More than three decades have passed since Lisa Kudrow last sang “Smelly Cat” at Central Perk, but she reminisces that her time as Phoebe Buffay on “Friends” remains one of the most rewarding chapters of her life. Kudrow describes her experience on the hit show as a lucky, privileged, and fortunate career path. She considers herself a lottery winner for being part of “Friends,” stating in an interview with TODAY.com that her time on the show was everything to her. Despite her successful appearance on the Netflix series “No Good Deed,” a dark comedy alongside Ray Romano, Kudrow emphasizes that her tenure on “Friends” was unparalleled.
Kudrow acknowledges the extraordinary chemistry among the cast of “Friends,” including David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and herself. The sitcom, which premiered in 1994 and concluded in May 2004, received six Primetime Emmys and remains an iconic television show beloved by fans of all ages. Kudrow attributes the show’s enduring popularity to the genuine bond shared by the cast members, whom she describes as loving each other and creating a heavenly work environment. She expresses gratitude for the opportunities that arose from her involvement in “Friends,” allowing her to explore personal projects such as “The Comeback,” “Web Therapy,” and “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Originally from Encino, California, Kudrow did not initially pursue acting but transitioned to comedy after studying biology at Vassar College. She found success in sketch comedy with the Groundlings before securing her breakthrough role as Ursula on “Mad About You” and later as Phoebe Buffay on “Friends.” Kudrow reflects on the profound impact of her time on the beloved sitcom, highlighting the joy of collaborating with cherished colleagues and the ability to create her own projects. In her latest venture, “No Good Deed,” Kudrow portrays Lydia Morgan, a character navigating loss and change in a darkly comedic setting alongside co-stars Ray Romano and Denis Leary.
Lisa Kudrow, along with a host of other talented actors including Luke Wilson, Linda Cardellini, and O-T Fagbenle, portray property-hungry buyers eager to acquire the Morgans’ prized Spanish-style mansion in the new Netflix series “No Good Deed.” The characters, including Lydia and Paul, all harbor secrets, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the narrative.
Discussing her attraction to the role, Kudrow reveals, “Their son is dead and it’s a secret. What was their involvement in that?” She expresses her fondness for roles that involve unraveling enigmatic situations, stating, “I like when the information is teased in a way that makes sense, but definitely feels like, ‘Oh, I know exactly what’s going on here, but I need to know more.’ And then you get more and maybe it’s not that.” Kudrow finds the storyline of “No Good Deed” to be an engaging and entertaining journey.
Blending elements of a whodunit mystery with a satirical take on the LA lifestyle, “No Good Deed” keeps viewers on their toes, provoking speculation about the true motivations of each character until the very end. The suspense even extended to the actors themselves, as Kudrow and co-star Ray Romano were kept in the dark about the series’ finale until well into the production.
Reflecting on the process, Kudrow shares, “We didn’t know. Around Episode Five, Ray went to Liz and just said, ‘We’re playing these people. The characters know exactly what happened, but we don’t. So, don’t you think we should know?'” This inquiry prompted showrunner Liz Feldman to disclose the resolution to the actors before the final scenes were filmed, culminating in a surprising revelation for Kudrow and Romano.
Regarding the potential for a second season, Kudrow indicates that the decision lies with Netflix and Feldman. She comments, “It’s up to Netflix and Liz, what she wants to do with it next. If she thinks it’s worth it and there’s room for me and Ray, I’m not saying no. I loved everybody. Luke was so great. Linda was great.” Despite uncertainty about the show’s future, Kudrow remains open to new projects, expressing interest in exploring different genres such as “slice-of-life” dramas or engaging mysteries that avoid excessive bleakness.
In conclusion, the captivating blend of mystery, suspense, and dark humor in “No Good Deed” has captured the attention of audiences and actors alike. As the series concludes its first season, viewers are left wondering about the fate of the characters and the possibility of future installments, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for this intriguing tale.
