Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: Episode Featuring Lisa Kudrow

Release Date: February 5, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," longtime comedians Dana Carvey and David Spade delve deep into the life and career of their esteemed guest, Lisa Kudrow. The trio navigates through Lisa's illustrious journey in the entertainment industry, her experiences on iconic shows like Friends, and her latest ventures, all while sharing anecdotes that highlight her wit and charm.

1. Introduction to Lisa Kudrow

The episode kicks off with Dana and David introducing Lisa Kudrow, highlighting her role in the new Netflix show "No Good Deed" alongside talents like Ray Romano and Linda Cardellini.

• Dana Carvey [02:54]: "It's a great cast. And it's from the people who brought you Dead to Me, which was another great show on Netflix."

• David Spade [03:10]: "She's a really funny, talented actress, super down to earth, nice to talk to."

2. Early Life and Relationships

Lisa shares insights into her childhood, particularly her bond with John Lovitz, whom she met at a very young age. The conversation reveals the longstanding friendship between Lisa and John, emphasizing how their early years shaped their comedic styles.

• Dana Carvey [04:10]: "Explain John then to John now just as a personality."

• Lisa Kudrow [05:10]: "There's no difference."

3. Pursuing an Acting Career

Delving into her passion for acting, Lisa recounts her initial challenges in breaking into the industry. She discusses her time with The Groundlings, emphasizing the importance of improv and genuine interaction in acting.

• Lisa Kudrow [07:48]: "I think John was right. You have to listen and respond. It's the most important thing in acting."

• Dana Carvey [08:34]: "You have to audition and keep graduating."

4. Auditioning Anecdotes

One of the standout moments is Lisa's recollection of her audition for Garry Shandling's Larry Sanders, where she inadvertently scared Garry with her improvisation. This story underscores the unpredictable nature of auditions and the fine line performers walk between showcasing talent and overstepping.

• Lisa Kudrow [20:40]: "I scared Gary. I know that."

• Dana Carvey [21:11]: "What was their side?"

5. Transition to "The Comeback" and Beyond

Lisa discusses her role in "The Comeback," highlighting the differences between scripted shows and more improvisational projects. She emphasizes the raw and unfiltered nature of reality shows, juxtaposing them with traditional sitcoms.

• Lisa Kudrow [25:39]: "It was meant to just be raw footage from a reality show."

• David Spade [25:58]: "It was like the early days of The Office."

6. Behind the Scenes of "Friends"

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Lisa's experiences on "Friends." She provides a glimpse into the rigorous shooting schedules, the dynamics with her co-stars, and the challenges of maintaining performance quality over ten years.

• Lisa Kudrow [56:22]: "Everyone was accountable to everybody else."

• David Spade [54:18]: "It was a little easier to get through it all because we appreciated it."

7. Navigating Show Business and Fame

Lisa offers her perspective on the intrusive nature of fame, discussing paparazzi encounters and the balance between personal life and public persona. She highlights the importance of staying grounded despite the pressures of show business.

• Lisa Kudrow [48:17]: "Being married to someone outside the industry helps keep things balanced."

• David Spade [49:03]: "They'll call it out then."

8. Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Towards the end of the episode, Lisa touches upon her ongoing projects, including her new Netflix series. She emphasizes her commitment to diverse roles and continues to showcase her adaptability as an actress.

• Lisa Kudrow [33:33]: "Playing your husband, Ray Romano—that's been a dream come true."

• Dana Carvey [35:56]: "It's on Netflix right now. You can binge it tonight if you want."

Notable Quotes

• Dana Carvey [05:26]: "Explain John then to John now just as a personality."

• Lisa Kudrow [08:29]: "You have to audition, then you have to keep graduating."

• David Spade [16:00]: "If something happened to anyone that I knew, you need financial support."

• Lisa Kudrow [20:37]: "I scared Gary. I know that."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Lisa expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share her journey with Dana and David. The hosts reciprocate the appreciation, highlighting the smooth and enjoyable nature of their conversation.

• Dana Carvey [66:07]: "Thanks."

• Lisa Kudrow [66:12]: "Have a long chat with you."

"Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade" successfully offers listeners an intimate look into Lisa Kudrow's life, blending humor with heartfelt discussions. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Lisa's work, this episode provides valuable insights and plenty of laughs.