Lisa Kudrow Discusses Frasier Firing Impact

Lisa Kudrow shared her experience of being fired from the role of Roz Doyle in the sitcom Frasier, which she described as 'devastating'. Initially cast in 1993, Kudrow was replaced by Peri Gilpin before the pilot episode was filmed, with director James Burrows stating 'this isn't working.' Despite this setback, Kudrow's guest role on Mad About You led to her being suggested for the part of Phoebe Buffay in Friends by writer Jeffrey Klarik. Kudrow had to audition for Burrows again for Friends, feeling the process was 'hopeless,' but she ultimately secured the role that changed her career. She played Phoebe for ten seasons, winning an Emmy for her performance in 2008.