Lisa Kudrow Gets Real About 90S Nostalgia And Her Iconic 'Friends' Role

  • By Mia
  • March 24, 2026, 6 a.m.

The 90s Are Back – But Is That a Good Thing?

Hollywood's darling, Lisa Kudrow, is opening up about something we all can't stop talking about – the 1990s nostalgia that's sweeping over fashion, TV, and social media. The actress, now 62, who made waves with her role as the quirky Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends,' shared her mixed feelings about this blast from the past while promoting her latest work.

Recently, Kudrow attended the much-buzzed-about premiere of 'The Comeback' season three at SXSW. During her interviews, she reflected on the renewed interest in the era that marked a significant chapter of her career. Kudrow commented to 'People' magazine, saying, “Oh, well, the first part, that younger people are interested, I mean it happens every 20 to 30 years anyway, so yeah, it's time. But it also reminds me of the misinterpretation or the interpretation of history, it's really, it's not reliable reporting and I think should remind us unless you were there, you don't, you don't really know.”

Friends, Reunions, and the Future of Phoebe Buffay

Lisa Kudrow's journey to fame was solidified in the 90s with 'Friends,' alongside co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry. The cast reunited in 2021 for 'Friends: The Reunion,' reigniting fan excitement and nostalgia.

Fast-forward to the present, Kudrow's back again in 'The Comeback,' reprising her role as Valerie Cherish. The show, which first aired in 2005 and had a return in 2014, is now marking its third season amidst the backdrop of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Kudrow even speculated on where Phoebe Buffay might be today – living in Connecticut with Mike (played by Paul Rudd) and their kids, actively involved in the arts program at their school.

Navigating a Changed Industry

In 'The Comeback,' Kudrow slips back into Valerie Cherish's shoes, navigating a vastly different entertainment world influenced by social media and technological advancements. It's a reflective role that mirrors Kudrow's own career experiences, poised between the nostalgia of the past and the inevitable march of modernity. As she steps forward, Kudrow continues to captivate, reminding us all why the 90s – and her roles in it – still hold a special place in our hearts.

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Author: Mia