Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade RE-RELEASE - Lisa Kudrow
Sep 9, 2026
Lisa Kudrow, the Emmy-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer famed for playing Phoebe Buffay, shares stories of growing up around John Lovitz and finding her footing at the Groundlings. She revisits nightmare auditions, creating The Comeback, Romy and Michele’s enduring appeal, Friends’ collaborative culture, celebrity privacy, improvisation, and unexpected encounters with generous stars.
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How Groundlings Changed Lisa Kudrow’s Acting
- John Lovitz urged Lisa Kudrow to study Groundlings improv after college.
- The school taught her that acting depends on listening and responding, but initially rejected her because she had no recent performance experience.
Lisa Kudrow’s Fearless Classroom Performances
- As a child, Lisa Kudrow confidently pitched classroom performances, including scarves and Tevye’s dream from Fiddler on the Roof.
- She saw her boldness as wonderful rather than embarrassing, despite later describing herself as not always “on.”
Talent Still Needs A Break
- Show-business success depends partly on timing, breaks, and subjective choices, not only talent.
- David Spade’s response to rejection was to keep improving rather than inventing a victim narrative.