Lisa Kudrow, known for her iconic role as Phoebe in the popular 90s sitcom Friends, recently celebrated her 59th birthday.
Her former co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox took to their Instagram Stories to pay tribute to her.
Aniston shared a photo from 2003, while Cox posted a video of the two.
However, Kudrow’s birthday wasn’t the only thing making headlines.
In 2017, Kudrow revealed an incident where a guest star on Friends directed a sexist comment at her.
During an appearance on US TV’s Watch What Happens Live, Kudrow spoke with host Andy Cohen about the time a guest star on the show told her she was “f*ckable” after she put makeup on.
Kudrow explained that she had rehearsed without makeup for most of the week, but on show night, she was in hair and makeup when the comment was made.
She said, “Oh wow, NOW you’re – can I say it? – ‘Now you’re f*ckable.'” Kudrow added, “That’s bad behavior, I say.”
She confided in her co-star Matt LeBlanc after it happened. “He’s a big brother,” she said.
Kudrow’s experience is unfortunately not unique, as many other female celebrities have also faced sexist comments.
Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Blake Lively, and others have all shut down similar remarks.
In addition to the incident with the guest star, Kudrow also recently shared how she landed the role of Phoebe Buffay on Friends.
It required an extra audition, which she was initially hesitant about, but ultimately ended up getting the part.
Friends was a wildly popular show that aired from 1994 to 2004.
It starred Kudrow alongside Aniston, Cox, LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
The show followed the lives of six friends living in New York City and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe was beloved by many, and the show remains a classic to this day.
In honor of the show’s popularity, a reunion special was released on HBO Max in 2021.
Kudrow has continued to act since Friends ended, starring in shows like The Comeback and Web Therapy.
She has also had several film roles, including in the hit movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.
In addition to her acting career, Kudrow is also a producer and writer.
She co-created and produced the popular genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are?, which has aired in multiple countries.
Kudrow is known for being open and honest about her experiences in the entertainment industry, including the struggles she has faced.
She has been vocal about the importance of supporting women and promoting equality.
In a 2018 interview with Refinery29, Kudrow said, “We have to help each other out, and we have to support each other. That’s the only way things are going to change.”
Her comments on the importance of solidarity and support continue to resonate with many.
As for her birthday celebrations, Kudrow seemed to enjoy the love and attention from her former co-stars.
Aniston and Cox’s Instagram tributes were just the latest example of the enduring friendship between the Friends cast.
Fans of the show continue to hold out hope for more reunions and collaborations in the future.
