Will Arnett opened up about his relationship with ex-wife Amy Poehler in a new interview, sharing his thoughts on public speculation about their post-divorce dynamic.
The Arrested Development actor told Rolling Stone that he finds media rumors about his relationship with Poehler amusing. The interview centered around his new film Is This Thing On?
“People think that they know [about our relationship],” the 55-year-old said.
“Over the years, I’ve read so many opinions people have. It’s f—— hilarious to me how much s— is just made up and they have zero idea. It’s like, ‘Oh, you think you know what my life is?'”
Arnett and Poehler were married from 2003 to 2012. They share two teenage sons, Archie, 17, and Abel, 15.
The former couple showed their friendly relationship when Poehler made a surprise appearance on Arnett’s SmartLess podcast. She joined the show’s 250th episode celebration earlier this year.
Arnett acknowledged that celebrity culture creates speculation about personal relationships.
“Look, yes, it’s part of celebrity culture that we all participate in,” he said. “And by the way, [celebrity] has been good to me. So I don’t want to s— on it.”
The podcast appearance revealed an unexpected family dynamic.
“One of the more alarming parts about her coming on our podcast was that my sons lied to me,” Arnett admitted. “That’s the part that unnerved me.”
New Film Draws Personal Parallels
Is This Thing On? features Arnett as a father facing divorce who turns to stand-up comedy. His character’s wife is played by Laura Dern.
The actor prepared for the role by performing real stand-up sets at venues like New York City’s Comedy Cellar. Some audience members who recognized him may have assumed he was making jokes about his actual divorce.
“Not only that, but, ‘If he thinks he’s getting a divorce, he’s like 14 years too late. It’s just occurring to him now?'” Arnett said with a laugh. “Or they’re Googling me going, like, ‘Did he get married again?’ in real time.”
Arnett has three children total. Besides his sons with Poehler, he welcomed son Alexander Denison in 2020 with ex-girlfriend Alessandra Brawn.
The actor is currently dating supermodel Carolyn Murphy, as confirmed in September.
Awards Recognition
Both Arnett and Poehler received nominations for the upcoming Golden Globe Awards on January 11. The ceremony introduced a new Best Podcast category this year.
Poehler earned her nomination for Good Hang. Arnett shares his SmartLess nomination with co-hosts Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.
The nominations mark another milestone in both actors’ post-divorce careers, showing their continued success in entertainment.
