Lisa Kudrow is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who has come to fame due to her character Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends (1994–2004). She was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, where she began studying science but then turned to acting.
She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1998 for playing the quirky but lovable character of Phoebe. Friends aside, some of her more notable film projects include Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, which she starred in, and a series called The Comeback that she created herself.
Kudrow has a net worth that is estimated at $130 million and is among the most famous female comedians in Hollywood today.
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Lisa Kudrow Bio/Wiki
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisa Valerie Kudrow |
| Date of Birth | July 30, 1963 |
| Age | 62 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Encino, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | Vassar College (Biology Degree) |
| Profession | Actress, Comedian, Producer, Writer |
| Years Active | 1983–present |
| Famous Role | Phoebe Buffay in Friends |
| Awards | Primetime Emmy Award (1998) |
| Spouse | Michel Stern (m. 1995) |
| Children | Julian Murray Stern (b. 1998) |
| Net Worth | $130 million (approx.) |
Who Is Lisa Kudrow?
Lisa Kudrow is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer best known for her role as the eccentric and lovable Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom Friends (1994–2004).
Born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, Kudrow initially pursued a career in science, earning a biology degree from Vassar College before shifting to acting.
She gained early recognition in comedy and improv before landing small TV roles, eventually securing her breakthrough with Friends, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 1998.
Beyond Friends, Kudrow has built an impressive career in film and television, starring in movies like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and The Opposite of Sex, while also creating and producing acclaimed shows such as The Comeback and Web Therapy.
Despite her Hollywood success, she maintains a relatively private personal life with her husband, French advertising executive Michel Stern, and their son, Julian. With an estimated net worth of $130 million, Kudrow remains a respected and influential figure in entertainment.
Lisa Kudrow Early Life
Lisa Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, into a well-educated, upper-middle-class Jewish family. She was the youngest of three children, raised by her father, Dr. Lee Kudrow, a renowned headache specialist, and her mother, Nedra Kudrow, a travel agent.
Academically driven, Lisa excelled in school and initially had no plans to pursue acting. Inspired by her father’s medical career, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Vassar College, intending to follow in his footsteps.
However, Kudrow’s career took a different turn when she was encouraged by a family friend, actor Jon Lovitz, to explore comedy and improvisation. She joined the renowned improv group The Groundlings in Los Angeles, where she honed her comedic skills.
Soon, she began landing small television roles, including appearances on Cheers and Bob. Her early work eventually led to a recurring role as Ursula Buffay on Mad About You, which later became the foundation for her breakthrough character, Phoebe Buffay, on Friends.
Career Before Friends
Before landing her iconic role on Friends, Lisa Kudrow worked hard to establish herself in the entertainment industry. She began her career in the late 1980s, joining the famous Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy group The Groundlings, where she honed her comedic timing and improvisational skills.
Encouraged by comedian Jon Lovitz, she pursued acting seriously and started auditioning for television roles. Kudrow landed small guest spots on popular shows like Cheers and Newhart, showcasing her natural comedic ability.
Her first major recurring role came in the early 1990s when she was cast as Ursula Buffay, a quirky and spacey waitress, on the NBC sitcom Mad About You.
Her portrayal of Ursula gained attention, and when the creators of Friends were developing the show, they decided to make Ursula the twin sister of Kudrow’s new character, Phoebe Buffay. Around the same time, she was originally cast as Roz Doyle in Frasier but was replaced before the show aired.
Friends Royalties
Lisa Kudrow, along with the rest of the Friends cast, secured one of the most lucrative television deals in history. During the show’s early seasons, the six main actors had varying salaries, but by the time contract negotiations took place in 2000, Kudrow and her co-stars negotiated as a united front.
They secured an unprecedented $1 million per episode for the final two seasons, making them some of the highest-paid TV actors of all time. More importantly, they also negotiated backend points, granting them a percentage of syndication and streaming revenue.
Even years after Friends ended in 2004, the show continues to generate over $1 billion annually through syndication and streaming deals. As a result, each cast member, including Kudrow, reportedly earns $10–$20 million per year in royalties.
This steady income has made Friends one of the most financially rewarding TV shows for its stars, ensuring Kudrow remains among Hollywood’s wealthiest television actors.
Lisa Kudrow Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 137 lbs (62 kg) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, radiant smile, tall frame |
Lisa Kudrow Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship status
Lisa Kudrow has been married to Michel Stern, a French advertising executive, since 1995. The couple met in the early 1990s through a mutual friend, and their relationship blossomed quickly.
Kudrow has often spoken about the importance of maintaining a balance between her public and private lives, and she has been fiercely protective of her personal relationships.
Despite her fame, Kudrow and Stern have kept a relatively low profile in the media, avoiding the typical Hollywood spotlight.
Together, Kudrow and Stern have one child, Julian Murray Stern, born in 1998. Kudrow’s pregnancy was written into the fourth season of Friends, where Phoebe Buffay, her character, also gave birth to triplets.
Kudrow has expressed that motherhood has had a significant impact on her life and career, and she has maintained a strong sense of privacy regarding her family life, choosing to keep her son out of the public eye as much as possible.
Lisa Kudrow Net Worth
Lisa Kudrow net worth is estimated to be around $130 million, largely attributed to her decades-long career in television, film, and various business ventures. Kudrow earned substantial wealth from her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, one of the most successful TV shows in history.
While her initial salary was modest, by the final seasons of the show, Kudrow, along with her co-stars, was making $1 million per episode.
Additionally, the cast negotiated backend points, allowing them to continue earning significant royalties from syndication and streaming deals long after the show ended. This has resulted in steady income from Friends reruns, making her one of the wealthiest television stars.
Beyond Friends, Kudrow has accumulated wealth through her work in films such as Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and The Opposite of Sex, as well as producing and starring in critically acclaimed shows like The Comeback.
Lisa Kudrow Plan and Goals
Lisa Kudrow has always been known for her focus on creativity and passion projects, and her career goals reflect a deep commitment to both acting and producing meaningful content.
While she gained worldwide recognition for her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, Kudrow has sought to diversify her career beyond the small screen. One of her primary goals has been to create and star in shows that resonate with both critics and audiences.
Her creation of The Comeback, where she plays a washed-up TV star trying to revive her career, is an example of her goal to portray complex, unconventional characters.
Kudrow has also produced various projects and aims to continue producing content that challenges the norms of Hollywood and tells stories from unique perspectives.
Lisa Kudrow on Social Media
| Social Media Platform | Followers/Following | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10 million | Kudrow has a significant following, with occasional posts focusing on her projects and personal moments. | |
| 4,000+ | Less active, with occasional updates and engagement with fans. | |
| 4,400+ | Low-key presence, primarily for sharing updates on professional work and projects. |
Fun Facts about Lisa Kudrow
Improv Queen:
Before her breakthrough role on Friends, Lisa Kudrow was a member of The Groundlings, an improv comedy group in Los Angeles, which helped her hone her comedic skills.
Scientifically Inclined:
Kudrow initially pursued a career in science, earning a degree in Biology from Vassar College and even working for eight years in her father’s medical practice as a headache specialist.
Twin Connection:
Her Friends character, Phoebe Buffay, has a twin sister named Ursula, a role Kudrow played first on the sitcom Mad About You. The two roles are connected in the Friends universe.
Aged Like Fine Wine:
Kudrow was 31 when Friends began, making her one of the older cast members. However, she famously played the youngest of the group, Phoebe, despite being older than Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
Award Winner:
Lisa Kudrow won an Emmy Award in 1998 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on Friends.
Her Songwriting Skills:
Kudrow’s character Phoebe became known for quirky songs like Smelly Cat. Kudrow herself co-wrote many of Phoebe’s tunes, showcasing her musical talent.
Voice Acting:
Kudrow voiced a character in the animated series The Simpsons, lending her voice to the character of herself in an episode titled “Barting Over.”
Behind-the-Scenes Success:
Aside from acting, Kudrow has been involved in producing and creating shows, such as the critically acclaimed HBO series The Comeback, which she also starred in.
A Family-Oriented Star:
Lisa Kudrow is known for keeping a relatively private life. She married Michel Stern in 1995 and has one son, Julian Murray Stern, born in 1998.
Go-To Gag:
Kudrow’s Friends character, Phoebe, famously had the ability to make bizarre, funny faces. Kudrow herself has said that she enjoyed playing Phoebe’s eccentricities, which allowed her to explore physical comedy.
Lisa Kudrow Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Lisa Kudrow
What is Lisa Kudrow most famous role?
Lisa Kudrow is most famous for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends (1994–2004). Her quirky, eccentric character became a fan favorite, known for her unique humor and iconic songs like Smelly Cat.
How old is Lisa Kudrow?
Lisa Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, which makes her 62 years old.
Is Lisa Kudrow married?
Yes, Lisa Kudrow has been married to Michel Stern, a French advertising executive, since 1995. The couple has one son, Julian Murray Stern, who was born in 1998.
What is Lisa Kudrow net worth?
Lisa Kudrow net worth is estimated to be around $130 million, largely due to her successful career on Friends and her continued earnings from syndication royalties and other projects.
Did Lisa Kudrow really sing “Smelly Cat” on Friends?
Yes, Lisa Kudrow performed many of Phoebe Buffay’s songs on Friends, including the famous “Smelly Cat”. Kudrow’s comedic talent extended to music, and she co-wrote several of Phoebe’s quirky tunes.
Has Lisa Kudrow worked on any other TV shows besides Friends?
Yes, Kudrow has starred in and produced several other projects, including the critically acclaimed HBO series The Comeback, where she played a former TV star attempting to make a comeback in the industry.
Does Lisa Kudrow have social media?
Yes, Lisa Kudrow is active on social media, primarily on Instagram, where she shares updates on her projects and personal moments, although she keeps her presence relatively low-key compared to other celebrities.
Conclusion of Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow is a multi-talented actress, comedian, and producer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Best known for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, Kudrow’s unique sense of humor, acting range, and ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic roles have made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Beyond her work on Friends, Kudrow has proven herself as a versatile creator, starring in and producing shows like The Comeback. With a career spanning decades, she continues to inspire fans and peers alike, maintaining a balanced, private life while excelling in her professional endeavors.
