Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Episode Featuring Lisa Kudrow

Release Date: December 10, 2024

In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, host Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down with the talented Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, her standout performance in The Comeback, and her role as an executive producer on Who Do You Think You Are?. Recorded at the elegant Novikov in Beverly Hills, California, the conversation delves deep into Lisa’s career, personal reflections, and their shared experiences in the entertainment industry.

Setting the Stage: A Memorable Dinner

The episode begins with Jesse and Lisa meeting at Novikov, a quintessential Beverly Hills restaurant known for its Italian cuisine and sophisticated ambiance. The setting provides a perfect backdrop for an intimate and candid conversation.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [05:57]: "I think she's just a threat."

Lisa Kudrow [12:43]: "Tagliatelle, creamy mushroom, and then just way too much Parmesan cheese."

The comfortable environment allows both hosts to relax and open up about their personal and professional lives.

A Journey Through Acting and Inspirations

Jesse shares his early acting experiences and how watching Friends multiple times influenced his approach to acting, particularly admiring Lisa’s portrayal of Phoebe.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [10:13]: "You were always my favorite character. The way you twisted a joke, it was always the non-obvious way of saying something."

Lisa reflects on her own audition process for Friends and the challenges of embodying a character with such a complex backstory.

Lisa Kudrow [11:42]: "What would be funny about that is a person who just treats it all like, you know, it's not just me. Can't take it personally. It happens to everybody."

Intertwined Careers and Personal Connections

The conversation highlights the overlapping paths of their careers, including mutual connections with industry veterans like Jimmy Burrows and Michael Patrick King.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [21:05]: "I think Matthew Perry came to one of our tapings. He was in between scenes, helping us nail a joke."

Lisa Kudrow [27:49]: "We just got thinking about what it would be, and basically all we had was, okay, so she wants to be back on reality TV."

Reflecting on Friends Reunion and Loss

Both Jesse and Lisa discuss the emotional impact of the Friends reunion, especially in light of Matthew Perry's passing. They share heartfelt memories and the significance of celebrating their shared history.

Lisa Kudrow [24:33]: "There were marathons, and I wanted to watch because it was just... remembering grieving and celebrating."

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [29:08]: "I'm so sorry about Matthew. It’s devastating when it comes out of nowhere."

Exploring Family Histories on 'Who Do You Think You Are?'

The episode transitions to their experiences with the show Who Do You Think You Are?, where Jesse recounts uncovering his great-grandfather's adventurous past in Alaska, while Lisa shares her process in exploring her own family’s history.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [40:56]: "We got to go back and visit with my grandmother's surviving sister and share information with her."

Lisa Kudrow [42:26]: "It's not just sitting, learning about it. It's something so meaningful for the person and their family."

Navigating Personal Growth and Legacy

Both guests emphasize the importance of understanding one's heritage and the human aspects behind historical figures.

Lisa Kudrow [42:49]: "We realize no, no, they were human beings, and some of them made mistakes, but they were tough."

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [43:01]: "It's navigating our ways through the difficult times. That's Politics with Lisa Kudrow."

Concluding Reflections and Future Projects

As the conversation winds down, Jesse and Lisa touch upon upcoming projects and the enduring nature of their professional relationships.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson [44:36]: "I'm really excited for it. And I'm so happy you did this."

Lisa Kudrow [45:14]: "Me too."

They conclude with a warm exchange of gratitude, highlighting the deep respect and friendship between them.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [10:13]: "You were always my favorite character. The way you twisted a joke, it was always the non-obvious way of saying something."

• Lisa Kudrow [24:33]: "There were marathons, and I wanted to watch because it was just... remembering grieving and celebrating."

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [29:08]: "I'm so sorry about Matthew. It’s devastating when it comes out of nowhere."

• Lisa Kudrow [42:49]: "We realize no, no, they were human beings, and some of them made mistakes, but they were tough."

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [43:01]: "It's navigating our ways through the difficult times. That's Politics with Lisa Kudrow."

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Mutual Inspiration: Jesse’s admiration for Lisa's acting approach underscores the profound influence seasoned actors can have on emerging talents.

• Emotional Depth: Both guests highlight the emotional connections formed through long-term projects and personal losses within the industry.

• Legacy and Heritage: Exploring family histories on shows like Who Do You Think You Are? offers meaningful insights into personal identity and legacy.

• Navigating Change: The conversation reflects on adapting to new phases in life and career, emphasizing resilience and continuous growth.

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives of two celebrated actors. Through shared stories, mutual respect, and heartfelt reflections, Jesse and Lisa create a rich narrative that resonates with both fans and those interested in the deeper aspects of personal and professional journeys in the entertainment world.

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