Lisa Kudrow admits 'six-way relationship' with 'Friends' co-stars took some time and work

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Lisa Kudrow, beloved for her portrayal of the quirky and lovable Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends', has revealed that becoming real-life friends with her co-stars was far from effortless.

The 61-year-old actress shared insights about their off-screen relationships during a heartfelt conversation on Dax Shepard’s 'Armchair Expert' podcast.

Lisa Kudrow reveals 'six-way relationship took work' despite iconic on-screen chemistry

Lisa Kudrow, like her 'Friends' co-stars, often finds herself fielding questions about the iconic sitcom, even two decades after it ended.

While promoting her new Netflix series, 'No Good Deed', Kudrow expressed she doesn’t mind the constant nostalgia.

“It’s a blessing,” she said when asked by Dax Shepard if she ever wished people would “please shut up about Friends.” Her response was a firm “no.”

“I’m too grateful,” she added. However, she revealed a lesser-known fact about the cast. 

"The six-way relationship took some work," Kudrow admitted, referring to the bond she shared with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry, Daily Mail reported.

While their on-screen chemistry felt natural, she explained that their real-life friendship was built on a foundation of effort, communication, and mutual respect.

Kudrow shared that misunderstandings were inevitable but were handled with open communication. "If someone said something or did something, it didn’t get too big because it was, 'Can I talk to you?'" she said.

However, this approach didn’t come naturally to her.

"I had to learn to be like, 'Can I talk to you about something?'" Kudrow confessed.  "It was hard because I never knew that was allowed."

She credited her co-stars, especially Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Matt LeBlanc, for teaching her what "respectful communication" looks like.

Lisa Kudrow defends 'Friends' legacy as 'subconscious nostalgia'

In a December interview with Page Six, Lisa Kudrow wasn't surprised by the continued success of 'Friends'.

Lisa Kudrow believes 'Friends,' which aired from 1994 to 2004, resonates deeply with younger fans due to what she describes as a “subconscious nostalgia.”

Growing up in an age dominated by cell phones and social media, many of these viewers, she says, yearn for something they lack: “For something they don’t have, which is in-person connections and relations,” Kudrow explains.

“And that’s always been at the heart of every successful show.”

She further notes, “That’s why people get attached to them and then if it’s funny, there [are] good performances, good jokes, that’s a bonus, and Friends had all that.”

Kudrow also recalled that many critics questioned whether the show's concept of "a bunch of young people sitting on a couch talking" was enough to make it a hit.

Kudrow had a witty response for the detractors. “That’s not my problem,” she quipped. “I’m just in it, but yes it was a show.”

The series finale, which aired in May 2004, cemented its place in television history, drawing over 52 million viewers and becoming the fifth most-watched series finale in US history.

Keeping co-star Matthew Perry's memory alive  

Lisa Kudrow’s reflections on the podcast come just months after she revealed how she’s honoring her late co-star Matthew Perry, who tragically died in October 2023 at the age of 54.

Kudrow, who acted alongside Perry’s iconic Chandler Bing for 10 seasons, has started rewatching 'Friends' as a way to celebrate and remember him.

"Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself," she told The Hollywood Reporter in June.

"But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK."

She praised Perry’s unique comedic brilliance, calling his timing and delivery unparalleled.

"No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him," she said.

Kudrow also reflected on their days on set, which she described as filled with joy and laughter, thanks largely to Perry’s infectious humor.

"You're just laughing all day long, basically, in between the scenes," she recalled.

"And especially someone like Matthew, whose goal was: How many laughs can I get in real life every day? So we were always laughing so hard, tears were flying out of our faces."