Lisa Kudrow on Blowing Her First Big Audition, Elton John Singing to Her and Romy & Michele Reunion

TL;DR

Lisa Kudrow shares insights on her career and upcoming musical while humorously addressing her Friends legacy.

Transcript

our first guest tonight was our friend named phoebe for 236 episodes of the show that will never go away and she's sick and tired of hearing about it so please don't bring it up when she comes out she's done other things for god's sake she plays cool and heidi in the new musical comedy better nate than ever it premieres april 1st on disney plus ple... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 Lisa Kudrow maintains a lighthearted perspective on her Friends legacy, embracing it despite its frequent mention in her life.
• 🤩 The unexpected tribute from major music stars left her both touched and amused, underlining her relationship with influential peers.
• 🧑‍🏭 Working with young actors rejuvenated Kudrow, who finds them to be respectful and intellectually stimulating.
• 🧑‍🏫 Past audition experiences taught Kudrow valuable lessons about adapting one’s comedic style to different environments.
• 😑 Kudrow expresses genuine interest in potential reunions related to her previous movie work, showing a fondness for nostalgia in her career.
• 👻 She prefers to keep a healthy distance from social media, allowing her to engage with fans without feeling overwhelmed.
• 🖐️ Music plays a significant role in her upcoming film, though she doesn't personally partake in singing performances.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Lisa Kudrow feel about being associated with Friends?

Lisa Kudrow acknowledges that the word "Friends" comes up frequently in her life, about two times daily when she leaves her house. However, she expresses that she isn’t upset by this association; instead, she finds it a natural part of her career. Her humor and candid responses suggest that she has come to terms with it, opting to embrace the legacy rather than shy away from it.

Q: What was Lisa's reaction to Elton John’s tribute?

Kudrow was deeply surprised when Courtney Cox shared a performance dedicated to her by a group including Ed Sheeran and Elton John. Initially unaware of the post, she expressed the shocking nature of the moment, humorously noting that she had to correct Elton John about the lyrics he misquoted. This unexpected tribute made her feel uniquely recognized, reflecting her longstanding friendships in the industry.

Q: What insights does Lisa share about working with young actors?

Lisa Kudrow describes her experience working on "Better Nate Than Ever" as enjoyable and refreshing. She expressed admiration for the young cast, noting how nice and smart they are. These teens brought a dynamic energy to the set, and she found it rewarding to engage with them, considering their professionalism and intelligence far exceeding her own at their age.

Q: Can you tell us about her first significant audition experience?

Lisa reminisced about auditioning for "The Larry Sanders Show," expressing excitement mixed with anxiety. She humorously recalled how her dry sense of humor led to a misunderstanding with Gary Shandling during the audition. Although she didn't land the role, this experience gave her a valuable lesson about the audition process and the importance of adapting to different comedic styles.

Q: What are her thoughts on a reunion for "Romeo and Michelle"?

When discussing the potential for a reunion movie for "Romeo and Michelle," Lisa revealed that both she and Mira Sorvino are enthusiastic about the idea. They were approached by the Screen Actors Guild to perform together, which reignited the possibility of planning a reunion. Lisa feels it could be a humorous and rewarding venture, especially considering the nostalgia and love for the original film.

Q: How does she handle social media mentions from fans?

Kudrow admitted to not being very active on social media, stating she doesn't often check Instagram daily or weekly. When she does receive mentions or see posts about her work, she often responds with humor and appreciation for the support. This distance from platforms like Instagram allows her to maintain a more relaxed mindset regarding her public persona.

Q: What role does music play in her new film?

In "Better Nate Than Ever," Lisa's character does not require her to sing, which she finds relieving considering her past singing experiences. The film is marked by its musical elements, featuring a cast of mostly young actors who engage in singing and dancing, while she offers comedic support without stepping into the spotlight vocally.

Q: Does Lisa foresee any future projects related to Friends?

While Lisa didn’t indicate any direct plans for future Friends-related projects, she showed openness to the idea of reuniting with her co-stars for potential collaborations. Her acknowledgment of the persistent popularity of Friends suggests she remains receptive to exploring opportunities that keep the spirit of the show alive while also highlighting her current endeavors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lisa Kudrow humorously addresses the constant mention of Friends in her life, revealing it comes up about twice daily, yet she's not heavily bothered by it.

• She shares a memorable experience involving a personal message from Elton John during a jam session hosted by Courtney Cox, highlighting her surprise and excitement.

• Kudrow discusses her role in the new musical "Better Nate Than Ever," explaining the dynamics of working with young actors and reflecting on her journey through auditions.