Parker Posey and Lisa Kudrow first crossed paths while filming the indie comedy Clockwatchers in 1997, where they portrayed temporary workers in a mundane office setting. At that time, Posey was carving out her identity as an up-and-coming star in the realm of independent film, soon to gain fame from projects like You’ve Got Mail and Scream 3. Meanwhile, Kudrow had already achieved stardom through her iconic role as the quirky Phoebe Buffay on the beloved sitcom Friends. Since then, both actresses have garnered a dedicated following on television—Posey as Jack's adversary on Will & Grace and Kudrow as a washed-up actress-turned-reality star in The Comeback.
In the past season, both Posey and Kudrow made significant contributions to their respective projects. Posey captivated audiences with her portrayal of the affluent matriarch Victoria Ratliff in the HBO series The White Lotus, while Kudrow offered a heartfelt and poignant performance as Lydia Morgan, a grieving mother who believes her deceased son communicates with her through flickering lights in Netflix's thriller No Good Deed.
During a recent conversation, Posey reminisced about their shared experiences with the legendary writer-director Nora Ephron. “We were both Nora Ephron ladies back in the ’90s,” Posey recalled. Kudrow chimed in, “I did Hanging Up, which she wrote with her sister Delia. Diane Keaton directed it, and we had wonderful meals every day because Nora was around.”
Kudrow continued, “I was involved in another movie she directed with John Travolta. But it was disappointing.” Posey remembered Ephron encouraging her to simply “be funny,” a note that both actresses found valuable. “It’s a good note!” Kudrow agreed, emphasizing the importance of authentic comedic delivery.
Posey expressed her admiration for Kudrow's work in The Comeback, asking how the concept originated. Kudrow explained that there were no reality shows like Real Housewives at the time, but shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor made her question the state of civilization. “It was near the end of Friends, and I thought, ‘What if you don’t have to feel bad for a regular person—what if it’s an actress?’” she pondered. This idea led to the exploration of themes around humiliation and authenticity.
Posey added, “It’s such an interesting edge to walk, because as a viewer, I felt for her, and I also rooted for her.” Kudrow highlighted the influence of director Christopher Guest, saying, “He would say, ‘This is not too far from the truth,’ and then you play the scene.” This approach allowed them to capture the spontaneity of performance.
As they discussed their experiences, Kudrow asked Posey about her time on multi-camera sitcoms. Posey likened it to “tap dancing,” where actors have to hit specific notes. “It was very athletic,” she remarked, reflecting on her role in Will & Grace. Kudrow agreed, noting that the process was often fun due to the camaraderie among the cast.
Posey noted that working in independent film, such as her experience on The White Lotus, felt like a gift, especially portraying a complex character like Victoria. “It was such a gift to have this middle-aged woman at this time in my career,” she explained. Kudrow added, “Mike White wrote those eight episodes, and really, they just fly.”
When it came to the character of Victoria, Posey drew inspiration from her family's literary influences, citing authors like William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor. “My mom’s mother dressed like a movie star; she’d go to Neiman Marcus and look at the things she liked, and she’d go home and make them herself,” Posey recalled.
Kudrow shared her favorite moment from the season, when Victoria posed the question, “What if we didn’t have anything?” The honesty of the response resonated deeply with both actresses. Posey noted, “When I read the line, that hit me the most out of the eight episodes.”
The conversation shifted to the possibility of future collaborations, with Posey playfully suggesting Kudrow should join Season 4 of The White Lotus. “If there’s a big enough TikTok campaign, then it’ll happen,” Posey joked, to which Kudrow replied, “And I might not be his cup of tea, which is allowed to happen too.”
As they explored the depth of their characters, the dialogue turned towards the themes of grief in Kudrow's role in No Good Deed. “She couldn’t talk to a therapist about it. She was on her own. And it’s so destructive,” Kudrow reflected. Posey understood this dimension, stating, “A dark night of the soul,” emphasizing how complex family dynamics shape individual experiences.
Ultimately, both actresses acknowledged the power of good writing in portraying nuanced characters. Posey concluded, “Good writing expands the way you look at things.” Their shared journey through the world of acting continues to inspire audiences, showcasing their enduring talent and the deep connections forged through their craft.
