Lisa Kudrow has rekindled one of television’s most enduring debates.
During “The Tonight Show” on Monday, host Jimmy Fallon questioned Kudrow about her refreshed perspective on the long-standing “Friends” debate surrounding whether Ross and Rachel (portrayed by David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston) were truly “on a break” when Ross engaged in an affair with another woman, fueled by jealousy over Rachel’s coworker, Mark.
Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe Buffay on the popular NBC series that concluded in 2004, humorously remarked, “Yeah, I’m afraid now to bring it up.”
Fallon pressed for her opinion, saying, “This is scandalous. Get ready for some scandal — some tea. What is your take? Were they on a break?”
Kudrow responded, “Well, no,” eliciting a strong reaction from the audience.
She elaborated, “It’s beyond that. It’s beyond break or not — he was a bad boyfriend,” which resonated with the crowd, reflecting a popular view that Schwimmer’s character’s actions were “problematic.”
Surprised, Kudrow asked the audience, “Oh, you agree?”
Fallon chimed in, “Someone finally said it. He was a bad boyfriend.”
While promoting the final season of “The Comeback,” Kudrow pointed out that during the “Friends” reunion a few years back, the cast mainly maintained that Ross and Rachel were on a break.
With heavy sarcasm, she continued, “Rachel, that hysterical shrew. You know, not letting him sleep with someone and won’t get back with him.”
She further commented, “She shouldn’t have gotten back with him, because he was horrible.”
Expressing her view on Ross’ infidelity, Kudrow said, “To me, I don’t care if he slept with three other women or no other women. You had a crisis at work, so you weren’t available for a few nights, and he flipped out — and you’re like, ‘Wow.’”
Fallon enthusiastically replied, “Yes! I love this!”
Watch the interview here:
