Lisa Valerie Kudrow, born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, is an acclaimed American actress and comedian best known for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on the beloved television sitcom Friends. The series, which aired from 1994 to 2004, catapulted Kudrow to international fame and earned her numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and various other significant honors such as Screen Actors Guild, Satellite, and American Comedy awards. Phoebe Buffay has since been celebrated as one of the greatest television characters of all time, marking a defining moment in Kudrow's career that opened the doors for her successful ventures in film and television.

Kudrow's early career began with her first television appearance in a 1989 episode of the hit series Cheers, where she played a character named Emily. She then showcased her comedic talents in several episodes of Mad About You (1993) as Ursula, a character whose twin sister, Phoebe, was later introduced in Friends. This clever connection between the two roles not only highlighted Kudrow's versatility but also set the stage for her breakout performance. Following her rise to fame, she starred in the cult classic film Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) and received acclaim for her role in the black comedy drama The Opposite of Sex (1998), which won her the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress.

In addition to her acting prowess, Kudrow proved her creative capabilities by creating, producing, writing, and starring in the HBO mockumentary series The Comeback, which initially aired in 2005. Despite its brief first season, the series garnered a loyal following and was revived for a critically acclaimed second season in 2014, with a third season announced to premiere in 2026. Kudrow's performance in The Comeback earned her nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for both seasons, further solidifying her status as a formidable talent in the industry.

Throughout her career, Kudrow continued to explore diverse roles, receiving praise for her starring performance in the film Kabluey (2007) and appearing in the romantic drama P.S. I Love You. She also produced and starred in the Showtime series Web Therapy from 2011 to 2015, which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, showing her range as both an actress and producer. Furthermore, she has served as a producer on the TLC/NBC reality program Who Do You Think You Are, which has been nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards.

Kudrow's recent work includes roles in the Disney+ film Better Nate Than Ever (2022) and the upcoming series Time Bandits (2024), for which she has garnered nominations at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character Honey the dog in the FOX animated series HouseBroken. With her impressive body of work and contributions to both television and film, Lisa Kudrow remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to captivate audiences with her talent and creativity. She has been married to advertising executive Michel Stern since May 27, 1995, and together, they share a son, further balancing her professional achievements with her personal life.