Lisa Kudrow: Life During COVID, New Series, and the Friends Reunion

July 30, 2021, marked Lisa Kudrow’s 56th birthday. In late May, the television screens lit up with the premiere of “Space Force,” a new series featuring Kudrow alongside Steve Carell. This premiere provided a perfect opportunity to catch up with the renowned actress, best known for her quirky character Phoebe Buffay in the iconic TV series “Friends.”

Early Life and Career

Born in a suburb of Los Angeles, Lisa Kudrow was the youngest child in a family of medical professionals. With her siblings significantly older, she often played with imaginary friends, including the Beatles. Her passion for tennis led her to Vassar College, where she studied biology, intending to follow in her family’s medical footsteps. However, after working in neurology with her father for about eight years, she realized her true calling was to make people laugh.

Encouraged by a comedian friend of her brother, Kudrow began performing stand-up comedy with the professional acting group The Groundlings. Despite initial challenges, she never regretted her career shift. Kudrow excelled in portraying quirky, airheaded characters, finding joy in these roles because they made people feel at ease. This talent shone through in her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay in “Friends,” which catapulted her to global fame.

The Legacy of “Friends”

It’s hard to believe that nearly sixteen years have passed since the final season of “Friends” aired in 2004. The show remains the most popular sitcom in television history, with its characters becoming friends to millions worldwide. Each of the six friends from Manhattan had a distinct personality, from Chandler’s sarcasm to Phoebe’s eccentricity. Interestingly, Chandler and Phoebe were initially intended to be secondary characters, but Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe made her an indispensable part of the series.

Kudrow brought Phoebe’s unique ability to entertain and speak truth to life, even when it wasn’t pleasant. Phoebe’s quirks were often explained by her dramatic backstory, including being raised by her grandmother, who claimed Albert Einstein was her grandfather. Kudrow’s own heritage played a role in her character’s development, with Phoebe’s boyfriend David moving to Minsk for scientific research, a nod to Kudrow’s Belarusian roots.

Belarusian Heritage

Kudrow’s paternal grandparents were from Ilya, a town in the Minsk region of Belarus. This heritage influenced some of the show’s humor, with David’s move to Minsk being a notable example. Kudrow is the only Hollywood celebrity with Belarusian roots to have visited the country and filmed a documentary about Minsk and Ilya. During her visit, she learned that her great-grandmother, Mera Mordukhovich, was killed during World War II. This personal connection to her heritage added depth to her character and the show’s narrative.

Career and Recent Projects

Kudrow’s role as Phoebe remains her most iconic, allowing her the freedom to pursue projects she is passionate about. During the filming of “Friends,” she also starred in movies like “The Opposite of Sex” and “Analyze This,” continually expanding her repertoire of eccentric characters.

In 2020, Kudrow joined Steve Carell in the comedy series “Space Force,” playing the wife of the main character, a general tasked with ensuring American dominance on the Moon. The series, a political parody, provided a much-needed escape during the pandemic, offering light-hearted humor and a chance to smile.

Interview and Future Plans

In a recent remote interview, Kudrow discussed the highly anticipated “Friends” reunion. She confirmed that while filming has been delayed due to the pandemic, it is definitely happening. The cast is eager to reunite and share their memories, promising a heartfelt and humorous reunion for fans worldwide.

For more information on Lisa Kudrow’s career and projects, visit her IMDb page.