‘The Comeback’s’ Lisa Kudrow Celebrates Emmy Nomination, Ponders Channeling Valerie Cherish to Woo Voters

Executive producer of “Who Do You Think You Are?” also talks the show’s snub: “We’re just not in the window of remembrance”

Lisa Kudrow’s revived HBO series “The Comeback” earned her a second Emmy nod for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, it was announced on Thursday.

In her hilarious satire of the television industry, Kudrow plays Valerie Cherish, a has-been sitcom star trying to launch herself back into the spotlight.

Her competition includes Amy Schumer (“Inside Amy Schumer”), Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation”), Lily Tomlin (“Grace and Frankie”), Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie”) and Julia Louis Dreyfus (“Veep”). Fresh off the news of her nomination, Kudrow talked to TheWrap about the field of contenders and brainstormed how to get voter attention.

What was your immediate reaction, and how do you plan to celebrate?
It was just, “Yay! That’s good! That’s extra!” To celebrate — I don’t know, I might go out with some people from “The Comeback” tonight. Maybe. Or stay home. [Laughs]

Who is the stiffest competition in your category?
All of them. I could imagine all of them winning before I do. [Laughs]

If you win, whose face would you like to rub it in? Were there any naysayers?
I don’t think — there was no naysayer. Who is a naysayer? I don’t know. Do you know that I had a naysayer? Is it you? [Laughs]

What did you think were the biggest snubs this year — for your show or just in general?
Look, I’m disappointed that Michael Patrick King wasn’t nominated for directing, ’cause that is such a huge part of what this show is. Then, also: the show. But I get it; there’s a lot of stiff competition … I thought it was really good work. But then who does a show and says, “Yeah, I guess we didn’t work that hard?” I also have to say I’m disappointed “Who Do You Think You Are?” didn’t get a nomination. I get it. We were on a year ago and we’re about to be on and we’re just not in the window of remembrance.

How do you plan to wow voters between now and September?
I haven’t come up with a secret weapon yet. Do you have a suggestion?

One Wrap staffer says he’s expecting actors to come out to restaurants and perform live to get voters’ attention.
[Laughs] How about Valerie Cherish? Maybe I need to really channel her now. Get all their addresses [and show up]: “Just wanted to say hi!”

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