Maya Rudolph still dealing with the fact that it’s on this year’s TIME 100 list and the incredibly sweet tribute to her long-time friend, Amy PoehlerHe wrote about her for special recognition.
The prey star attended the TIME 100 Gala on Thursday — at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City — and she spoke to ET’s Rachel Smith about being named to the annual list of the 100 Most Influential People of the Year.
“I can’t believe I’m among so many great people, and I feel a tremendous sense of pride,” Rudolph marveled.
The comedian recalled that when she first found out she had been chosen for the list, it was “immediate.” [made] I’m excited to tell my dad.
“The things you get to celebrate in this life are better celebrated with people you love,” she shared. “So it’s terribly exciting.”
She also got to share this moment with Poehler, another person she loves so much former Saturday Night Live Co-star was won to write a short essay about Rudolph and why she has a place on the prestigious list.
“It means a lot to me to come from my talented friend and someone who knows me well,” Rudolph said. “I think the opportunities we have in this life to hear how much we are loved are very rare and just mean so much.”
In her essay about Rudolph, Poehler wrotepartly that she is “a super talent who shines from within. As a versatile artist, she is able to evoke big laughs and deep emotions at the same time.”
“That’s all I would say about her,” Rudolph said of Poehler’s kind praise. “It kind of made me giddy and emotional and I feel really happy. It’s incredible.”
“We’ve been through a lot together, and I think that’s why it means so much,” Rudolph continued. “She is my sister and has known me for a long time. We’ve been through a lot together.”
One of the many things they experienced together was the incomparable experience of being SNL Occupation. Rudolph was a member of the cast from 2000 to 2007, while Poehler’s tenure lasted from 2001 to 2008.
As the show approaches its incredible 50th anniversary, many are looking forward to the executive producer and creator’s special event Lorne Michaels to commemorate the milestone.
“I’ve thought about it so much,” Rudolph admitted. “It’s such a big deal and I feel like it’s my home and I feel like it’s going to be a huge celebration.”
When asked if she would be interested in being part of the 50th anniversary special – in whatever form that takes – Rudolph said she would “love to.”
Rudolf spoke to ET back in March and thought about her time SNL.
“I feel like I didn’t realize how young we were and how much we got to play together,” she said, reflecting on her time on the comedy series. “And that’s the best thing about this network of people. There are so many wonderful people I am lucky to have in my life because of this show.”
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