Amy began her career as many comedians do, in an improv troupe. She studied improvisational theater at Second City in Chicago. Amy was one of the founding members of the Upright Citizens Brigade when they opened their own improv theater in New York City in 1999.

Amy joined the cast of Saturday Night Live during the 2001 season. She was promoted from featured member to cast member in her first season with the show. In 2004, she co-anchored Weekend Update with Tina Fey. Amy replaced Jimmy Fallon when he left the show. When Tina Fey announced that she would be leaving the show, Amy co-anchored the show with Seth Meyers. Amy left SNL in 2008 after the birth of her first child.

In 2009, Amy Poehler joined the ensemble cast of a new show for NBC called Parks and Recreation. Her cast members included other great comedians like Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, and Nick Offerman. Amy played Leslie Knope, the Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the city of Pawnee, Indiana. Amy received a couple of Emmy nominations for her role.

Amy has starred in a number of comedy movies throughout her career. In Wet Hot American Summer, Amy plays an enthusiastic camp counselor who is in charge of the talent show. Her partner in crime was none other than heartthrob Bradley Cooper. Amy played the mother of actress Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls, written by her SNL buddy Tina Fey. She also played a role in the Will Farrell comedy Blades of Glory with her husband Will Arnett. Amy returned to the screen with fellow SNL alum Tina Fey for Baby Mama.

In September 2012, it was reported that Amy and Will would end their 9 year marriage. They have 2 sons, Archibald William Emerson Arnett (born 2008) and Abel James Arnett (born 2010).

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will co-host the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2013.