kid, or growing up and going to college? Everyone has a ‘story’, so where did Amy start? Well, short of unearthing an unpublished autobiography, Wall Street Journal Magazine has gone directly to the source for all things adorable Amy Poehler: her parents.

In a new feature titled “Meet the Parents”, WSJ Magazine will seek to find out just what the famous among us were like as children. What did they want to be when they grow up, how determined were they, and (most importantly) what type of mischief did they get into? For Poehler, the interview straddles a fine line between ‘informative’ and ‘adorable’. Her parents, Bill and Eileen Poehler, take turns sharing stories of daughter Amy’s indefatigable work ethic, her hard working high school ways, and their proud gushings as parents. Then, of course, there’s the story of how Amy handcuffed herself to her best friend and then lost the key, or how Bill (the father) is convinced he’s directly responsible for the Poehler family funny bone.

WSJ Magazine’s “Meet the Parents” segment is a wonderful, lighthearted journalistic endeavor that we could all benefit from. In an age where TMZ and RadarOnline seek to tear everyone down with flashing lights and leaked documents, it’s refreshing to learn a little bit about the stars we love, through the delightful filter that only a parent could have.

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