Overview
- Kudrow, who spoke to NPR’s Fresh Air on Monday, said she will not sing Phoebe Buffay’s signature song 'Smelly Cat' when fans ask her to perform it in public.
- She told the interview she has “zero complaints” about Friends and that the cast intentionally built close off‑camera relationships by spending downtime together and playing poker between takes.
- Kudrow reiterated an earlier account that she once lobbied to play Rachel Green but was kept as Phoebe after producers said they were committed to the way Phoebe had been cast.
- The song 'Smelly Cat' first appeared in season two and became a running gag for Phoebe; musician Chrissie Hynde guest‑starred in the episode that introduced the tune.
- Kudrow’s remarks arrive as she gains new awards attention for HBO’s The Comeback and have renewed reporting on 1990s casting choices and how actors manage their public persona.