The Early Show

Kudrow, McDermott's Edgy Roles

By Rome Neal

October 9, 2003 / 1:21 PM EDT / CBS

Lisa Kudrow and Dylan McDermott star in the crime movie "Wonderland," which exmines the real life of porn star John Holmes and his involvement in the gruesome murders that took place in 1981 atop Wonderland Avenue in Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon.

The star-studded cast includes Val Kilmer as Holmes and Kate Bosworth as his 15-year-old girlfriend. McDermott, who left his role on the TV show "The Practice" this year, plays David Lind, a Wonderland drug dealer and John Holmes' business partner. Kudrow portrays Holmes' estranged wife, Sharon.

McDermott and Kudrow sat down with The Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler to discuss their parts in the gritty film.

Kudrow, known for lighter TV roles including her portrayal of Phoebe on "Friends," met the real Sharon for an insight into her life.

"[Sharon] was happy with the movie," Kudrow says. "This woman was so patient and kind and unbelievable for all that she put up with ... Although, I think from Sharon's point of view, because I met with her a few times, she was pretty strong and tough on [Holmes]."

The actress explains that her character's relationship with Holmes and his girlfriend Dawn Schiller (Bosworth) created a weird family.

"[Sharon] didn't approve of what [Holmes] was doing," Kudrow explains. "She didn't know about it until two years into his career. And she just felt very maternal toward Dawn because she was so young."

For McDermott, being on the set of "Wonderland" and playing David Lind was a trip down memory lane.

"I was lucky enough to grow up next to a motorcycle gang when I was a kid," McDermott says. "So I always saw the comings and goings of these motorcycle guys. And so for me, it was sort of like remembering."

"Wonderland" tells the story from the perspectves of a number of characters, with some implicating John Holmes as having an involvement in the crime.

"David definitely implicates John in the murder and he was the person there and who opened the door and let this all happen," explains McDermott.

By the end of the movie, Kudrow and McDermott say the characters may have discovered that there is no honor among thieves or drug addicts.

Some Facts About Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, Calif.

Kudrow graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology to pursue a career in research

The actress was a part of the Los Angeles comedy troupe, The Groundlings

In 1992, she was cast in a recurring role as Ursula, the ditzy waitress on NBC's "Mad About You"

In 1994, Kudrow was cast as Phoebe on NBC's "Friends; she later won an Emmy for her role

In 1997, Kudrow starred opposite Oscar winner Mira Sorvino in "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion"

In 1998, the actress received a New York Film Critics Award for her starring role in "The Opposite of Sex"

Some Facts About Dylan McDermott

Dylan McDermott was born in Waterbury, Conn., on Oct. 26, 1961

In 1987, had a small role in the movie "Hamburger Hill"

In 1993, the actor got his big break in Clint Eastwood's "In the Line of Fire"

In 1997, McDermott was cast to play Bobby Donnell in ABC's "The Practice"

In 1998, McDermott was chosen by People Magazine as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World."

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