Dan Bucatinsky Goes Deep on Close Friendship with ‘Brilliant’ Lisa Kudrow, from College Years to “The Comeback” (Exclusive)

Dan Bucatinsky has expressed his excitement about reuniting with long-time friend Lisa Kudrow as they embark on the third and final season of HBO’s cult comedy, The Comeback. Bucatinsky, known for his roles in Scandal, reprises his character Billy Stanton, who has been a loyal publicist for Kudrow’s character, the self-absorbed actress Valerie Cherish, since the show’s inception in 2005.

The latest season, which premiered on 22 March, comes after a long hiatus since the series last aired in 2014. In the forthcoming episodes, Billy Stanton steps into the spotlight with a refined personal style while supporting Valerie as she navigates her latest career rollercoaster. Following an Emmy win for Valerie at the end of the previous season, this time she embraces a challenging role in the first sitcom scripted by artificial intelligence.

Describing their camaraderie, Bucatinsky shared that he holds their friendship in high regard. “We value our friendship so much,” he told PEOPLE, indicating the depth of their professional and personal relationship. The duo has collaborated on several projects over the years, strengthening their creative bond.

Bucatinsky took great joy in returning to the show, saying it feels as if they are reuniting with family after each decade apart. “When we got the green light for season three, it felt like a no-brainer,” he remarked. His character, Billy, has evolved significantly over the years and this season he is determined to make a mark in Hollywood with a bolder approach to his personal image.

Under the creative guidance of Kudrow and co-creator Michael Patrick King, the storyline for Billy this season includes a new high-fashion aesthetic as he aspires to be taken seriously in the industry. “Billy is obsessed with the Thom Browne skirt,” Bucatinsky remarked, highlighting how his character’s journey reflects changes in contemporary attitudes towards gender and fashion.

Recollecting their history, Bucatinsky recounted how he and Kudrow first crossed paths during their college years at Vassar. While Kudrow focused on pre-med studies, Bucatinsky was involved in a dance troupe. Their shared background ignited a friendship that blossomed when they reunited on the set of The Opposite of Sex, a film that Bucatinsky’s husband directed.

Despite working together professionally, the duo made it a priority to maintain their personal friendship. This balance allowed them to navigate the challenges that can arise when business intermingles with personal relationships. Bucatinsky expressed gratitude for their partnership, noting how their shared experiences have enriched their work.

Reflecting on the unique nature of The Comeback, Bucatinsky explained that the show’s sporadic returns allow them to tell deeper stories, particularly through Val’s lens. He acknowledged the initial disappointment in being cancelled shortly after their first season but highlighted the show’s eventual resurgence and the creativity it afforded them.

As the series wraps up, there are questions about the possibility of a return in a different format. Bucatinsky affirmed, “It’s the final season,” but allowed that the door remains open for future adaptations, no matter how unconventional they might be. “Anything is possible, I guess,” he mused, embracing the potential for continued storytelling beyond the current series run.

In summary, Bucatinsky’s palpable excitement for The Comeback’s final season is underscored by his enduring friendship with Kudrow. As they tackle the adventures of Valerie Cherish one last time, it promises to be a poignant exploration of ambition, identity, and the unpredictability of fame in the modern world.