Lisa Kudrow, born on July 30, 1963, in Encino, California, is an American actress best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay on the television sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004 [1]. Kudrow's portrayal of Phoebe earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998, along with nominations for Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and American Comedy Awards [2].

Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, Kudrow graduated from Vassar College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology [2]. Initially aspiring to a career in research, she was inspired to pursue acting by comedian Jon Lovitz, a friend of her brother [2]. Kudrow joined the improv theater group The Groundlings in Los Angeles, where she honed her comedic skills [2].

Before Friends, Kudrow had a recurring role as Ursula, the ditsy waitress on Mad About You. Her character Ursula was later integrated into the Friends storyline as Phoebe's twin sister [1]. Kudrow's film career includes notable roles in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997), The Opposite of Sex (1998), and Analyze This (1999) and its sequel Analyze That (2002) [1].

Kudrow also created, produced, wrote, and starred in the HBO mockumentary series The Comeback, which earned her Primetime Emmy nominations for both its seasons [1]. She starred in and produced the Showtime program Web Therapy (2011–2015), and is a producer on the reality program Who Do You Think You Are, which has been nominated for multiple Primetime Emmy Awards [1].

Lisa Kudrow is married to Michel Stern, an advertising executive, and they have one son, Julian Murray [2].