Amy Poehler Warns Aspiring Comedians About the Business: ‘It’s Not For the Weak’

Amy Poehler is cautioning up-and-coming comedians about the difficulties and pressures of show business, telling them “it’s not for the weak.” Amy Poehler offered these words of wisd...
Amy Poehler Warns Aspiring Comedians About the Business: ‘It’s Not For the Weak’
Written by Pam Wright
  • Amy Poehler is cautioning up-and-coming comedians about the difficulties and pressures of show business, telling them “it’s not for the weak.”

    Amy Poehler offered these words of wisdom to aspiring actors at the Upright Citizen Brigade’s Del Close 17th Annual Marathon in New York City on Friday.

    During the press conference, the Parks and Recreation star entertained attendees with improv scenes with the three other founding members of U.C.B., Ian Roberts, Matt Walsh and Matt Besser.

    In between the improv scenes, Poehler told wanna-be comedians to know why they are going into the business.

    “If the goal is doing good stuff and working with your friends … if you’re doing that then you’re succeeding. If the goal is to be famous and make money – then you’re in real trouble,” said Poehler.

    “It happens rarely and when that is your goal – being famous and making money – then you’re not paying attention to the things that will make you money.”

    Amy Poehler, 43, who co-founded U.C.B. in 1990 in New York City, said being a comedian takes commitment and patience.

    “It’s a long life. It’s a long process,” Poehler said. “It’s a hard business this business doing comedy. It’s not for the weak. It’s not for the weak to be living in New York. It’s hard.”

    Amy Poehler, who currently stars in Inside Out, offers other great tidbits and advice in her memoir Yes Please.

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