Lisa Kudrow Reflects on 'The Comeback' and Defying Hollywood Expectations
In a candid interview, Lisa Kudrow, the iconic star of 'Friends', opens up about her latest project, the critically acclaimed series 'The Comeback'. Alongside co-creator Michael Patrick King, Kudrow delves into the themes of existential dread, her rejection of mainstream movie stardom, and the enduring legacy of her most famous role.
The Unconventional Path of a Comedy Legend
Kudrow's career has long been defined by her portrayal of outsiders and misfits, from the eccentric Phoebe Buffay in 'Friends' to the desperate yet endearing Valerie Cherish in 'The Comeback'. She reveals that after 'Friends' ended, Hollywood tried to steer her towards romantic comedies, but she resisted. "They wanted to put me in romantic comedies – but I'm just not adorable!" Kudrow laughs, explaining that she knew such roles wouldn't suit her unique comedic style.
Instead, she gravitated towards characters with depth and complexity, such as Michele in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion' and Lucia in 'The Opposite of Sex'. These roles, she says, "hit close to home," reflecting her own experiences as someone who never quite fit into the popular crowd.
'The Comeback': A Show Ahead of Its Time
'The Comeback', which first aired in 2005, was initially met with mixed reviews and was cancelled after one season. However, it has since gained a cult following for its prescient satire of fame and reality television. The show follows Valerie Cherish, a faded sitcom actor navigating a series of humiliations in her quest to stay relevant.
"People were watching 'The Comeback' covering their eyes. They'd say 'it's so cringe'. But really it's so human. It taps into all of our worst fears," Kudrow explains. The series has returned for a third and final season, exploring themes of AI in entertainment and the soullessness of modern industry. Kudrow and King describe it as their most nihilistic season yet, but one that remains hilariously relatable.
Behind the Scenes of 'Friends'
Kudrow also addresses long-standing rumours about her role in the 'Friends' salary negotiations. In the late 1990s, the cast famously banded together to secure a then-unprecedented $1 million per episode. Media reports at the time suggested Kudrow was the ringleader, but she firmly denies this. "I absolutely was not the ringleader. And that was reported, and it wasn't true. My team were very angry about that," she says.
She reflects on the irony of being labelled "the sixth Friend" by some in her talent agency, despite being the first cast member to win an Emmy for her performance. "There was no vision for me, and no expectations about the kind of career I could have. There was just, like, 'boy is she lucky she got on that show'," Kudrow recalls.
Looking to the Future
As 'The Comeback' concludes its final season, Kudrow and King have no immediate plans to continue the series. "Luckily, unlike Valerie, we don't have to worry about our rent," King jokes, "so we don't have to make the show unless there's something we really want to say."
Kudrow, however, admits that Valerie's quirks have become a part of her daily life. "I'll hear her in my head all the time, and I have to tell myself not to say some of it out loud," she says, sharing an anecdote about accidentally channeling Valerie in front of fan Anna Kendrick.
Through it all, Kudrow remains a beloved figure in entertainment, celebrated for her ability to find humour in the human condition's darkest corners. Her career, marked by resilience and authenticity, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
