Jennifer Coolidge has praised Lisa Kudrow for helping her at the start of her career.

The 50-year-old comic actress - who reprises her role as 'Stifler's Mom' in 'American Reunion' - auditioned for Los Angeles improvisation group The Groundlings when she was starting off in showbusiness and the former 'Friends' star was one of the voters who accepted her.

Jennifer will never forget the support Lisa - who played Phoebe Buffay in the hit sitcom - gave her.

In an interview with Stylist magazine, she said: ''Lisa was part of the voting committee. I really owe her. She's one of those girls in Hollywood who helps other girls, I'll never forget that.''

Years later Jennifer teamed up on screen with Lisa when she had a guest role as Amanda Buffamontesi, an old friend of Monica (Courteney Cox) and Phoebe's, in 'Friends'.

The blonde star remembers her brief stint on the show fondly, but accepts her work on it was probably not that big a deal for the main cast members, which also included Jennifer Aniston.

Jennifer - who also appeared as the character in 'Friends' spin-off 'Joey' opposite Matt LeBlanc - said: ''Oh yeah (it was fun on 'Friends'). But it's really weird. There's a huge difference between being a guest star and being a part of something. You think you're having this unique experience but they have this experience every week so it's not quite how you think.''