From Improv Beginnings to Amicable Co-Parenting: A Look Back at Amy Poehler and Will Arnett's Relationship
Prior to Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s separation in 2012, they were considered one of Hollywood’s most amusing couples — both in their performances and in their personal lives.
The Murderville performer initially encountered the Saturday Night Live graduate in 1996, when he witnessed her perform with her improvisational comedy troupe, Upright Citizens Brigade. Arnett later mentioned that he was immediately attracted to her, but the pair didn’t begin dating until 2000.
Following their marriage in 2003, the couple attempted to maintain their romantic connection away from public attention, but their onscreen collaboration was just beginning. In 2004, the Yes Please writer made her initial appearance on Arrested Development as Bride of G.O.B., the spouse of Arnett’s character, G.O.B. Bluth.
Three years later, the duo starred together in the film Blades of Glory as the antagonists in the story. Poehler portrayed Fairchild Van Waldenberg, while Arnett played her sibling and skating partner, Stranz Van Waldenberg.
“It’s considerably more enjoyable to be villainous,” the Baby Mama actress shared with Collider in March 2007. “What was delightful about our scenes was that we needed to appear outwardly pleasant, but inwardly we were corrupt. That was truly enjoyable to portray.”
In June 2010, the BoJack Horseman alum joined forces with his Arrested Development colleague Jason Bateman to present his then-wife with a Webby Award. Even then, he couldn’t resist transforming the occasion into a comedic moment, performing a bit where the Ozark star “accidentally” recited Arnett’s lines instead of his own.
“If it were my decision, Jason, I would award her the Webby for the best wife,” Bateman quipped. “The possibilities for this woman appear limitless,” Arnett stated before realizing he was reading Bateman’s lines. “In fact, some suggest that if it weren’t for some unnecessary baggage she’s been carrying, who knows where she’d be … what the f–k is this?”
The Moxie director and the former Up All Night performer ended their relationship in 2012, but they continue to be amicable co-parents to their two sons, Archie and Abel. “It’s been nearly 10 years and my children are incredibly fortunate that Amy is their mother, and I’m so fortunate that we remain such a significant part of each other’s lives, even more so than we were five years ago,” Arnett told The Guardian in February 2022. “You move forward.”
One year after Us Weekly confirmed that the Show Dogs performer had begun dating Alessandra Brawn, the couple welcomed son Alexander in June 2020. Poehler, for her part, dated Nick Kroll from 2013 to 2015.
Continue scrolling for a look back at Poehler and Arnett’s complete relationship timeline:
