The Untold Story Of Amy Poehler And Nick Kroll: Why Hollywood's Smartest Comedy Couple Split And Where They Are Now
The relationship between Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll remains one of the most fascinating footnotes in modern comedy history, a brief but impactful union between two of the sharpest minds in the industry. As of December 25, 2025, while both comedians have moved on to new chapters in their personal and professional lives, the story of their two-year romance offers a compelling look at the challenges of dating in the high-pressure world of Hollywood, especially after a public divorce.
This deep dive explores the full timeline of their connection, the candid reasons for their split, and the massive, award-winning success both Poehler and Kroll have achieved since parting ways, cementing their status not just as a former couple, but as two of the most influential figures in television and film today.
Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll: Full Biography and Career Milestones
Both Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll hail from a distinguished background in improvisational comedy, with roots in the famed Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) and Second City, which laid the foundation for their distinct comedic voices and extensive careers.
Amy Poehler: The Comedy Titan
- Full Name: Amy Meredith Poehler
- Born: September 16, 1971 (Newton, Massachusetts)
- Key Career Milestones:
- Original member of the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB).
- Cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2001 to 2008, where she co-anchored "Weekend Update" with Tina Fey.
- Starred as Leslie Knope in the critically acclaimed sitcom Parks and Recreation (2009–2015).
- Authored the best-selling memoir Yes Please (2014).
- Co-hosted the Golden Globe Awards multiple times with Tina Fey.
- Director and Producer of films like Moxie and Wine Country.
- Voiced Joy in the Pixar film Inside Out and its sequel.
- Current Relationship Status: Dating editor Joel Lovell.
Nick Kroll: The Prolific Creator
- Full Name: Nicholas Kroll
- Born: June 5, 1978 (Rye, New York)
- Key Career Milestones:
- Known for his role as Rodney Ruxin on the FX comedy series The League (2009–2015).
- Creator and star of the sketch comedy series Kroll Show (2013–2015).
- Co-creator, writer, and star of the Emmy-nominated animated series Big Mouth (2017–present), voicing numerous characters including Nick Birch and Maury the Hormone Monster.
- Starred in the Broadway show Oh, Hello with John Mulaney.
- Recent projects include the Mel Brooks sequel series History of the World, Part II.
- Current Relationship Status: Married to landscape designer Lily Kwong (m. 2020), with two children, Leo and Gaia.
The Two-Year Comedy Power Couple Era: 2013–2015
The relationship between Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll began in May 2013, shortly after Poehler's highly publicized separation from her ex-husband, Will Arnett, with whom she shares two sons. Their romance was seen by many as a perfect comedic pairing—a breath of fresh air for Poehler, who was navigating a difficult divorce after a decade-long marriage.
They first met through their shared environment in the comedy world, often overlapping in projects and social circles due to their respective work on shows like Parks and Recreation and The League. The relationship was characterized by mutual respect and a shared, deep-seated love for comedy, a foundation that seemed incredibly solid to outsiders.
Poehler herself opened up about the relationship in her 2014 memoir, Yes Please, which was published while they were still together. In the book, she spoke candidly about the difficulties of divorce and the unexpected joy of finding love again with Kroll, describing him as a "beautiful, sweet man." This public acknowledgment solidified their status as a major Hollywood couple, celebrated for their intelligence and comedic synergy.
Despite the intense media spotlight, the couple maintained a relatively low profile, often appearing at industry events but keeping the details of their private life guarded. Their time together coincided with the peak of Poehler's run on Parks and Recreation and Kroll's creative explosion with Kroll Show and the development of future projects.
The Real Reason Behind the 2015 Split
In September 2015, after approximately two years of dating, Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll announced their decision to separate. The news came as a surprise to many fans who had rooted for the successful pairing of two comedy heavyweights.
The primary and consistently reported reason for their breakup was the classic Hollywood dilemma: their incredibly demanding and conflicting schedules.
- Conflicting Commitments: Both Poehler and Kroll were at the height of their careers. Poehler was balancing acting, producing, directing, and writing commitments, while Kroll was intensely focused on his own shows and touring.
- Time Apart: Sources close to the couple indicated that they were spending significantly more time apart than together. The difficulty of maintaining a serious relationship while constantly traveling and working on separate coasts proved to be an insurmountable obstacle.
- A Realistic Decision: It was described as a mutual and realistic decision, as they simply "couldn't make it work" any longer due to the lack of shared time. They reportedly tried hard to sustain the relationship, but their professional trajectories ultimately pulled them in different directions.
Unlike many celebrity splits, the breakup was handled with maturity and respect, a testament to their shared values and professional environment. There were no reports of drama, cheating, or conflict; the separation was simply a casualty of two highly successful, busy careers.
Life and Legacy Post-Breakup: A New Era of Success
Since their 2015 split, both Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll have not only continued their massive career trajectories but have also found stability and happiness in their personal lives, demonstrating that the end of a relationship can be the start of a new, successful chapter.
Amy Poehler's Post-Split Triumphs
Poehler transitioned seamlessly into a powerful role as a director and producer. She directed the Netflix film Wine Country and the critically praised Moxie, showcasing her talent behind the camera. Her voice work as Joy in the Inside Out franchise has cemented her legacy in animation. She has also maintained a strong working relationship with her longtime collaborator, Tina Fey, including their memorable appearances as Golden Globe hosts and their continued friendship.
In her personal life, Poehler has found a stable relationship with editor Joel Lovell, a partnership that remains private but steady. This focus on her creative output and personal contentment shows a woman who successfully navigated the challenges of a public divorce and subsequent high-profile relationship.
Nick Kroll's Creative and Personal Evolution
Nick Kroll’s career exploded following the breakup, largely due to the massive success of his animated series, Big Mouth. Co-created with Andrew Goldberg, the show has earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations for its hilarious and honest portrayal of puberty. The show’s success has made Kroll a major force in adult animation and comedy production.
In his personal life, Kroll married landscape designer Lily Kwong in 2020. The couple has since welcomed two children: a son, Leo, in January 2021, and a daughter, Gaia, in September 2023. Kroll has often spoken about the joy of fatherhood and his settled family life, a significant milestone that occurred well after his time with Poehler.
The story of Amy Poehler and Nick Kroll is less about a dramatic celebrity breakup and more about two highly ambitious people whose professional lives simply could not accommodate a shared personal one. Both have since achieved incredible success, both creatively and personally, proving that sometimes, the best comedy—and the best life—comes from knowing when to move on.
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