Lisa Kudrow reveals where Phoebe from Friends is now

Her kind face and soothing laugh were something many of us have come to love over the years. From ten unforgettable seasons as Phoebe Buffay on Friends to memorable roles in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and The Comeback, just to name a few, Emmy Award winner Lisa Kudrow has left an unforgettable impression on screen time and time again.

Her accomplished acting skills are as strong as ever in the new No Good Deed series, which premieres December 12 on Netflix. Kudrow, 61, plays Lydia Morgan, a woman trying to sell her beautiful California home with her husband (played by Ray Romano) while also dealing with residual trauma from her past.

I sat down with Kudrow to discuss her thoughts on her latest television project, her current creative interests as an actor, and whether she’ll be reprising certain popular roles in the near future. We discussed whether or not we should expect it.

Jeff Conway: So Lydia Morgan – Liz Feldman, the creator of No Good Deed, is putting this together, but about using this acting bone perhaps in a different way than before on this project. How was it, Lisa?

Lisa Kudrow: Well, there were definitely a lot more tears this time. It was more than I expected. And I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it happened. I honestly thought – maybe it’s because I’m older and have less of the protection and shielding I thought I needed when I was younger. Yes, it reduces emotional tension. I don’t know, but it was good.

Conway: Lisa, have you noticed that your creative approach and priorities as an actor today have evolved over time and that you’re seeing more and more experiences like this?

Kudrow: Yes and no. I mean, look, I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never been a romantic comedy hero type of person. I wasn’t looking for a role like that. Because the only thing I’ve ever experienced is “cute!” I always couldn’t wait to get older and play adult roles. This role is definitely about things happening in your life and decisions you make accordingly, so I really liked this role. It’s about being Lydia.

Conway: And you’ve been in this industry for over 35 years. I’m curious, have you noticed – I’m sure you’ve noticed, but what changes, for better or worse, do you feel have occurred within the entertainment industry?

Kudrow: Creatively, I’m thinking great in many ways. Now, we’re looking at the series as kind of a feature film type of storytelling, so there’s more opportunity to explore and dig deeper into the characters. He’s become a character you can really get attached to, so that part is fun.

I miss the jokes. I miss the laugh-out-loud jokes that used multiple cameras.

Conway: Is it the setting, or is the writing just changing to fit our modern society? Lisa, what do you think of the difference?

Kudrow: Well, I think it’s a combination of things. I think there’s a certain conceit to multi-camera shows. It’s like, oh, this is completely fake. But you buy into it because you’re invested in the characters. So it’s forgivable even if it’s not real. Then, in a way, you’ll really appreciate that it’s not real because you’ve just spent all day in “reality.” Entertainment is meant to be a kind of escape, a kind of refreshment, rejuvenation, and rest. I like all formats. I can’t watch horror movies. Sometimes I just can’t enjoy it.

Conway: So, changing gears a little bit, Lisa, we’ve been talking for a while, other than No Good Deed – I’m a big fan of Romy and Michelle’s high school reunion. I hear you continue to talk to your co-star Mira Sorvino and screenwriter Robin Schiff. What is the current situation? Do you feel like that’s still the case? Is there any way? What is your thought process?

Kudrow: I hope so. It looks like it’s going to happen, so I’m looking forward to it! Nothing official.

Conway: Yes. Well, I hope so!

Kudrow: Yes, me too!

Conway: As you know, this year is the 30th anniversary of Friends coming to television, which is really exciting. I’m curious, you may have been asked this before, but where do you think Phoebe Buffay is today? Is she still with Mike, played by Paul Rudd? What is she going to do with her life and what is her purpose today?

Kudrow: Yeah, I want her to be with Mike and if they want to have a baby. So she has a 20 year old kid, yeah. I think Phoebe is the type of person who can just be happy no matter where she is, no matter what she’s doing, no matter what’s going on, no matter what the hardships are. She seemed very good at challenges.

Conway: So, you know, your career exploded overnight on Friends and stuff like that. And you had to go through years of fame and how to stay grounded and just be human and separate from acting. Luckily, there was no social media back then. Now we have social media, which is another pressure. Do you have any advice for people who are in the same situation as you and are trying to overcome this fame but don’t know how?

Kudrow: Well, I don’t mind letting go of the fame. And there are some, which is great. I think that’s one thing when you become famous, you feel like you have to stay there. So what do you need to do to keep it going? I don’t know – thanks to my friends, it doesn’t matter. If someone wants to get me a job or if I can get myself a job, that’s great. That’s lucky – that’s the really lucky part for me.

Conway: And then there’s this character in Comeback called Valerie Cherish, who I respect and admire. Every decade, we feel like a new season has arrived. We just celebrated our 10th anniversary again, which is really interesting. I see your middle name is also Valerie. I love it. Are you itching to continue Valerie’s story, or do you feel like it’s over at this point, Lisa?

Kudrow: No, I always feel like there’s more to do. It’s always like that – whenever Michael Patrick King and I get together – Okay, so what happens?

Conway: Going back to No Good Deed, I love the on-screen relationship between you and Ray Romano. Very good! Both of you are from sitcoms. What was the experience like working with Ray as your on-screen husband?

Kudrow: That was one of the biggest draws. You find out it’s Liz Feldman and you loved Dead to Me, and then you end up marrying Ray Romano. what? ! Because Ray is a very good actor. Every time I see him, I am amazed at how effortlessly good he is. I kept thinking – look at something and think about it – I wanted to work with him. Will that ever happen? Oh, probably not. And, “You’re married to Ray Romano, do you want to be a part of this?” It was – yes, my God! It was really thrilling. He never disappoints. So actually he doesn’t disappoint. He’s thinking seriously about the project. Ego does not exist. That is, the healthy amount needed to live and breathe on this planet. But it’s not just about him; I also want to work like this. So that part was really great. He’s interesting. He’s very good and nice. He’s very nice – seems like a good, nice person.

Conway: So beyond No Good Deed, what kind of stories, characters, and genres do you hope to continue pursuing in the future?Lisa, you’ve already accomplished a lot in your career. Ta. Is there something stuck in the back of your mind that you’re itching to find and explore?

Kudrow: Well, I don’t know! I mean, maybe it’s less drama and more grounded little stories being made now, but independent films used to be that way. was very suitable for. I think so, but it would be nice to have something like that – I also miss hard comedy, like multi-camera. I think it’s fun.

Conway: So, going back to Lisa, who had just signed on to Friends in 1993 or 1994, knowing what life was going to be, what she was going to accomplish and experience in life, give her some advice. What if something that Lisa was grateful to hear or know at the time could possibly be helpful to her life and career trajectory?

Kudrow: Well, once that starts, I don’t need to give her any advice, right? I don’t think she’s done anything wrong. I think she was really lucky to meet and marry her soul-life partner before it all started, before it exploded after the first season.

One thing I can say is, don’t worry – don’t be superstitious – it’s too good to be true. Just stay grateful. Don’t worry.