United Kingdom, March 29 -- Lisa Kudrow wasn't convinced Friends would be a hit so wanted to "preserve" another role just in case it was cancelled.

The 62-year-old actress played Phoebe Buffay for 10 years on the beloved comedy series, but when she was first cast in the role, she had a recurring role as a sarcastic and indifferent waitress in NBC's already-established comedy series, and so approached the chance of appearing in Friends with caution in case it put her stability at risk.

She told Vanity Fair magazine: "I was really proud to be able to have a role on Mad About You.

"Honestly, when I shot the pilot of Friends, I thought, 'Yeah, I mean, this is a good show. But good shows don't get picked up all the time.'

"Thank God for Ma...