Why Lisa Kudrow Won’t Sing ‘Smelly Cat’ Again

Lisa Kudrow explains why she avoids singing Smelly Cat while still loving Friends.

Why Lisa Kudrow Will Never Sing ‘Smelly Cat’ Again

What would you do if someone asked Phoebe Buffay to sing “Smelly Cat”?

Maybe you would think nothing of it — after all, it is just a silly little jingle. However, Lisa Kudrow — who played Phoebe on Friends — has some disappointing news for fans hoping to hear her perform this tune.

The actress recently revealed her thoughts on this subject in the podcast Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley.

Whilst many people believed that Kudrow would have no problem doing what fans asked, her response was actually rather surprising. This proves that she makes a clear distinction between her character, Phoebe, and who she is in real life.

Why Does ‘Smelly Cat’ Annoy Lisa Kudrow?

For many fans of the hit TV show Friends, “Smelly Cat” will always be one of the most iconic songs in pop culture. Phoebe would often play and sing this silly ditty on her guitar in Central Perk, delighting passersby with her unique and quirky personality.

However, it seems that this particular characteristic of hers is not always pleasant for Lisa Kudrow to display in real life, as the actress has revealed that she does not like when people ask her to perform this song.

When asked to explain why she feels this way, Kudrow responded by saying that whenever someone asks her to do this, it leaves a bad taste in her mouth. In other words, she does not want to do it.

• “Smelly Cat” belongs to Phoebe, not Lisa.
• Kudrow has asked fans not to expect live performances.
• Her decision is about her personal boundary.

This does not necessarily mean she does not love the song. It means she does not wish to make every fan meeting seem like a Phoebe performance.

She Still Loves ‘Friends’

There is a significant difference here.

Kudrow refusing a request to perform “Smelly Cat” does not mean that she has ill thoughts about Friends. In fact, she has mentioned that she has expressed affection for the show and her time spent with the other cast members.

She is able to fondly remember and recite most of Phoebe’s famed speaking parts. She also knows why people adore Phoebe, as she played the role for many years.

Phoebe Buffay was not just a silly character. She was also kind, quirky, and quite often unexpectedly honest. Kudrow was responsible for bringing one of the most adored TV characters to life.

She simply wishes to enjoy her independence without being tied to that character.

The Special Bond Behind The Six

Kudrow has also discussed the relationship between Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and herself. The six of them formed one of the most iconic ensembles in television.

It may seem easy, even necessary, to believe that their relationship was built on a natural chemistry.

However, Kudrow has mentioned that some effort did need to be put into forming that famed bond.

Each of the six actors had to be respectful of the others and willing to put in the work for the show.

They learned each other’s humor, and the rhythms of their relationships were vital to making their on-screen dynamic so believable.

The cast learned each other’s quirks and worked together for years, sharing an enduring bond.

Why This Matters

Kudrow’s response is significant because celebrity actors are often pressured into repeating roles and being available at any time. Although fans adore what actors do for a living, the performers are still able to retain their autonomy.

Kudrow’s response is a reminder that she does not wish to sacrifice her independence just for the sake of the fans. She also wants to enjoy her time outside of the character as much as she enjoys participating in the role.

Lisa’s refusal to perform “Smelly Cat” is also a reminder that Friends will always exist in TV history, while Lisa herself is a woman with her own personal life and career.

Phoebe’s Legacy Lives On

Although “Smelly Cat” may not be performed live for fans, Phoebe Buffay will always hold a place in the hearts of Friends viewers.

They adore this strange, silly character who has so much heart and makes them laugh.

Kudrow can keep her independence while still enjoying the legacy of the role she played for so long.

We think that’s pretty neat, but what about you?

What is your favorite spoken Phoebe Buffay quote from Friends?