The timing could not have been worse for Amy Poehler last night.
A few hours after Harris Wittels was found dead in his apartment of a suspected drug overdose, the actress was honored with the Unity Award at Variety’s second annual unite4humanity event.
It acknowledged Poehler’s work with Worldwide Orphans and underpriviledged children around the globe.
So Poehler used her acceptance speech as an opportunity to pay tribute to the late Parks and Recreation producer, who spent many years battling a substance abuse problem.
“Today, I lost a friend,” said Poehler of Wittels. “I lost a dear, young friend in my life who was struggling with addiction."
She continued:
“I’m sharing it with you because life and death live so close together, and we walk that fine line everyday. When things happen in our lives, we turn to the people that we love…and we lean on people, in a hope that we will ease our pain.
“So, I don’t really feel like telling any jokes. I’m kind of sad, and it’s really great to be here tonight and listen to all of you, and listen to the great work that you do and be reminded why we live in this bizarre planet called ‘Hollywood.’ It’s very strange."
Harris Wittels was only 30 years old at the time of his death.
He had completed two stints in rehab and performed a stand-up routine on Wednesday, but police fond drug paraphernalia in his residence upon discovering his body.