Biography: Kudos for Kudrow! Hardly the dumb blonde of "The Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)", Lisa Kudrow was born in Encino, California, on July 30, 1963. Her father Lee was a physician, and her mother Nedra a travel agent. Lisa was raised in Tarzana and played varsity-level tennis in high school and college, and is a pool shark who has mastered some of the more difficult trick shots (so bewar ... show all Kudos for Kudrow! Hardly the dumb blonde of "The Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)", Lisa Kudrow was born in Encino, California, on July 30, 1963. Her father Lee was a physician, and her mother Nedra a travel agent. Lisa was raised in Tarzana and played varsity-level tennis in high school and college, and is a pool shark who has mastered some of the more difficult trick shots (so beware). She graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology. At first she wanted to pursue a career in research, so she returned to Los Angeles to begin working with her father. However, Lisa got inspired to perform by one of her brother's friends, comedian Jon Lovitz, and so the tall (5' 9") blond-haired, green-eyed beauty entered show biz. Lisa auditioned for the improv theater group The Groundlings, based in Los Angeles. Cynthia Szigeti, a well-known improv teacher, took Lisa under her wing. In that class, Lisa became a friend of 'Conan OBrien. Graduating with honors, in 1989 Lisa became a full-fledged member of The Groundlings. Breaking into TV, she got a recurring role as Ursula, the ditzy waitress on "Mad About You" (1992)" This led to her starring role on "Friends" (1994)" In the debut season (1994-95) of "Friends," Lisa earned an Emmy nomination as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series; in 1998 she won that award for her role as Phoebe, the ditzy but lovable folk singer. Lisa has also been nominated for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and American Comedy Awards for her performances. Lisa made the transition to the big screen with a lot of success. In 1997 she starred opposite Oscar winner Mira Sorvino in the above-mentioned "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion." Lisa garnered more praise for her film work when she got the New York Film Critics Award for her starring role in "Opposite of Sex (1998)" Lisa married Michael Stern, an advertising executive, on May 27, 1995. On May 7, 1998, they were blessed with a son, Julian Murray; they live in Los Angeles. hide |
