Lisa Kudrow is best known as the eccentric and loveable Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom Friends, but her career encompasses a wide array of television and film roles that highlight her range, wit, and dramatic capability. With decades in the entertainment industry, Kudrow has proven she’s far more than a sitcom star—she’s a dynamic performer with impressive comedic timing and surprising dramatic depth. This article explores the extensive list of Lisa Kudrow’s movies and TV shows, from her early days to her most recent projects.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Lisa Kudrow began her career in the late 1980s with small roles in television and film, initially working alongside comedian Jon Lovitz and training with The Groundlings, a renowned improv and sketch comedy troupe in Los Angeles. Her early appearances include roles in series such as Cheers, Newhart, and Bob. Though these roles were brief, they gave her crucial experience and exposure.
Her breakthrough came in 1993 when she landed the recurring role of Ursula Buffay, an oddball waitress, on Mad About You. This quirky character became so popular that when Kudrow was cast as Phoebe Buffay in Friends (1994–2004), the writers cleverly made Phoebe Ursula’s twin sister to connect both shows.
Friends (1994–2004): A Cultural Phenomenon
Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, the guitar-playing masseuse with a delightfully bizarre worldview, catapulted her to international fame. Over 10 seasons, Friends became one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, and Phoebe—along with her iconic songs like “Smelly Cat”—became a fan favorite.
For her performance, Kudrow won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998 and received six other nominations throughout the show’s run. The success of Friends not only made her a household name but opened doors for a diverse acting career.
Transition to Film
While Friends was still airing, Kudrow began branching into film. Some of her notable early movie roles include:
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997): Kudrow starred opposite Mira Sorvino in this cult classic comedy about two best friends attending their high school reunion with an elaborate lie. Kudrow’s comedic charm and timing helped make the film a sleeper hit.
The Opposite of Sex (1998): In this dark comedy, Kudrow played Lucia, a woman mourning her brother’s death. Her performance showed a dramatic side and earned her critical praise and an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Analyze This (1999) and Analyze That (2002): Kudrow played Laura Sobel, the wife of Billy Crystal’s psychiatrist character, in this mob comedy alongside Robert De Niro. The films showcased her knack for subtle comedic delivery.
Hanging Up (2000): Directed by Diane Keaton and co-starring Meg Ryan, Kudrow played one of three sisters dealing with their father’s declining health. Her performance was heartfelt and understated.
Post-Friends Television Roles
After Friends ended in 2004, Kudrow continued to thrive on television, not shying away from experimental and unconventional roles.
The Comeback (2005, 2014)
One of her most notable post-Friends projects is The Comeback, a meta-comedy series she co-created and starred in. Kudrow played Valerie Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress attempting a career comeback via a reality show. The series was ahead of its time, satirizing celebrity culture and the entertainment industry. Though it was canceled after one season, The Comeback was revived in 2014 for a second season and garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy nominations.
Web Therapy (2011–2015)
In Web Therapy, another show she co-created, Kudrow played Fiona Wallice, a self-centered therapist offering sessions via webcam. Originally launched as a web series, it was picked up by Showtime. The show featured an array of guest stars like Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and allowed Kudrow to explore improvisational comedy in a unique setting.
Continued Film Success
Kudrow has continued to appear in a wide range of film roles, both comedic and dramatic:
P.S. I Love You (2007): Kudrow had a supporting role in this romantic drama alongside Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, playing one of Swank’s loyal friends helping her navigate grief.
Easy A (2010): In this teen comedy starring Emma Stone, Kudrow played a guidance counselor having an affair with a student. Her portrayal of a morally conflicted adult added complexity and dark humor to the story.
Hotel for Dogs (2009): A family-friendly comedy where Kudrow played one of the foster parents, showing her versatility in child-friendly films.
Neighbors (2014) and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016): Though her scenes were ultimately cut from the first film, she appeared in the sequel, bringing her comedic chops to the raunchy college comedy franchise.
Booksmart (2019): Kudrow had a minor yet memorable role as the supportive and humorous mother of one of the lead characters, played by Beanie Feldstein.
Voice Work and Guest Appearances
Kudrow has also lent her voice to animated projects and appeared in various guest roles:
BoJack Horseman (2015): She voiced Wanda Pierce, an owl and BoJack’s love interest, in several episodes. Her performance was tender, adding emotional depth to the animated satire.
The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Duckman: Kudrow has voiced characters in various animated series, demonstrating her vocal versatility.
Scandal (2013–2014): Kudrow had a recurring dramatic role as a powerful politician, marking a rare turn into serious political drama.
Grace and Frankie (2018): She appeared in a guest-starring role in this Netflix comedy, reuniting with Friends co-star Jane Fonda.
Friends: The Reunion (2021)
In 2021, Kudrow joined her Friends co-stars for Friends: The Reunion, a special event on HBO Max. The cast revisited the set, shared stories, and reflected on the cultural phenomenon the show had become. Kudrow charmed audiences once again with her genuine affection for the show, her co-stars, and the fans.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Kudrow continues to take on roles that are intelligent, quirky, and emotionally grounded. She appeared in the Apple TV+ series Time Bandits (in development) and has voiced characters in upcoming animated series and films. Her involvement in creative projects behind the scenes—including writing, producing, and developing new formats—shows her evolving into a multifaceted content creator.
Legacy and Influence
Lisa Kudrow’s career is a testament to creative courage. She could have coasted on the success of Friends, but instead, she took risks—creating offbeat shows, taking on unexpected roles, and demonstrating remarkable range. Whether it’s making audiences laugh with an offbeat remark or tearing up in a dramatic role, Kudrow’s authenticity shines through.
She has inspired generations of actors and comedians with her ability to blend vulnerability and humor. Her contribution to television, especially in pioneering new comedic formats, makes her a standout figure in modern entertainment history.
Conclusion
Lisa Kudrow’s filmography is rich with variety and creativity. From mainstream sitcoms to indie films, from offbeat web series to Emmy-winning performances, she’s carved out a unique niche in the entertainment industry. Whether you remember her as Phoebe Buffay or discover her work in newer roles, Kudrow remains one of the most interesting and enduring talents in Hollywood. Her movies and TV shows continue to resonate, reminding us that the best performers are those who keep evolving—and Kudrow is nowhere near done.
FAQ – Lisa Kudrow’s Movies and TV Shows: From Friends to Film Stardom and Beyond
Q1: What role made Lisa Kudrow famous?
Lisa Kudrow rose to fame as Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends, a role that earned her a Primetime Emmy and global recognition.
Q2: What are some of Lisa Kudrow’s most popular TV shows?
Aside from Friends, Kudrow starred in The Comeback, Web Therapy, Mad About You, and guest-starred in shows like Scandal, Grace and Frankie, and BoJack Horseman.
Q3: Has Lisa Kudrow appeared in any major movies?
Yes, Kudrow has appeared in several notable films including Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, The Opposite of Sex, Analyze This, Easy A, and P.S. I Love You.
Q4: Did Lisa Kudrow create or produce any shows?
Absolutely. Kudrow co-created and starred in The Comeback and Web Therapy, showcasing her talents beyond acting in writing and production.
Q5: What is Lisa Kudrow doing now?
Kudrow continues to act in films and TV, lends her voice to animated series, and develops original projects for streaming platforms.
Q6: Did Lisa Kudrow appear in the Friends reunion?
Yes, she appeared in Friends: The Reunion (2021) alongside the original cast, reflecting on the show’s legacy and impact.
Q7: What sets Lisa Kudrow apart as an actress?
Kudrow’s unique blend of comedic timing, emotional depth, and willingness to take creative risks has made her one of the most respected and versatile actresses in Hollywood.
What has Lisa Kudrow been in recently?
Recently, Lisa Kudrow has taken on a variety of roles across television and film, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In December 2024, she starred in the Netflix dark comedy series No Good Deed, portraying Lydia Morgan, a former concert pianist entangled in a real estate frenzy with her husband, played by Ray Romano. The series, created by Liz Feldman, blends humor with mystery as multiple families vie to purchase the Morgans’ Los Angeles home, each harboring their own secrets .
In addition to her television work, Kudrow appeared in the 2025 horror-comedy film The Parenting, released on Max. She played Liddy, one of the parents attending a weekend getaway that takes a supernatural turn when a 400-year-old evil entity is discovered . The film features an ensemble cast, including Parker Posey, Brian Cox, and Edie Falco.
Looking ahead, Kudrow is set to reprise her role as Michele Weinberger in the upcoming sequel to Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, reuniting with co-star Mira Sorvino. The sequel, directed by Tim Federle with a screenplay by Robin Schiff, is anticipated to begin filming in Los Angeles .
These recent and upcoming projects highlight Kudrow’s continued presence and adaptability in the entertainment industry, engaging audiences with both comedic and dramatic performances.