Lisa Kudrow is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who gained global recognition for her role as Phoebe Buffay in the hit sitcom Friends.
However, with a career spanning over three decades, Kudrow has become one of Hollywood’s most respected comedic actresses, appearing in numerous television shows and films.
Her work has earned her multiple awards, including an Emmy, and she has successfully ventured into production and writing.
Early Life and Family Background
Lisa Valerie Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, Los Angeles, California.
She was raised in a Jewish family by her parents, Lee Kudrow, a physician specializing in headaches, and Nedra Kudrow, a travel agent. Lisa grew up alongside her siblings, David, Derrick, and Helene, in a middle-class environment that emphasized education and professional success.
Her paternal ancestors were from Belarus, and she has Polish, German, and Hungarian Jewish heritage.
Her family’s history is deeply tied to the Holocaust, with her paternal great-grandmother among those who perished.
Kudrow has often spoken about her roots, even participating in the reality show Who Do You Think You Are? to trace her family history.
Education and Early Career Aspirations
Kudrow attended Portola Middle School in Tarzana before moving on to Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.
She later pursued a degree in biology at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, with plans to follow in her father’s footsteps as a medical researcher.
During her time working for her father, she contributed to a study on left-handed individuals and their susceptibility to cluster headaches.
However, comedy soon became her true passion.
Encouraged by her brother’s friend, actor and comedian Jon Lovitz, she joined The Groundlings, an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe in Los Angeles, where she honed her comedic skills.
Breakthrough in Hollywood
Lisa Kudrow’s first appearances in television came with small roles in Cheers and Bob, and a recurring role as Ursula Buffay in Mad About You.
This character was later incorporated into Friends as the twin sister of her most famous role, Phoebe Buffay.
In 1994, Kudrow was cast as Phoebe Buffay in Friends, a role that made her an international star.
She played the quirky, free-spirited masseuse and musician for all ten seasons, from 1994 to 2004.
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The show was a massive success, making Kudrow and her co-stars some of the highest-paid TV actors of all time, earning up to $1 million per episode in the final seasons.
Her portrayal of Phoebe earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 1998 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
She also received multiple nominations for Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Film and Television Career Post-Friends
After Friends, Kudrow continued to make a mark in Hollywood with a mix of comedic and dramatic roles.
Television Success
– In 2005, she created, wrote, and starred in The Comeback, an HBO mockumentary about a washed-up sitcom actress trying to regain her fame.
The show was ahead of its time, gaining cult status, and was revived in 2014 for a second season, earning Kudrow an Emmy nomination.
– She starred in Web Therapy (2011–2015), an improvised comedy series where she played an unorthodox therapist conducting short sessions via webcam.
– Kudrow has also appeared in shows like BoJack Horseman, Scandal, The Good Place, and Space Force.
– She served as an executive producer for the reality series Who Do You Think You Are?, where celebrities trace their family history.
Film Career
Lisa Kudrow has had a steady presence in film, with roles in both comedy and drama.
Some of her notable films include:
– Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
– Analyze This (1999) and Analyze That (2002)
– P.S. I Love You (2007)
– Easy A (2010)
– Neighbors (2014) and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
– The Boss Baby (2017)
– Booksmart (2019)
– No Good Deed (2024)
Her performances have consistently showcased her versatility as an actress, blending comedy with moments of emotional depth.
Personal Life and Marriage
Lisa Kudrow married French advertising executive Michel Stern on May 27, 1995.
The couple has maintained a strong and private relationship over the years.
They have a son, Julian Murray Stern, born on May 7, 1998.
Kudrow’s pregnancy was famously written into Friends, where her character Phoebe became a surrogate for her brother’s triplets.
She has spoken openly about her struggles with body image, revealing that she experienced body dysmorphic disorder during her time on Friends.
Despite being in the public eye, she has managed to maintain a relatively private life away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Lisa Kudrow has an estimated net worth of $130 million.
Her fortune primarily comes from her Friends salary, syndication royalties, and numerous acting projects.
She co-founded the production company Is or Isn’t Entertainment, which has been involved in multiple television projects, including The Comeback and Who Do You Think You Are?
Kudrow has also invested in real estate, selling a luxury penthouse in Park City, Utah, in 2017.
Awards and Recognition
Lisa Kudrow has received widespread recognition for her contributions to television and film. Some of her accolades include:
– Primetime Emmy Award for Friends (1998)
– Screen Actors Guild Awards (2 wins)
– American Comedy Award
– TV Guide Award
– New York Film Critics Circle Award
– Multiple Golden Globe and Emmy
Nominations
She has been consistently praised for her comedic timing, originality, and ability to bring depth to her characters.
Legacy and Impact
Lisa Kudrow remains one of the most influential comedic actresses of her generation.
Her role as Phoebe Buffay continues to be celebrated as one of television’s most iconic characters.
Friends remains popular worldwide, introducing new generations to her work through streaming platforms.
Beyond acting, Kudrow has made significant contributions as a producer, championing unique storytelling in television.
Her work on The Comeback and Web Therapy showcased her innovative approach to comedy, often ahead of its time.
Despite her wealth and success, Kudrow has stayed grounded, using her platform to support causes related to education and mental health.
Her journey from a research assistant to a global star is an inspiration, proving that following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary success.
Conclusion
Lisa Kudrow’s career is a testament to talent, perseverance, and comedic brilliance.
From her legendary role in Friends to her continued success in film and television, she has cemented herself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses.
With a net worth of $130 million and a lasting legacy in entertainment, Kudrow’s impact on comedy and television is undeniable.
Her ability to balance humor with sincerity has made her a standout performer, and her contributions behind the scenes continue to shape the industry.
As she remains active in Hollywood, fans eagerly anticipate what she will do next.