Tina Fey has never been one to hold back her opinions, and her latest revelation is no exception. The comedian and actress admitted she judges rich celebrities who take on side hustles despite already having vast fortunes. Fey, known for her sharp wit, made the remarks on Tuesday’s episode of the “Good Hang with Amy Poehler” podcast.
Why Fey Thinks Rich People Shouldn’t Have Side Hustles
Fey, 54, didn’t mince words when discussing her perspective. She made it clear that once a person reaches a certain level of financial security, there’s no need for additional income streams.
“If you already have like $200 million … I judge it,” she told Poehler, 53, during their conversation.
She explained that while some people enjoy business ventures outside of their main careers, she personally doesn’t understand why the ultra-wealthy would need to take on extra work. To Fey, there’s something off-putting about millionaires stacking their bank accounts even further.
Amy Poehler’s Take: Learn from Gen Z
Poehler, ever the voice of reason, tried to persuade Fey to rethink her stance.
“You should learn from Gen Z and not judge it,” she suggested. Poehler pointed out that younger generations have embraced side hustles as part of modern culture, making them more acceptable even among those who don’t necessarily need the extra income.
The conversation took an amusing turn when Poehler playfully suggested that Fey start her own business ventures, specifically in the beauty and fashion industries.
“I feel like you should have a hair campaign,” Poehler said. “I’m always pushing you to have a glasses line. Why do you not have a glass [line]?”
Fey, however, wasn’t sold on the idea.
Fey’s Complicated Relationship with Money
Poehler pressed further, asking Fey why she wouldn’t consider launching a business venture. That’s when Fey revealed another personal truth: she doesn’t have much enthusiasm for money.
“I do kind of hate money,” she admitted. “I’m terrible with money.”
She quickly backtracked to clarify her statement. “No, I’m not terrible. I don’t waste money, but I don’t get excited about money.”
For Fey, financial security is enough. She said she only wants enough money to feel “safe” and sustain a comfortable life. Beyond that, she doesn’t see the appeal of accumulating wealth for the sake of it.
Tina Fey’s Net Worth vs. Side Hustle Culture
Despite her feelings about money, Fey’s bank account is far from empty. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she has an estimated $75 million fortune. While that’s a significant sum, it’s notably lower than the $200 million figure she referenced during her conversation.
For comparison, here’s a look at some estimated celebrity net worths:
| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Tina Fey | $75 million |
| Amy Poehler | $25 million |
| Kevin Hart | $450 million |
| Kim Kardashian | $1.7 billion |
| Oprah Winfrey | $2.5 billion |
Poehler and Fey’s discussion highlights a broader debate in entertainment and business. Some celebrities view brand partnerships and product lines as lucrative opportunities, while others, like Fey, don’t see the need.
A Friendship Built on Comedy and Loyalty
Fey and Poehler’s friendship spans over three decades. They first crossed paths in Chicago’s improv scene before making their way to “Saturday Night Live” in the early 2000s. Since then, they’ve worked together on numerous projects, from co-hosting the Golden Globes to starring in the 2015 comedy “Sisters.”
Their bond is so strong that Poehler even joked about being Fey’s “second wife” during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Kimmel.”
“Tina got me the job 100%. Vouched for me in every way,” Poehler said of her 2001 “SNL” casting.
Fey, of course, spent nearly a decade on the show, first as a writer and later as a cast member. Poehler followed closely behind, joining in 2001 and staying until 2008. The duo’s comedic chemistry has remained a fan favorite ever since.
Though they might not agree on the merits of side hustles, one thing is certain: their friendship remains as strong as ever.
