"I'd played dumbasses a lot. On Mad About You, I played a very dumb waitress and they saw me"

In this quote, Lisa Kudrow reviews a stage in her acting profession defined by her representation of characters who were depicted with an absence of intelligence, or "dumbasses", as she puts it. Kudrow discusses her role as a "very dumb waitress" on the popular TV show "Mad About You", which aired in the 1990s. The role is significant due to the fact that it paved the way for her to be seen and cast in comparable roles that followed, most especially her renowned representation of Phoebe Buffay on "Friends.".

Kudrow's declaration exposes her awareness of being typecast, where actors frequently find themselves repeatedly cast in comparable functions that they have carried out successfully in the past. By utilizing the term "dumbasses", Kudrow talks to a mix of self-deprecation and humor, acknowledging both the limitations and opportunities that such roles provided. It is a candid admission of the stereotypical nature of particular roles in Hollywood, particularly those provided to females during the age when Kudrow was emerging as a prominent actress.

The phrase "they saw me" highlights the power characteristics in the show business, where being discovered by casting directors and manufacturers is crucial for an actor's profession trajectory. Kudrow's early function on "Mad About You" allowed industry experts to recognize her comedic talent and range, eventually resulting in her being cast on "Friends". This chance to be observed-- or 'seen'-- can be the turning point for many stars, especially in a market as competitive as Hollywood.

Through this quote, Kudrow subtly underscores the intricacy of an acting career where adaptability can frequently be eclipsed by being pigeonholed into particular types of roles. Nevertheless, she also recognizes that these functions, despite their constraints, played a pivotal function in shaping and advancing her profession.