Straight Outta Newton: Famous Faces From Your Hometown

NEWTON, MA - Celebrated comedienne Amy Poehler shot to stardom on Saturday Night Live, later enjoying a successful film career before writing and starring in the hit sitcom Parks and Recreation.

But before she was Leslie Knope, Poehler was a resident of Newton, if only for a short period of time. Though she was born a Newtonian, she grew up in nearby Burlington. Adhering to her Massachusetts roots, she attended Boston College but moved to Chicago after graduating to pursue a career in comedy.

A regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2001-2010, she was named co-host of the show's Weekend Update segment following Jimmy Fallon's departure. Together with Tina Fey, they were the first female duo to host the sketch in the show's history.

For 15 years Poehler has worked regularly in movies, including supporting roles as 'cool mom' Mrs. George in Mean Girls and melodramatic camp drama counselor Susie in the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer.

Poehler is perhaps best known for her portrayal of midlevel bureaucrat Leslie Knope in the comedy series Parks and Recreation. Boasting an all-star cast that includes Chris Pratt, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman and Rob Lowe, the show can be credited with making many of the actors household names.

Since the end of the show's six-year run in 2015, Poehler has starred on the Netflix adaptation of Wet Hot American Summer and alongside Fey in the movie Sisters.

Did you know? Poehler is just seven years older than Rachel McAdams, who played her daughter in Mean Girls.

Photo Credit: Amy Poehler's Smart Girls Facebook Page