Few actors have navigated the chaotic waters of Hollywood — and personal life — with as much humor, honesty, and evolution as Will Arnett. Known for his gravelly voice, deadpan delivery, and knack for embodying charmingly flawed characters, Arnett’s career has often teetered between comedic gold and emotional depth. Recent revelations from his podcast Smartless and his narration role in a hard-hitting true-crime documentary showcase an Arnett who’s not just surviving the industry, but thriving in it — and doing so with a full emotional portfolio.
The strange dynamic of playing siblings while married to Amy Poehler in ‘Blades of Glory’
It’s the kind of odd Hollywood trivia that sticks: Will Arnett and Amy Poehler, while married, played a brother-and-sister figure skating duo in the 2007 comedy Blades of Glory. In a recent Las Culturistas podcast episode, Poehler reflected on the experience with the kind of fondness that only comes from genuinely memorable (and weird) on-set chemistry. “That was really fun,” she said. What made it weirder? Test audiences reportedly hated their characters, Stranz and Fairchild Van Waldenberg — despite the fact that they were clearly the film’s over-the-top villains.
As Poehler recalled, the duo shrugged off the criticism. “We were like, ‘Well, we’re the villains!’” she said. And villainous they were — but Arnett and Poehler managed to turn even disliked roles into iconic comedic moments. It’s a testament to Arnett’s career-long ability to lean into what works, and make it his own, even when the audience initially pushes back.
From ex-spouses to co-parenting collaborators: Arnett’s mature relationship with Poehler shines through
Beyond the laughs and awkward familial roles, Arnett’s relationship with Poehler has evolved in ways that mirror his personal growth. The two were married for nine years, separated in 2012, and finalized their divorce in 2016. Yet, as recent episodes of Smartless have shown, their relationship today is anything but strained. Poehler’s surprise guest appearance on Arnett’s podcast — a move so stealthy even his kids didn’t know about it — was more than just a gimmick. It was a statement.
“There aren’t many people I speak to more than I speak to her,” Arnett confessed during the episode, adding that he often seeks her advice on both life and work. “She’s awesome.” It’s a dynamic that adds a layer of realness to Arnett’s persona — one that’s often buried under sarcasm and self-deprecation. As a co-parent, former partner, and trusted confidant, Poehler clearly remains a central figure in Arnett’s life, and he’s not shy about giving her credit where it’s due.
Arnett’s role in a true-crime documentary reveals his passion for storytelling beyond comedy
Perhaps the most striking example of Arnett’s evolving career is his involvement in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary The Sexiest Man in Winnipeg. The film, about Steve Vogelsang — a former sports anchor turned bank robber — is narrated by Arnett, who also served as a producer. It’s a project far removed from the comedic chaos of Arrested Development or the animated swagger of BoJack Horseman, yet it fits into Arnett’s wheelhouse in an unexpected way: through character, humanity, and redemption.
Vogelsang’s story is one of downfall and hope, and Arnett’s narration adds a layer of empathy without sugarcoating the truth. The actor never met Vogelsang and wasn’t paid for his participation — a choice that underscores Arnett’s genuine investment in the story. He isn’t just lending his voice; he’s helping elevate a narrative about mental health, regret, and the possibility of a second chance. It’s the kind of project that turns a career comedic actor into a meaningful storyteller.
Will Arnett’s career is full of layered performances that now extend into real-life impact
Looking back at Arnett’s body of work — from the antagonistic Gob Bluth to the sardonic voice of a washed-up horse in BoJack — it’s clear he thrives on complex, often broken characters. But what’s changing is that those roles are starting to reflect his real-life persona. His work on Smartless, especially when it includes guests like Poehler, shows a willingness to explore personal history without bitterness. His narration of Vogelsang’s documentary reveals a desire to engage with stories that matter.
Will Arnett may have built his career on being the funny, flawed guy, but he’s quietly transforming into something more powerful: a conduit for stories about growth, resilience, and human connection. And that, perhaps, is his most heroic role yet.