Lisa Kudrow wrapped her beloved mockumentary series "The Comeback" with the finale airing this week, marking the end of a project she's stewarded since its 2005 debut on HBO. The actress co-created, co-wrote, executive produced, and starred as Valerie Cherish, the delusional aspiring actress at the show's core.
Kudrow told The Hollywood Reporter that saying goodbye to Valerie proves bittersweet despite the character's staying power in her creative life. "I'll miss her. I know she's here, I have access to her, but it's sad," Kudrow reflected on concluding the final episode.
The revival, which premiered on HBO Max last year, brought Valerie into the streaming era after a 13-year absence. The character's desperate pursuit of relevance and validation translated seamlessly to contemporary celebrity culture. Kudrow's commitment to the role extends beyond acting. Her involvement in writing and executive production allowed her to shape Valerie's arc across both the original run and its resurrection, maintaining the show's satirical edge about Hollywood ambition and delusion.
What distinguishes Kudrow's take on Valerie is her refusal to position the character as pitiable. "She's not a victim," Kudrow stressed, emphasizing that Valerie's struggles stem from her own choices and self-deception rather than external circumstances. This moral clarity elevated "The Comeback" beyond simple cringe comedy. The series functioned as commentary on fame-seeking behavior, the performative nature of entertainment industry socializing, and how people construct narratives around their failures.
Kudrow's post-"Friends" career has centered on riskier material. Projects like "Web Therapy" and "The Comeback" showcase her willingness to inhabit uncomfortable characters and explore dark comedic territory.