Lisa Kudrow on Watching ‘Friends’ After Matthew Perry’s Death, ‘Romy & Michele’ Sequel and Why ‘The Comeback’ May Be “Highlight” of Her Career

by | Aug 18, 2026 | Entertainment

Lisa Kudrow on Watching ‘Friends’ After Matthew Perry’s Death, ‘Romy & Michele’ Sequel and Why ‘The Comeback’ May Be “Highlight” of Her Career

Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her role as Phoebe Buffay on NBC’s Friends from 1994 to 2004, has established herself as one of television’s most accomplished actresses through a diverse career spanning multiple decades. Beyond the sitcom that made her a household name, Kudrow has maintained a prolific presence in film and television, appearing in projects ranging from studio productions to independent films and creating acclaimed original work.

Kudrow’s most celebrated recent endeavor is The Comeback, an HBO comedy series she co-created, wrote, produced, and starred in alongside Michael Patrick King. The show, which follows a former sitcom actress attempting to revive her career, has received widespread critical praise and earned Kudrow multiple Emmy nominations. The series released three seasons across 2005, 2014, and 2026, with the third season marking the show’s conclusion. The final season introduces a premise where the protagonist is offered a leading role in a multi-camera sitcom written by artificial intelligence. Kudrow has indicated that her work on The Comeback represents a significant achievement in her career, particularly in recognition of her writing contributions alongside her performance.

In discussing her broader career trajectory, Kudrow reflected on early casting decisions that shaped her path in entertainment. She recalled her initial interest in auditioning for the role of Rachel on Friends, believing she could bring humor to the character as written, before ultimately being cast as Phoebe. She also addressed her foundational training at the Groundlings improv school and how being dismissed from an NBC pilot for Frasier led her to accept a smaller role on Mad About You, eventually paving the way to Friends.

Kudrow also addressed returning to Friends content following the death of castmate Matthew Perry. She described watching the series as an enjoyable experience, noting that much of the show felt fresh to her despite her involvement in its creation. She expressed admiration for her costars’ performances and mentioned recent conversations with fellow cast member David Schwimmer about revisiting the series.

Additionally, Kudrow discussed an upcoming Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion sequel, noting that director Tim Federle’s involvement in the project contributed to her enthusiasm for the endeavor.

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