Craig Robinson says Lisa Kudrow spoke up for him during his early ‘Friends’ guest role

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor and comedian Craig Robinson recently reflected on a memorable moment from the early days of his career involving co-star Lisa Kudrow during his guest appearance on the sitcom 'Friends.'

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly on Monday, May 25, Robinson recalled how Kudrow supported him while filming a scene during the final season of the sitcom, a gesture he said remained with him for years.

Craig Robinson comments on Lisa Kudrow supporting him on ‘Friends’

During the interview, Robinson opened up about appearing in the Season 10 episode, 'The One with Princess Consuela.' At the time, he was still trying to establish himself in Hollywood and had only booked a handful of smaller acting roles before landing the part.

Robinson recalled arriving at the audition and seeing several white actors dressed as limo drivers, which briefly made him question whether he had arrived at the wrong place. “I was like, ‘Oh, maybe I’m too early,’” he said, “And then I realized, ‘No, this is for the role.’”

"That was a sweet moment too, to find that out, when you're out there in Hollywood trying to make it,” he said of landing the part. He eventually secured the guest spot, which became one of his early television appearances. 

During rehearsals for the scene with Kudrow’s character, Phoebe Buffay, Robinson quietly suggested an additional line while the cast and writers discussed improvisations. According to him, nobody initially acknowledged his idea except Kudrow.

Robinson remembered her immediately stepping in and saying, “We have a pitch!” so the room would hear his suggestion. Reflecting on the moment, he explained that her support meant a great deal because he was still inexperienced and learning how to navigate major television productions.

 “That was huge because I was still new,” he said, adding that her encouragement made him feel seen and included on set.

Craig Robinson reflects on career growth after ‘Friends’

The two actors later reunited while working together on the 2017 comedy film 'Table 19,' where they played a married couple. Robinson said the experience allowed them to reconnect years after their brief interaction on 'Friends.'

Although Robinson’s appearance on 'Friends' was short, he later built a successful career across television and film. He became widely known for playing Darryl Philbin on 'The Office' and also earned recognition for his recurring role on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.'

His work on 'The Office' helped earn the ensemble cast two Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

Robinson also reflected on his determination to pursue comedy before finding mainstream success. “I wrote myself a note saying I was going to be a comedian,” he shared, despite having no major industry connections at the time.

The actor is now preparing for several upcoming projects, including voicing a character in 'Toy Story 5.' Robinson also made his Broadway debut in 2025, continuing to expand his career across comedy, television, film, and theater.