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## From Casting Changes to Iconic Roles
Before becoming a household name as Phoebe Buffay in *Friends*, Lisa Kudrow almost took on a very different role that could have shifted her career trajectory entirely. In a recent episode of Jason Bateman and Will Arnett’s podcast, *SmartLess*, she recounted her experience auditioning for the character Roz Doyle in the pilot of *Frasier*. While this iconic role ultimately went to Peri Gilpin, Kudrow revealed that she had indeed been part of the casting process before being let go.
### The Fateful Casting Decision
Kudrow candidly shared, “I didn’t film it. I got fired from *Frasier*.” She explained how James Burrows, the director, stated during one of their initial run-throughs, “This isn’t working.” Her efforts to inquire about improvements were met with uncertainty regarding her fit for the character. Reflecting on what transpired, she mused that perhaps the network righted their earlier oversight since Gilpin seemed destined for Roz all along.
### Embracing New Opportunities
Post-*Frasier*, her breakthrough came when she accepted a guest-starring role in *Mad About You*—where she lit up screens as an unnamed waitress—and discovered her comedic passion anew. Despite advice from her then-team advising against this move, Kudrow felt compelled to take part: “It’s simply too great an opportunity under any circumstances.”
During this stint on *Mad About You*, she connected with Jeffrey Klarik—a writer and producer who would later facilitate an introduction to David Crane—the mastermind behind *Friends*.
### Rising Star Recognition
As history recalls, Kudrow’s journey flourished dramatically once she joined *Friends*. By 1998, not only was she cemented within its beloved ensemble but earned significant acclaim by becoming its first member to clinch an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series that year. In another fascinating revelation from her audition experience for *Friends*, Kreudow shared doubts about triumphing: “When I had my audition…it felt like such a small setting… When I finished my monologue and he said ‘No notes,’ it left me wondering if there was still hope at all.”
For more updates and insights about your favorite stars and shows like these intimate revelations from Lisa Kudrow’s life journey leading up to accidental success amidst setbacks serve as powerful reminders of persistence amidst challenges.
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Read more from [InStyle](https://www.instyle.com/lisa-kudrow-fired-frasier-before-friends-8687117).
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