Amy Poehler Has Advice for Fame-Hungry Comedians

At the Upright Citizen Brigade’s Del Close 17th Annual Marathon, Amy Poehler offered some wise words for comedians who aspire to make it big in the entertainment business. “If the goal is doing good stuff and working with your friends … if you’re doing that then you’re succeeding,” Poehler said. “If the goal is to be famous and make money, then you’re in real trouble.”

Poehler, who co-founded Upright Citizens in 1990, continued, “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.” At the event, which was held in New York City on Friday evening, Poehler spoke to People and preached U.C.B’s longstanding philosophy. “I think there’s always been an awesome sense of community. And there’s been a really nice sense of play and low pressure, high quality of talent, that kind of thing.”

Poehler is the voice of Joy in the recently-released animated film, Inside Out.