Nik Dodani, a rising star in the entertainment world, has garnered praise for his comedic roles and his meaningful connection with Hollywood legend Lisa Kudrow. Their relationship, forged years ago, is one of mentorship and mutual respect, and it’s a bond that continues to grow, particularly through their shared work on projects like The Parenting.
Dodani’s journey with Kudrow began in 2014, when the actress, best known for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, gave him his very first television job. The opportunity came when Kudrow cast him in the second season of her show The Comeback. Reflecting on his early career, Dodani opened up to Gayety at the GLAAD Media Awards saying, “It was actually kind of a full-circle moment for me. Lisa gave me my first job ever.” At the time, Dodani was just 19 years old, still new to the world of television and acting. Landing a role on The Comeback was an unforgettable experience for the young actor, and it set the stage for the incredible trajectory his career would take.
Nik Dodani attends the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton on March 27, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for GLAAD
As he recalls, the process happened fast: “Within 48 hours, I did two episodes,” Dodani said. “It was kind of just insane. I was 19, and this was before I had any real recognition. Seeing Lisa now, as a fellow professional and almost an equal, is really special. It’s been such a fun journey.” This sense of awe and gratitude has clearly stuck with Dodani, and his continued collaboration with Kudrow has only strengthened their connection.
Their shared bond grew deeper when they reunited on the set of The Parenting, a horror-comedy film that premiered on Max in March 2025. The movie centers on Rohan (Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), a couple who meet each other’s parents during a weekend getaway that takes an unexpected supernatural turn. In the film, Kudrow plays Josh’s laid-back mother, Liddy, and her portrayal is a perfect fit for the film’s quirky and heartfelt tone.
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For Dodani, working with Kudrow again was more than just a professional collaboration—it was an emotional moment of growth and camaraderie. “It was amazing to work with Lisa again,” he said. “She’s always been a mentor to me, and getting to share the screen with her again felt surreal. I’m grateful for everything she’s taught me, both professionally and personally.” The dynamic between the two actors is not only evident on screen but off-screen as well, with Dodani describing Kudrow as supportive and encouraging, especially in their early days working together.
As The Parenting takes viewers through a series of humorous and bizarre events, the chemistry between Dodani and Kudrow shines. The film plays on themes of family dynamics and the tension that comes with meeting a partner’s parents for the first time. But what sets this project apart is its focus on an LGBTQ+ relationship, a portrayal that feels both groundbreaking and deeply relatable. “The movie is about meeting your partner’s parents, which is terrifying no matter your orientation,” Dodani said. “But having a queer couple at the center of it is special. It makes the experience more relatable for so many people.”
Nik Dodani, Vivian Bang, Lisa Kudrow for ‘The Parenting.’ Photo: Max
The film’s humor and heart come through as Rohan and Josh navigate the awkwardness of family introductions. The comedy is centered around their differing family dynamics: Josh’s parents, played by Dean Norris and Lisa Kudrow, are easygoing and welcoming, while Rohan’s adoptive parents, played by Brian Cox and Edie Falco, are more critical and conservative. This contrast adds to the hilarity of the situation, and the awkwardness of family gatherings is something viewers of all backgrounds can identify with.
Behind the scenes, the camaraderie among the cast was just as enjoyable. Dodani fondly recalls the experience of filming in a small, haunted hotel in Massachusetts, where the cast spent two and a half months together. The environment fostered a “summer camp” feel, with the actors bonding over shared meals, movie nights, and even excursions to local cemeteries. “It was really fun,” Dodani said. “Brandon my co-star and I were pleasantly surprised that all these legends were so down-to-earth. Lisa Kudrow and the other actors were just as willing to hang out and be normal, doing things like watching movies and doing seances. It made the experience even more special.”
This down-to-earth atmosphere extended to Dodani’s relationship with his co-star, Brandon Flynn. The two actors play a couple on screen, and their behind-the-scenes dynamic was equally supportive and authentic. “There was so much love between us. We were able to just be ourselves on set. It was real,” Dodani said. “We had each other’s backs, and I think that really showed on screen.”
Brian Cox, Nik Dodani, Brandon Flynn, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Lisa Kudrow for ‘The Parenting.’ Photo: Max
Despite the lighthearted nature of The Parenting, there were moments on set that tested the actors’ ability to keep it together. One scene in particular stood out to Dodani as one of the funniest moments during filming. It involved a monologue from Dean Norris, playing Josh’s father, that had the cast in fits of laughter. “I remember Dean gave this monologue about a boring car ride, and it was so funny that we couldn’t keep it together,” Dodani recalled. “They actually had to cut some of it out because we were laughing too much. It was one of those moments where you realize how talented the cast is.”
While the film explores supernatural elements—complete with a haunted house and demonic possessions—the heart of the story lies in the universal themes of love, family, and acceptance. For Dodani, the opportunity to be part of a project that focuses on LGBTQ+ representation was deeply meaningful. “It’s really important to me that stories like this get told,” he said. “Seeing a queer couple at the center of a movie about family and relationships is powerful. It speaks to a lot of people, and that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.”
