Poehler joined the cast of '' Saturday Night Live ( SNL ) '' at the start of the 2001 – 2002 season . Tina Fey had tried to recruit Poehler for '' SNL '' for years . Poehler made her debut in the first episode produced after the 9/11 attacks . Poehler was promoted from featured player to full cast member in her first season on the show , making her the second cast member , and first woman , to earn this distinction . Poehler 's recurring characters included hyperactive 10-year old Kaitlyn , reality show contestant with one leg Amber , and Bronx Beat talk show co-host Betty Caruso . In addition to her original characters , Poehler performed a number of impressions including Hillary Clinton , Kelly Ripa , Brittany Spears , Michael Jackson , and Kim Jong-Il
9/11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Amy Poehler