Lisa Kudrow
Early Life and Education
Lisa Valerie Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, to Nedra S. (née Stern), a travel agent, and Lee N. Kudrow, a physician who specialized in the treatment of headaches. Kudrow was raised in a middle-class Jewish family and had a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Her ancestors emigrated from Belarus and lived in the village of Ilya, near Minsk. Her paternal grandmother, Gertrude Farberman, emigrated from Ilya during the Second World War to Brooklyn, where her father grew up.
Kudrow attended Portola Middle School in Tarzana, California. In 1979, at the age of 16, she underwent rhinoplasty to reduce the size of her nose. She graduated from Taft High School in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Vassar College, intending to follow in her father's footsteps and research headaches. However, she was inspired to perform by one of her brother's friends, comedian Jon Lovitz, and decided to give acting a try.
Career
Kudrow began her career in the entertainment industry with the improv and sketch comedy troupe The Groundlings. During her time with The Groundlings, Kudrow learned the ropes of comedy and honed her skills, which would later play a significant role in her acting career. In 1989, she landed her first television role as Ursula Buffay in the sitcom Mad About You.
In 1994, Kudrow was cast in the role that would make her a household name: Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends. Her portrayal of the eccentric, free-spirited character earned her critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
After Friends ended in 2004, Kudrow starred in the HBO series The Comeback, which she also co-created and executive produced. The show was a critical success and earned Kudrow a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
In addition to her television work, Kudrow has also had a successful film career, appearing in movies such as Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, The Opposite of Sex, and Easy A. She has also lent her voice to animated films like Dr. Dolittle 2 and Boss Baby.
Personal Life
Kudrow married French advertising executive Michel Stern on May 27, 1995. The couple has one son, Julian Murray Stern, born on May 7, 1998. Kudrow has stated that she decided to become a full-time actress because she felt it would allow her more time to spend with her son.
Kudrow is also known for her philanthropic work. She is an active supporter of the P.S. ARTS organization, which provides arts education to underprivileged children in Los Angeles. She also supports the non-profit organization Stand Up To Cancer.