Amy Poehler recently spoke about how her iconic role in Inside Out has significantly impacted her perspective on emotions and mental wellness. The actress attended the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations gala, an event dedicated to promoting mental wellness and reducing the stigma around mental health discussions.
A Life-Changing Role
During the event, Poehler shared insights about her experience portraying Joy, the upbeat and optimistic emotion in the Inside Out franchise. Speaking with People, she explained how the role deepened her understanding of emotional experiences.
“My experience in Inside Out and Inside Out 2 has truly, fundamentally changed my life,” said Poehler, now 53. “Playing a character like Joy, having big conversations about what our emotions do to us, how they live in us, and how we’re supposed to experience them.”
The actress further revealed how the themes of the film resonate deeply with her. The sequel introduces a new emotion, Anxiety, highlighting the complex emotional struggles of the teenage protagonist, Riley.
Relating to Riley
Reflecting on her personal connection to Riley, Poehler discussed her own teenage years and how they were characterized by a mix of emotions. “I definitely was a mix of anxiety and joy for sure, wrapped up in a Boston accent,” she remarked. “I guess I felt a lot of what Riley felt, in that your brain is full, very noisy.”
Poehler, who first voiced Joy in the original 2015 film and reprised her role for the 2024 sequel, noted how the emotional journey depicted in the franchise mirrors real-life experiences. The films explore how emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear shape one’s behavior and development.
Emotional Recording Process
In earlier interviews, Poehler described how recording Joy’s lines in the voiceover studio often led to personal revelations. “Sometimes it felt like I was talking to my inner child,” she explained. “Other times, it felt like I was speaking to myself as a parent.”
The actress admitted that the material was emotionally challenging but found the process deeply fulfilling. Poehler added that her role in Inside Out inspired her to have meaningful conversations about emotions and mental health with her own family.
Parenting Challenges
As a mother to two teenagers—sons Archie, 16, and Abel, 14—Poehler shared her perspective on the emotional complexities faced by today’s youth. She highlighted how societal pressures and the digital age make it even more challenging for teenagers to manage their emotions.
“As a parent, you see firsthand how hard it is for kids to navigate their emotions, especially with everything happening in the world right now,” she said.
Advocating for Mental Wellness
At the gala, Poehler praised Bring Change to Mind, an organization founded by Glenn Close, for its efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues. She expressed her admiration for their mission to break the stigma surrounding mental wellness, particularly among young people.
The event served as a platform for celebrities and advocates to discuss the importance of mental health resources and open communication. Poehler emphasized how vital it is to normalize conversations about emotions, particularly for the younger generation.
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Source: People
