7 Shocking Details About Will Arnett And Amy Poehler's 'Brutal' Divorce And Current Co-Parenting Life

The story of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler’s relationship remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling narratives, a blend of comedic brilliance and personal heartache. Their marriage, which lasted nearly a decade, was a comedy powerhouse, but their 2012 separation and subsequent divorce proved to be an "excruciating" experience, as Arnett recently described it. This article, updated for December 15, 2025, dives into the latest details of their dramatic split, their successful co-parenting journey, and where the two comedy legends stand today. The former couple, known for their work on shows like *Arrested Development* and *Parks and Recreation*, have navigated a difficult path to reach a place of amicable co-parenting for their two sons, Archie and Abel. Recent candid interviews and surprise public appearances, like Poehler's guest spot on Arnett's *SmartLess* podcast, offer a fresh, intimate look at their current dynamic, proving that even after a painful separation, a healthy family life is possible.

Will Arnett and Amy Poehler: A Complete Biographical Profile

The union of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler brought together two of the most influential comedic voices of their generation, both rising through the ranks of improv comedy to become television and film stars.

Will Arnett Biography

• Full Name: William Emerson Arnett
• Date of Birth: May 4, 1970
• Birth Place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Producer, Writer
• Key Roles: G.O.B. Bluth in *Arrested Development*, BoJack Horseman in *BoJack Horseman*, Devon Banks in *30 Rock*
• Marital History: Married to Penelope Ann Miller (1994–1995); Married to Amy Poehler (2003–2016)

Amy Poehler Biography

• Full Name: Amy Meredith Poehler
• Date of Birth: September 16, 1971
• Birth Place: Newton, Massachusetts, United States
• Profession: Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Director
• Key Roles: Leslie Knope in *Parks and Recreation*, Co-founder of the *Upright Citizens Brigade* (UCB), Cast member on *Saturday Night Live (SNL)*
• Marital History: Married to Will Arnett (2003–2016)
• Current Partner: Dating editor Joel Lovell

The Rise and Fall of Comedy's Power Couple

Will Arnett and Amy Poehler first met in 1996 and quickly became a fixture in the New York improv scene, collaborating on projects with the *Upright Citizens Brigade*. They married in 2003, creating a professional partnership that saw them star alongside each other in several notable projects. The couple frequently shared the screen, becoming a beloved duo for comedy fans. Their shared credits include the comedy film *Blades of Glory* (2007), the animated film *Horton Hears a Who!* (2008), and guest appearances on each other’s hit television shows. Arnett had a cameo as a love interest on *Parks and Recreation*, while Poehler appeared on *Arrested Development* as the wife of Arnett’s character, G.O.B. Bluth. In 2008, they welcomed their first son, Archie, followed by their second son, Abel, in 2010. The public was shocked in September 2012 when the couple announced their separation after nine years of marriage. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2016.

Will Arnett’s Candid Reflection on the 'Brutal' Divorce (Updated 2025)

While both actors have historically been private about the split, Will Arnett has offered increasingly candid and emotional reflections on the divorce in recent years. His quotes provide a fresh, raw perspective on the pain of separating from a partner while navigating public scrutiny.

The 'Excruciating' Pain of the Split

Arnett recently described the divorce as "brutal, brutal, brutal" and "almost excruciating". He noted the extreme difficulty of the situation, especially as he was filming the fourth season of *Arrested Development* at the time. In one particularly emotional revelation, Arnett recalled pulling over to the side of the road and "crying for an hour" in his car after the split because of the overwhelming pain. This raw admission highlights the deep personal toll the separation took on him, contradicting the common public assumption that celebrity splits are handled with ease.

Navigating the Public Eye

The separation was made even more complicated by the fact that both stars were at the peak of their careers, with their personal lives constantly under a microscope. Arnett spoke about the difficulty of having to address the divorce while doing publicity for his projects, saying he didn't like people "knowing my s---." Amy Poehler, in her 2014 memoir *Yes Please*, also touched on the difficulty of the split, writing, "I don't want to talk about my divorce because it is too sad and too personal." Both stars’ recent comments confirm that the end of their marriage was a genuinely painful and private struggle.

The Amicable Co-Parenting Dynamic in 2025

Despite the acknowledged pain of the divorce, both Will Arnett and Amy Poehler have successfully transitioned into an amicable co-parenting relationship focused entirely on their two sons. The key to their success has been maintaining "good communication" to ensure a healthy and supportive environment for their children.

The SmartLess Surprise

A testament to their current good standing came in a surprise appearance by Amy Poehler on Arnett’s popular *SmartLess* podcast, which he co-hosts with Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes. This public, friendly interaction—where they discussed their co-parenting dynamic—showed the world that they have indeed moved past the "brutal" stage and now share a cordial, respectful friendship.

Amy Poehler’s 2024 Parenting Update

In a June 2024 interview on Dax Shepard's *Armchair Expert* podcast, Poehler gave a rare update on their sons, Archie and Abel. She discussed the challenges and joys of raising two teenage boys, providing a fresh perspective on their family life and confirming that the children are thriving. The boys are now growing up, with Archie and Abel's parents working together to support their interests and development, demonstrating a mature and functional post-divorce family unit.

Where Will Arnett and Amy Poehler Stand Today

Both Will Arnett and Amy Poehler have moved on in their personal lives, maintaining their focus on their respective careers and their shared family.

Amy Poehler’s Current Relationship

Amy Poehler is currently in a relationship with editor Joel Lovell. The couple has been seen together on rare public date nights, confirming her new chapter in life nearly a decade after her divorce from Arnett.

Will Arnett’s Current Relationship

Will Arnett has also continued to date. He quietly split from his former girlfriend Alessandra Brawn, with whom he shares a child. As of late 2024, Arnett is reportedly dating model Carolyn Murphy, indicating that both he and Poehler have found new partners while successfully managing their co-parenting responsibilities. The story of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler is a powerful example of how a high-profile, painful divorce can evolve into a respectful, cooperative co-parenting partnership. Their ability to remain cordial and even collaborate on projects, like the *SmartLess* appearance, shows a commitment to friendship and family that transcends their past struggles.