Poehler was born in Newton, Massachusetts, and grew up in nearby Burlington. She is the daughter of Eileen Frances and William Grinstead Poehler, both teachers. Poehler is of English, German, Irish and Portuguese ancestry, and was raised Catholic.
Poehler joined the cast of SNL in 2001 and in 2004 began co-anchoring the sketch Weekend Update with Tina Fey. Poehler left SNL in 2008.
In 2009 Poehler began starring in her own TV series, Parks and Recreation. She is also known for her numerous roles on the big screen, including Wet Hot American Summer and Mean Girls.
