Lisa Kudrow Had to Return to Work 10 Days After Giving Birth and Got No Maternity Leave in the 1990s: ‘It’s Insane. I Would Never Do It Now’

Actress Lisa Kudrow revealed during a January 2025 interview on CBS Sunday Morning that she was required to return to work just ten days after giving birth to her son in the 1990s, receiving no formal maternity leave while filming the hit sitcom 'Friends'. The revelation came as she promoted the latest season of her HBO series 'The Comeback' and reflected on the drastic changes in Hollywood workplace culture over the past three decades. Kudrow described the expectation as 'insane' and stated unequivocally that she would never accept such conditions today, highlighting the intense pressure and lack of support for new mothers in the entertainment industry during that era. Kudrow's experience occurred during the peak of 'Friends' popularity in 1998, when she gave birth to her son, Julian. She explained that the show's production schedule and the industry's general attitude at the time treated work as an absolute priority, with little consideration for personal or family needs. The actress had to immediately resume filming, integrating her postpartum recovery into the demanding routine of a weekly television series. This anecdote serves as a stark example of the systemic issues within Hollywood before widespread advocacy for better parental leave policies. The interview underscores a significant cultural shift in the entertainment business, where discussions about work-life balance, parental rights, and supportive workplace environments have become increasingly prominent. Kudrow's reflection is part of a broader conversation led by many actors and crew members who have pushed for more humane working conditions. Her comments resonate with ongoing efforts by unions like SAG-AFTRA to negotiate for improved family leave provisions in industry contracts, marking a clear evolution from the practices she endured nearly thirty years ago.