Lisa Kudrow 'thrilled' to see so many mature actresses finding success in Hollywood

Lisa Kudrow says it’s “thrilling” seeing older women finding such success in Hollywood.

The 63-year-old star is nominated for the Leading Actress Emmy Award for her role in The Comeback, while another of the nominees is 74-year-old Jean Smart, for Hacks.

In an interview on the Awards Buzz website, Lisa opened up about the nomination, and says there’s nothing she loves more than seeing more mature stars being recognised in the industry.

Asked how she feels about “women in their 60s and 70s receiving this level of awards recognition for such vivid, multilayered characters”, Lisa replied: “It’s fantastic. It’s thrilling. My favourite part of Hacks is Jean Smart. Everyone is good, but Jean Smart is a gift, and she is phenomenally good.

“Older women can be interesting because they are interesting. They have been through things. They have experience. That is what is so rich about her character in Hacks.”

Lisa, who first found fame as Phoebe Buffay in Friends, went on to reflect on how the TV industry has changed over the years.

She mused: “In years past, you did something and it was done. Unless it was a series, after 10 years it was finished. When something was canceled or ended, that was it.

“We did not foresee The Comeback continuing this way. What I’m noticing now is how much I am coming to respect these characters that I started off making fun of.

“You realise there is something really smart about the way they navigate life.”

As for what she likes about the new generation of TV comedies, Lisa said that one aspect is how “grounded” they’ve become.

She continued: “I also love that television—or streamers, which I guess is now the same thing—has become so cinematic. It is so rich for every department to play in, and I love that.

“The Comeback was beautifully shot. Our cinematographer, Ellie Smolkin, and Michael Patrick King did unbelievable work. I’m sorry Michael did not receive a directing nomination, but at least we were recognised for the writing and I get to participate in that, which is really thrilling.”