1997 Cult Classic Film, Starring a Legendary ‘Friends' Actress, Was Released 29 Years Ago Today
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion was a hit 1997 comedy film starring Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow. The story followed two friends who invented fake careers to impress their classmates at their high school reunion.
Over the years, the film has become a cult classic that was adapted into an off-Broadway stage musical. There is also a sequel is in the works with 20th Century Studios, with Sorvino and Kudrow set to reprise their original roles.
Alan Cumming, the host of the popular reality show, The Traitors, was also a character in the original film. He played a successful businessman who was unpopular in high school and had a crush on Kudrow's character.
Since meeting Kudrow, the two stars have become close friends. "I was so thrilled that he was going to be in Romy and Michele," Kudrow recently told Vanity Fair. "He was so good. And then getting to meet him-and he's so fun and light, so down to earth, but still like a little bit of that-oh, what is it? I don't know-joie de vivre."
Kudrow recently honored Cumming in the Time's list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026. "Everything about him is thrilling," she wrote. "And yet, there's something about him that makes you feel like you can take a deep, calming breath whenever he's near. He's so fully himself-so free, so authentic-that simply being around him feels like a celebration. It's really no wonder everyone is so drawn to him."
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When speaking about the tribute, Cumming told Us Weekly, "I didn't know it was going to be her. … They don't tell you. And so it was just such a lovely surprise. And you know, everything that she said about me, I completely feel about her." Cumming continued, "It's a lovely thing about knowing someone for a really long time, and having it be a genuine friendship."
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, which is rated R, is currently streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 7:43 AM.