With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
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.
Amy Poehler's Parents Tell All - In a Good Way
Photo via WSJ, courtesy the Poehlers.
()
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 Well, short of unearthing an unpublished autobiography, Wall Street Journal Magazine has gone directly to the source for all things adorable Amy Poehler: her parents.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.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist