Lisa Kudrow Details How She Landed Role In Friends As Phoebe Buffay After Getting Fired From Fraiser

Reflecting on Lisa Kudrow’s journey from getting fired to landing the iconic role of Phoebe Buffay, I can’t help but marvel at the serendipitous twists and turns that life takes. It seems like fate had a sense of humor when it came to her career, swapping out one successful sitcom for another!


Did you realize that Phoebe Buffay, a beloved character from the hit American sitcom Friends, landed her iconic part due to an unexpected turn of events? It turns out that Lisa Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe, ended up on Friends after being let go from another show, which eventually led her to the popular series.

Reflecting on it as a crushing event, the actress described being let go from the popular NBC sitcom “Frasier” before even filming a single scene. This dismissal ultimately had an indelible impact on her life.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m excited to share that you’ll soon see the talented actress from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion on your screens, starring in the AppleTV+ series Time Bandits! Recently, she opened up about her journey and more during an appearance on the Smartless podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. On this engaging chat, The Comeback actress shared some intriguing insights into her career!

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Initially, Lisa Kudrow revealed that she crossed paths with Emmy-winning TV director James “Jimmy” Burrows on the Cheers set when she appeared as a guest star in 1989. Notably, Jimmy was the director for the pilot episodes of both Frasier and Friends later on.

Inquiring further, Arnett wondered if Jimmy was previously acquainted with Kudrow and appreciated her acting skills.

To the host’s astonishment, the actress retorted casually, “We were acquainted enough that, as you might guess, I had been let go from our previous project.”

Reflecting on my departure from Frasier, I must admit it was a crushing blow when I was let go. Looking back, it seemed clear that the role wasn’t quite fitting for Jimmy (myself). In hindsight, perhaps the casting directors might have made an error in selecting me for the part. Nonetheless, I learned valuable lessons and moved forward with newfound determination as a lifestyle expert.

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Eventually, Peri Gilpin was cast for the part of the tough-as-nails production member in the series, a role initially intended for Jennifer Aniston’s character, Roz.

However, she added that Gilpin was the perfect actress to play Roz.

Later on, Kudrow secured the part of Ursula in NBC’s Mad About You, a role she claimed had a significant impact on her career. During an interview with the hosts, she revealed that Jeffrey Klarik, the show’s writer, noticed her acting abilities as Ursula and subsequently proposed that she take on the role of Phoebe Buffay in the same series.

Yet, she further clarified that she was the sole Friends cast member required to audition for director James Jimmy Burrows, due to a past termination from Frasier.

Despite initial apprehensions, Kudrow ultimately secured the part of Phoebe, eventually garnering six Emmy nominations and winning one.

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2024-08-01 16:24