Lisa Kudrow reveals why she was fired from Frasier before joining cast of Friends

Did you know that, before becoming the beloved Phoebe from Friends, Lisa Kudrow was set to play Roz Doyle in Frasier, the spin-off of Cheers? The actress was fired before she even had the chance and is finally revealing why.

If you’re a fan of the sitcom Frasier, which ran for 11 seasons, you likely remember actress Peri Gilpin in the shoes of the character Roz Doyle. Gilpin portrayed the character, a single woman and the producer of Frasier’s radio show until the series wrapped in 2004. To this day, it’s the role Gilpin is best known for.

So when we learned that Lisa Kudrow had the role first, we were surprised. Of course, it all worked out for the best. The role of Phoebe Buffay was made for Kudrow, no one else would have brought the fun and unique character to life any better.

Still, it makes you wonder if there was any drama behind-the-scenes of Frasier or what the reason was to fire Kudrow. According to a report from Screen Rant, fans finally know why.

Why was Lisa Kudrow fired from Frasier?

The reason you don’t remember Kudrow as Roz Doyle is because she was removed from the role before it even filmed.

Kudrow was set to play the part in the Frasier sitcom, but director James Burrow didn’t believe she was “right for the part,” Kudrow shares in an interview with The Stern Show.

Kudrow recalls:

"“I wasn’t right for the part, for the chemistry of the group. So that wasn’t working, but I did think, ‘Oh, I am not this guy’s [James Burrow] cup of tea.'”"

So while we all, including Kudrow, know this was ultimately for the best, it seems she was hurt by this decision at the time and may have taken it personally. Don’t worry, there weren’t any harsh feelings as Kudrow ended up auditioning for Burrow just a year after for the role of Phoebe for Friends. 

I’m glad it truly wasn’t personal! And had Burrow not made this call, we never would have seen Kudrow as Phoebe, and I can’t even imagine the show without her!