Tina Fey Reveals How Her New Netflix Series Revitalized Her Career: “It Saved Me From Shrinkage Like a Granny Apple Head!”

Tina Fey, the beloved comedian and creator of iconic shows, recently shared a glimpse into her life during the Restless Leg Tour alongside Amy Poehler. Picture this: Fey, dressed in cozy pajamas, discussing her early career as a receptionist at the YMCA—the long commutes from Chicago worth it because they funded her improv classes at Second City.

At a packed crowd in Detroit, Fey and Poehler engaged with fans during a Q&A, where one enthusiast abruptly asked if she should quit her job. Fey’s answer? A quick and decisive “yes.” This playful atmosphere was a hallmark of their tour—a mix of personal stories and laughter, all wrapped up so they could be back in their hotel rooms by 10 PM.

Fey reminisced about her time at Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary, recalling how she reluctantly left before a surprise Prince performance. After all, nightlife isn’t quite her scene. Instead, she focuses on her work—the thrill of creating content, solving problems, and connecting with audiences. Since her breakthrough with SNL, she’s built an impressive portfolio, starring in and producing numerous shows and films, including the cultural phenomenon Mean Girls.

Her partnership with Poehler resonates through their routines, highlighting their 30-year friendship. In Detroit, the duo presented some fresh material, including sharp jokes about current events—one standout poked fun at Elon Musk, earning raucous laughter from the mostly female audience.

Poehler praised Fey’s dedication, noting the joy she finds in crafting a good joke. With Fey starring alongside Steve Carell in the upcoming Netflix series The Four Seasons, she continues to explore middle age humor. This show adapts Alan Alda’s 1981 film of the same name, now set to debut May 1.

As Fey navigates her evolving work-life balance, she reflects on personal growth and creativity. Parenthood has pushed her to overcome shyness and embrace new connections. She humorously shared an experience with Carell, indicating how their shyness kept them from truly connecting during work.

Beyond comedy, Fey enjoys watercolor painting and experimenting with cooking, often seeking tutorials online. She tries to read a book every month and expresses the desire to focus more on nurturing new talent in comedy.

Recent statistics show that women continue to be underrepresented in the industry, making Fey’s journey even more inspiring. According to a 2023 report from the Hollywood Reporter, women only directed 25% of films in the last year—a highlight of why Fey actively supports emerging voices in comedy.

Amidst her achievements, Fey candidly voices concerns about the comedy landscape. She believes that the current approach of limiting sitcoms to certain seasons hurts their viability. The industry needs to reclaim comedy’s prime time rather than relegating it to a smaller space.

In a conversation filled with humor and introspection, Fey alluded to her potential future endeavors and creative partnerships. She remains committed to projects that genuinely resonate with her, desiring to present content that excites her—a refreshing approach in an industry often driven by marketability.

By adding personal touches and garnering laughter from audiences, Fey continues to rise, making her mark while supporting others in comedy. As she reflects on her roots, she jokingly asks why she hasn’t turned her YMCA experience into a sitcom. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane beginnings can lead to extraordinary journeys.

Check out this related article: Discover the 2023 TIME100: Meet This Year’s Most Influential People in the World!