Amy Poehler Ex-Husband: Why She and Will Arnett Separated and How They Co-Parent

Amy Poehler and her ex-husband, Will Arnett, remain one of Hollywood’s most recognizable former couples, even years after ending their marriage. The Parks and Recreation actress and the Arrested Development star have continued to attract attention for their close friendship, particularly after Poehler surprised Arnett during an appearance on his SmartLess podcast.

The former couple married in 2003 and welcomed two sons, Archie and Abel, before announcing their separation in 2012. Their divorce was finalized in 2016, but both have spoken positively about their relationship as parents and the importance of remaining involved in each other’s lives.

Arnett has also discussed their friendship publicly, explaining that he still values Poehler’s advice on personal and professional matters. Their relationship has become an example of how former spouses can maintain a supportive connection after divorce.

So, who is Amy Poehler’s ex-husband? Here is everything to know about Will Arnett, their marriage, children, divorce and relationship today.

Who Is Amy Poehler’s Ex-Husband, Will Arnett?

Will Arnett is a Canadian actor, comedian and producer best known for playing Gob Bluth in the television comedy Arrested Development.

He was born on May 4, 1970, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After pursuing acting in New York, he gradually established himself in television and film.

Arnett gained widespread recognition through Arrested Development, which premiered in 2003. His portrayal of the eccentric and overconfident Gob became one of the show’s most memorable performances.

He later voiced the title character in the animated series BoJack Horseman and Batman in The Lego Batman Movie.

Arnett also co-hosts the popular SmartLess podcast alongside Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.

How Did Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Meet?

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett first crossed paths in 1996 when Arnett attended a performance by the Upright Citizens Brigade, the improvisational comedy group that included Poehler.

Arnett was immediately attracted to her, although they did not begin dating at the time.

The pair were reintroduced through mutual friends in 2000 and soon developed a romantic relationship.

Their shared backgrounds in comedy helped establish a strong connection. Both understood the challenges of working in entertainment and frequently supported each other’s professional ambitions.

Their relationship became serious as their careers continued gaining momentum.

When Did Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Get Married?

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett married on August 29, 2003, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles.

At the time, Poehler was becoming increasingly popular through her work on Saturday Night Live, while Arnett was preparing for the premiere of Arrested Development.

Their marriage brought together two rising comedy stars who shared a similar sense of humor.

Although both worked in the public eye, they generally preferred keeping their relationship away from unnecessary media attention.

The couple remained married for approximately nine years before announcing their separation.

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Worked Together on Several Projects

Poehler and Arnett’s professional lives occasionally overlapped during their marriage.

One of their most memorable collaborations occurred on Arrested Development, where Poehler played the wife of Arnett’s character, Gob Bluth.

The couple also appeared together in the 2007 comedy film Blades of Glory, portraying a competitive brother-and-sister figure skating team.

Arnett later guest-starred on Parks and Recreation, appearing as a potential romantic interest for Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope.

Their shared appearances became popular among fans who enjoyed seeing their real-life chemistry translated into comedic performances.

Despite their eventual separation, both continued speaking respectfully about each other’s talents.

Why Did Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Divorce?

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett announced their separation in September 2012 after nine years of marriage.

Their representatives confirmed the breakup, but the couple did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for their decision.

Arnett formally filed for divorce in April 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.

Although their separation attracted considerable media attention, both generally avoided discussing private disagreements.

Poehler later addressed the experience in her 2014 memoir, Yes Please, describing divorce as emotionally difficult.

She also emphasized that she did not consider their marriage unsuccessful simply because it had ended.

Arnett subsequently acknowledged that the separation was particularly painful while he was working on Arrested Development.

Neither has publicly confirmed a specific incident as the reason for their divorce.

When Was Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s Divorce Finalized?

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s divorce was finalized in July 2016, nearly four years after their separation.

Court documents established that neither would receive spousal support.

The former couple also agreed to share joint custody of their two sons.

Their divorce proceedings remained relatively private compared with many other high-profile Hollywood separations.

Although their marriage had ended legally, their shared responsibilities as parents continued connecting them.

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett Have Two Sons

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett share two children, Archie and Abel.

Their eldest son, Archibald William Emerson Arnett, commonly known as Archie, was born on October 25, 2008.

Their younger son, Abel James Arnett, was born on August 6, 2010.

Both children were young when their parents separated.

Poehler and Arnett have consistently emphasized their commitment to providing a supportive upbringing for their sons.

They generally keep their children’s personal lives private, although they occasionally share humorous stories about parenting.

As their sons have grown into teenagers, the former couple have continued adapting their co-parenting approach.

Amy Poehler Surprised Will Arnett on His SmartLess Podcast

In April 2025, Poehler surprised Arnett by appearing as a guest on his SmartLess podcast.

The episode became a memorable reunion because Arnett had not been informed that his former wife would be participating.

Their sons reportedly knew about the surprise but kept the information from their father.

During the conversation, Poehler and Arnett discussed parenting, their friendship and the ways their relationship had evolved.

Arnett expressed appreciation for Poehler’s continued presence in his life.

He explained that he regularly sought her advice on professional decisions and personal matters because he trusted her judgment.

The episode attracted positive attention from listeners who appreciated their comfortable and humorous interaction.

Will Arnett Has Praised Amy Poehler as a Co-Parent

Arnett has repeatedly spoken about the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with Poehler.

During their podcast conversation, he explained that they communicate frequently and continue working together as parents.

He described feeling fortunate that they had developed a supportive partnership despite no longer being married.

Poehler has expressed similar feelings, emphasizing that parenting requires flexibility as children grow older.

Their approach has allowed them to remain connected without attempting to recreate their former romantic relationship.

Both have acknowledged that their separation was difficult, but they have also demonstrated mutual respect in the years that followed.

Who Has Amy Poehler Dated After Will Arnett?

Following her separation from Arnett, Poehler began dating comedian Nick Kroll.

Their relationship lasted from approximately 2013 until 2015.

She subsequently kept much of her romantic life private.

In 2024, reports emerged that Poehler was dating Joel Lovell, an editor and journalist associated with Pineapple Street Studios.

The couple made a public appearance together at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March 2025.

Poehler has generally avoided discussing the details of her relationship with Lovell.

There has been no verified announcement that she has remarried following her divorce from Arnett.

Has Will Arnett Remarried After Amy Poehler?

Will Arnett has not publicly confirmed another marriage since his divorce from Amy Poehler.

He previously dated businesswoman Alessandra Brawn, with whom he welcomed a son, Alexander Denison Arnett, in May 2020.

The couple later separated.

Arnett was subsequently romantically linked to model Carolyn Murphy, although that relationship also ended.

In September 2026, he confirmed during an episode of SmartLess that he was dating someone new.

However, he chose not to reveal his partner’s identity.

Despite moving forward romantically, Arnett has continued maintaining a close relationship with Poehler through their shared parenting responsibilities.

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s Relationship Today

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett remain divorced but continue sharing a supportive friendship.

Their relationship began through a mutual love of comedy, developed into a marriage and resulted in the birth of their two sons.

Although their romantic partnership ended, both have spoken positively about the family they created together.

Their appearance on SmartLess demonstrated that they remain comfortable discussing parenting and supporting each other’s professional achievements.

Today, Will Arnett remains an important figure in Amy Poehler’s personal history, while their continued friendship reflects the connection they have maintained long after their divorce.