Lisa Kudrow Fell for Husband at First Sight, but It Took 6 Years Before They Could Be Together

• Comedic maestro Lisa Kudrow fell in love the very first time she laid eyes on Michel Stern.
• But her love at first sight faced a six-year gestation before blooming into a lifetime commitment.
• The couple has been married for 28 years now, making her the only "Friends" cast member with an enduring marriage.

Lisa Kudrow stands out not only for her comedic brilliance on screen but for her rare combination of stardom and a bachelor's degree. With iconic roles like Phoebe Buffay in the sitcom "Friends" and the eccentric Dr. Fiona Wallice in "Web Therapy," Kudrow has brought her audiences laughter, leaving them in stitches.

With a biology degree from Vassar, she ventured into comedy, making waves by creating and starring in HBO's "The Comeback" in 2005. The mockumentary explored fame's challenges before the Kardashian era, highlighting her versatility. But Kudrow's success is not just limited to the screen; she's been married to Michel Stern for nearly three decades.

Unlike most of her "Friends" co-stars, Kudrow has only been married once and has never been divorced. For decades, Kudrow and Stern have navigated the challenges of fame with a low-profile elegance. But despite their discretion, Kudrow has shared glimpses of their enduring love, emphasizing a commitment to working through challenges and the evolution of love over time.

This unscripted story began in the 1980s when Kudrow first laid eyes on Stern, an advertising executive who, coincidentally, was dating her French roommate. Stern, who was born and raised in France, moved to the US to pursue his career.

The spark was instantaneous, but even after feeling a magnetic pull, Kudrow's innate politeness held her back from making a move. She thought, "Well, he's the perfect man, and it's all ruined because now they're together."

Stern and Kudrow's roommate dated for a short while before parting ways. The initial two-and-a-half-month fling evolved into a lifelong friendship, and six years later, serendipity played its part when Stern attended his ex-girlfriend's birthday party. Kudrow and Stern rekindled their connection during the party and forged a relationship from there.

On May 27, 1995, Kudrow and Stern tied the knot in Malibu. True to the "Friends" theme song, her castmates were there to witness the union, with the exception of David Schwimmer, who was filming a movie in Manhattan. The bond among the "Friends" cast extended beyond the screen, creating a family atmosphere.

A few years later, fans of "Friends" witnessed a unique blend of fiction and reality as Phoebe Buffay, played by Kudrow, acted as a surrogate during seasons 4 and 5. Kudrow's real-life pregnancy was seamlessly woven into Phoebe's storyline, creating heartwarming moments both on and off-screen.

According to Kudrow, her castmates and crew acknowledged her real-life pregnancy and showed love to her unborn baby. During the pre-show huddles, they would tell the baby that they loved him, showcasing the close-knit bond among the "Friends."

In May 1998, Kudrow and Stern welcomed their son, Julian Murray Stern, into the world. This joyous occasion was not just a personal milestone but one that merged seamlessly with Kudrow's professional life, as she clinched the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series that same year.

While Kudrow has always shielded her son from the limelight, she makes exceptions and shares some of his most significant milestones on her socials. In 2021, Julian graduated from the University of Southern California, and his proud mother shared the happy moment with her Instagram followers. She captioned it, "Happy proud HAPPY. And a little crying. By me not him."

Stern rarely makes public appearances with his famous wife. Still, he has always stood by Kudrow's side during significant career milestones, including her Emmy win in 1998 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and her nomination in 2006 for "The Comeback."

The pair donned matching outfits at both events, reflecting style and a partnership that weathered the challenges of Hollywood. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a unique challenge for the couple during their 25th-anniversary celebration. Physical distance and house renovations became unexpected factors, yet Kudrow and Stern embraced the unpredictability with humor and grace.

During a virtual interview, Kudrow said that they didn't need to spend their anniversaries together as long as they loved each other. She humorously narrated, "We were like, 'Oh, well. Does it matter? I love you. You still love me? Yeah. Great. We're good.'"

As fate would have it, the couple celebrated their 26th anniversary on the night of "Friends: The Reunion." Reflecting on their time on the iconic show, the castmates revealed that they had all watched all the "Friends" seasons except Kudrow. She shared that she avoided certain seasons because she was embarrassed.

Stern's enjoyment of watching her performances adds a touch of humor to their enduring love story. In the rare moments when the spotlight turns to their personal dynamics, Stern emerges as more than a supporting figure. Kudrow revealed that her husband is a big fan of the show.

Stern's genuine admiration for Kudrow's craft is heartwarming, as he expresses his love for watching his wife play the iconic Phoebe. Unlike the typical Hollywood tales, Kudrow and Stern opted for a realistic approach.

"We're not promising to love each other forever because you can't do that, but we are promising to work on whatever problems come up," Kudrow shared in 2014. Approaching the milestone of three decades in marriage, Kudrow contemplates the distinctive connection that develops over time.

Their commitment extends beyond mere promises of eternal love. As Kudrow shared with Glamour, "We're committed to our marriage working." She expresses the idea that, following the accumulation of shared experiences, a profound bond forms, and love undergoes a transformation.

Drawing a parallel to teamwork, Kudrow likens marriage to being part of a team where each member contributes uniquely, yet they share a common objective. From an unusual beginning to navigating the complexities of Hollywood, their love has not only endured but flourished.