Hollywood has produced countless icons, but only a few continue to captivate audiences decades after their final curtain call. Bette Davis belongs firmly in that rare category. More than 35 years after her death, the legendary actress remains a source of admiration for performers across generations.
One of those admirers is Lisa Kudrow. During a June 2026 “Closet Picks” segment with the Criterion Collection, the beloved “Friends” star shared heartfelt thoughts about Davis and explained why the screen legend continues to inspire her.
Kudrow’s praise was not focused solely on acting ability. Instead, the Emmy-winning actress highlighted something deeper. According to Kudrow, Davis possessed a rare combination of strength, intelligence, and self-awareness that made every performance unforgettable. “One of the most interesting women,” Kudrow said while discussing the Hollywood icon.
The Confidence That Made Bette Davis Unforgettable
Kudrow pointed directly to that quality during the discussion. The acclaimed comedian described Davis as “really strong” and praised the actress for understanding exactly who she was.
“She just sort of knew who she was and put that in all of her characters,” Kudrow explained. That confidence became one of Davis’s defining traits. Audiences could sense it in every performance. Characters felt layered, complicated, and completely believable because Davis never seemed afraid to expose flaws, fears, or vulnerabilities.
The legendary actress built a career playing women who refused to fit neatly into expectations. Instead of portraying one-dimensional heroines, Davis embraced difficult characters with sharp edges and powerful emotions.
That willingness to challenge audiences helped separate Davis from many contemporaries. Even today, film historians often point to the actress’s fearless approach as one of the reasons performances remain so compelling.
For Kudrow, that self-assured quality appears to be at the heart of Davis’s appeal. The pop queen of the ’70s did not simply perform a role. She infused each character with a distinct sense of identity and resilience.
“Now, Voyager” Holds a Special Place in Kudrow’s Heart
The beloved drama carries personal significance because it was Kudrow’s mother’s favorite movie. That family connection helped create an early appreciation for the film and its remarkable lead performance.
In “Now, Voyager,” Davis plays Charlotte Vale, a troubled heiress trapped under the control of a domineering mother. After receiving psychiatric treatment, Charlotte gradually transforms into a confident and independent woman.
The emotional journey remains one of the most celebrated character arcs in classic cinema. Davis navigates every stage of the transformation with remarkable depth and sensitivity.
Kudrow noted how striking it was to see such powerful female characters during an era when women faced significant social limitations. “They had barely any rights, right?” Kudrow reflected. “I mean, not barely. They could vote. Just. And I thought, ‘Wow, they are so much stronger.'”
That observation highlights one of the reasons classic films continue to resonate. Many Golden Age actresses portrayed women with extraordinary determination despite living in a society that often restricted their opportunities.
