Lisa Kudrow Reveals the Struggles and Heartwarming Support That Made Phoebe Unforgettable

As “Friends” celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024, Lisa Kudrow and her esteemed co-stars have reminisced about their time on one of television’s most iconic shows. Despite the monumental success and joy it brought, playing a character that seemed ditzy wasn’t always comfortable for Kudrow as an actor, since she is not naturally a ditzy person herself.

Previously, Kudrow has mentioned that jobs after “Friends” have been less fulfilling than striking gold with her five fellow cast members. However, she occasionally found it tough to embody a character as distinct and quirky as Phoebe. Speaking to Parker Posey during an interview for Variety about “White Lotus” Season 3, Kudrow was asked if working on the sitcom felt like participating in a sport at that time. In her own words, she acknowledged that although there were many advantages, delving into Phoebe’s mindset proved to be the most difficult part of the experience.

The experience turned out to be enjoyable. Everyone seemed to be having a great time throughout, making it fun for me too. Phoebe was such a different character compared to who I am as a person that it required effort – I had to constantly analyze and rationalize her words in my mind so they felt genuine and authentic to her. It was quite demanding.

It’s absolutely reasonable that viewpoint, given the abundance of television shows featuring eccentric characters reminiscent of Phoebe, which often come off as over-the-top caricatures rather than genuine individuals. Yet, it speaks volumes about Kudrow’s abilities that she managed to make her portrayal relatable and convincing, explaining why she became an integral part in everyone else’s lives – except for twin sister Ursula, a topic for another discussion.

In the early episodes, Kudrow admitted that she wrestled with feelings of not being adequate for her role. This confession elicited a heartwarming response from her fellow actor, Matt LeBlanc.

In Season 2 or 3, I recall thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m not handling my tasks.” To which LeBlanc replied, “What’s wrong with you? You are her. You don’t need to.

Generally speaking, it’s safe to infer that LeBlanc’s intentions were sincere and benevolent. He was likely praising Lisa Kudrow for her exceptional talent, suggesting that she seamlessly fit into any role she played, not intending to call her “naturally a nutty woman.

Even if that might have been the intended effect, Kudrow found herself feeling slightly uncomfortable because she perceived a subtle incongruity. This discomfort stemmed from the fact that she felt compelled to invest more visible effort, an aspect that ultimately took its toll on her during the duration of “Friends”. To quote her directly:

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Lisa Kudrow Reveals the Struggles and Heartwarming Support That Made Phoebe Unforgettable

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