Tina Fey voiced her disapproval of celebrities who are already wealthy using side businesses to generate extra revenue. Fey acknowledged on Amy Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” that she “judges” wealthy individuals who have side businesses. Poehler joked that Fey should make money off of her “famously good hair,” but Fey quickly brushed that off. Tensions between financial stability and what some consider to be excessive wealth accumulation are highlighted in the discussion.
Comedy Icon Asks Celebrities About Their Financial Motives
Comedy legend Tina Fey, whose career spans decades from Saturday Night Live to creating and starring in the critically acclaimed series “30 Rock,” has taken aim at the growing trend of celebrity side hustles. Fey, who has amassed considerable wealth through her successful entertainment career, expressed her skepticism about fellow stars who continuously seek new revenue streams despite already having substantial wealth. The comments came during a candid conversation with longtime friend and collaborator Amy Poehler on Poehler’s podcast.
Fey’s commentary arrives at a time when celebrity-owned businesses and brand partnerships have become increasingly common in Hollywood. From skincare lines to alcohol brands and clothing collections, many A-listers have expanded their portfolios well beyond their primary careers. Fey’s perspective offers a rare counterpoint to this trend, suggesting that there may be a point where financial pursuit becomes unnecessary or even distasteful when basic needs are more than satisfied.
Tina Fey literally saying she hates rich people having side hustles on Amy Poehler's podcast is so weird to me. Amy Poehler is an actress/humorist, so her podcast IS a side hustle. People are so trying to be different that they end up saying stupid stuff. pic.twitter.com/0dXRSUc717
— the blue (@thebluestshade) March 19, 2025
SNL Alumni Success Stories
Both Fey and Poehler rank among the most successful Saturday Night Live alumni, a show known for launching comedy careers that often lead to substantial wealth. According to industry reports, several former SNL cast members have leveraged their television beginnings into fortunes worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. Names like Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, and Eddie Murphy top the list of SNL’s wealthiest graduates, many of whom have built entertainment empires spanning film, television, and other ventures.
“I’m Chevy Chase… and you’re not.” – Chevy Chase
Fey’s own success story includes multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and appearances on Time’s 100 most influential people list. Beyond SNL, her creation “30 Rock” garnered 103 Primetime Emmy nominations with 16 wins during its seven-season run from 2006 to 2013. She also wrote the screenplay for the cultural phenomenon “Mean Girls” and later adapted it into a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, expanding her creative influence across multiple entertainment platforms.
Tina Fey: ‘I have a problem with rich people having a side hustle… I judge it’ https://t.co/nq8bttS8ua pic.twitter.com/eKW4hcDKZg
— Kaiser@Celebitchy (@KaiseratCB) March 19, 2025
Changing Entertainment Economics
While Fey’s stance against celebrity side hustles might seem surprising, it reflects a complex conversation about wealth, fame, and the changing economics of entertainment. Many performers point to industry volatility as justification for diversifying income streams. The rise of streaming platforms, shortening career timespans, and the unpredictable nature of public favor have pushed many entertainers to establish alternative revenue sources as insurance against future uncertainty, regardless of their current financial standing.
“Fey was using the news setting as a fig leaf for her own experience and encouraged her to write what she knew.” – Kevin Reilly
Fey’s perspective comes at a time when economic inequality has become a growing social concern. Her willingness to question the necessity of wealth accumulation beyond a certain point may resonate with audiences increasingly aware of wealth disparities. However, others might counter that entrepreneurship and business development represent natural extensions of creative talent, regardless of existing wealth. The discussion ultimately highlights the complex relationship between financial security, ambition, and the cultural expectations surrounding success in America.
Cultural Impact of Comedy Figures
Both Fey and Poehler have established themselves as influential cultural voices whose commentary extends beyond entertainment into broader social conversations. Fey’s candid discussion about wealth accumulation follows a pattern of using her platform to address various social issues. In 2020, she requested the removal of several “30 Rock” episodes featuring blackface, acknowledging evolving understandings of racial sensitivity in comedy. Her continued willingness to engage with complex topics reflects the evolving role of comedians as cultural commentators in American society.
Whether Fey’s comments will influence the trend of celebrity side businesses remains to be seen. However, her perspective introduces a noteworthy counterpoint to the prevailing narrative of endless wealth expansion that has dominated celebrity culture. As one of comedy’s most respected voices with a proven track record of cultural influence, Fey’s willingness to question wealth accumulation may prompt other high-profile figures to reconsider their relationship with money and public ventures in an era of increasing economic consciousness.