Lisa Kudrow’s 11 Best Roles From “Friends” To “No Good Deed”

Lisa Kudrow’s early career saw a breakthrough with her role as Ursula Buffay on the popular sitcom “Mad About You,” where her quirky, offbeat humor quickly endeared her to audiences. This performance showcased Kudrow’s comedic talent and led to her being cast as Phoebe Buffay, Ursula’s twin sister, on the iconic TV show “Friends.” Kudrow’s dual roles on both shows highlighted her versatility and knack for creating distinct, memorable characters. The success and popularity of Phoebe Buffay on “Friends” not only established Kudrow as a beloved actress but also allowed her to continue portraying Ursula, creating a fun crossover between the two hit series.

Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on the iconic TV show “Friends” became one of the most beloved and memorable characters in television history. Her unique blend of eccentricity, warmth, and comedic timing brought Phoebe to life, making her a standout in an ensemble cast. Kudrow’s performance earned her critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Over the show’s ten-season run, Phoebe’s quirky songs, whimsical outlook on life, and endearing oddities captured the hearts of millions, cementing Kudrow’s status as a comedic powerhouse and a key factor in the show’s enduring success.

Lisa Kudrow’s performance as Michele Weinberger in the 1997 film “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” showcased her exceptional comedic talent and further solidified her status as a versatile actress. Starring alongside Mira Sorvino, Kudrow brought charm and hilarity to the role of the ditzy yet endearing Michele. The film, which follows two best friends attending their high school reunion with outlandish plans to impress their former classmates, has since become a cult classic. Kudrow’s memorable one-liners and impeccable comedic timing have contributed to the film’s enduring popularity, making it a beloved favorite among fans and a significant highlight of her career.

In the 1997 indie film “Clockwatchers,” Lisa Kudrow showcased her dramatic range by playing Paula, one of four temporary office workers navigating the monotonous and often dehumanizing corporate world. Kudrow’s performance as Paula brought a nuanced blend of humor and poignancy to the film, standing out in a stellar ensemble cast that included Toni Collette, Parker Posey, and Alanna Ubach. Her portrayal of Paula’s struggle for recognition and meaningful connection in a bland office environment added depth to the film’s critique of corporate culture, highlighting Kudrow’s ability to tackle complex characters beyond her well-known comedic roles.

In the 1998 film “The Opposite of Sex,” Lisa Kudrow delivered a standout performance as Lucia DeLury, a high school teacher entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation spun by her half-brother’s scheming teenage sister, played by Christina Ricci. Kudrow’s portrayal of Lucia, a character marked by vulnerability and resilience, showcased her dramatic talents and earned her critical acclaim. The film, a dark comedy exploring themes of sexuality and morality, was well-received for its sharp wit and strong performances. Kudrow’s role in “The Opposite of Sex” demonstrated her versatility as an actress and contributed to the film’s success and enduring reputation as a smart, edgy indie classic.

In the 1999 comedy “Analyze This,” Lisa Kudrow played Laura MacNamara, the fiancée of Billy Crystal’s character, Dr. Ben Sobel, a psychiatrist who finds himself treating a mob boss played by Robert De Niro. Kudrow’s portrayal of Laura brought a grounded and relatable element to the film, as she navigated the increasingly chaotic and dangerous situations her partner becomes involved in due to his unusual patient. Her comedic timing and ability to balance humor with sincerity added depth to her character and complemented the film’s blend of comedy and crime. “Analyze This” was a commercial success, and Kudrow’s performance was an integral part of its appeal. There was a sequel “Analyze That” in 2002.

Lisa Kudrow starred in and co-created the critically acclaimed HBO series “The Comeback,” where she played Valerie Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress attempting to revive her career through a reality TV show. The show first aired in 2005 and was praised for its ahead-of-its-time satirical take on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. Despite its initial short run, “The Comeback” garnered a dedicated cult following and was revived for a second season in 2014. Kudrow’s brilliant performance as the desperate yet resilient Valerie earned her widespread acclaim, including Emmy nominations. The show’s sharp, witty writing and Kudrow’s fearless portrayal have cemented “The Comeback” as one of the most memorable comedies of all time.

In “Web Therapy,” Lisa Kudrow starred as Fiona Wallice, a quirky online therapist who offers brief, often hilarious sessions through webcam. Premiering in 2011, the show was praised for its inventive format and Kudrow’s sharp comedic performance. The series achieved considerable success, leading to several seasons and showcasing Kudrow’s talent for blending humor with a satirical look at modern therapy practices. “Web Therapy” also featured a stellar lineup of guest stars, including Courteney Cox, Meryl Streep, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, adding to the show’s appeal and contributing to its critical and commercial success.

In the 2016 thriller “The Girl on the Train,” Lisa Kudrow had a notable supporting role as Cathy, the ex-wife of Justin Theroux’s character, Tom. The film, based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins, centers on a woman named Rachel, played by Emily Blunt, who becomes entangled in a missing person case that deeply affects her own life. Kudrow’s role as Cathy added a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative, contributing to the film’s tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

In the Netflix series “Feel Good,” Lisa Kudrow made a notable appearance as Linda, the mother of the show’s lead character, Mae, portrayed by comedian Mae Martin. The show, which explores themes of addiction, recovery, and LGBTQ+ identity with a blend of humor and poignancy, featured Kudrow’s role as a supportive yet complex maternal figure. Her performance as Linda brought an additional layer of depth to the series, highlighting the strained but ultimately loving relationship between mother and daughter. “Feel Good” was praised for its heartfelt storytelling and writing.

Imagine finally deciding to sell your beloved family home, only to realize that the very act of putting it on the market could unravel the carefully woven fabric of your life. That’s exactly the predicament facing Lydia and Paul, our protagonists in “No Good Deed”. This power couple, portrayed by the dynamic duo of Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano, find themselves in a pickle when they decide to list their stunning 1920s Spanish-style villa.

“No Good Deed” streams on Netflix on Thursday, December 12.