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Kristen Bell and her mother Lorelei Frygier | Source: Getty Images
Kristen Bell and her mother Lorelei Frygier | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell's Mother Lorelei Frygier Was a Nurse with Dark Sense of Humor

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Mar 07, 2023
09:15 A.M.

Lorelei Frygier has been Kristen Bell's biggest cheerleader. She has not only always been there for her daughter's dreams, but she has also taught her how important it is to embrace one's quirks and differences.

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While their relationship isn't perfect, Kristen Bell regards Lorelei Frygier as a caring and compassionate mother. From food choices to health struggles, Lorelei is there to help her.

Aside from expressing pride in her mom's kindness, Kirsten takes great pride in inheriting her mother's persona, which has only strengthened their bond over time.

Kristen Bell speaks during the NBC segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 8, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell speaks during the NBC segment of the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 8, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lorelei, a former nurse, has an interesting family life and parenting skills. She gave birth to a daughter, Kristen, who became a Hollywood household name.

Kristen gained fame for her stunning performances in several series, such as "Veronica Mars" and "The Good Place," as well as her roles in the movies "The Lifeguard" and "Queenpins."

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In a Wall Street Journal interview in 2022, Kristen opened up about her fascinating childhood at Huntington Woods, Detroit.

Kristen Bell and mother Lorilei Frygier attend the "Spartan" premiere on March 8, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell and mother Lorilei Frygier attend the "Spartan" premiere on March 8, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lorelei Frygier Was Married Three Times and Still Keeps in Touch With Her Ex-husbands

Kristen grew up in a blended family; her mom was married three times. Lorelei was married to her first husband, Tom Bell, who worked in radio and later became a director.

Kirsten's parents were together for seven years before she was born on July 18, 1980. However, the couple eventually divorced when their daughter was only six months old.

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Nevertheless, Tom did not wholly abandon his first wife and their child. Instead, when he married for the second time, he lived nearby, within ten blocks of Kristen and her mother's house.

Tom and his second wife, Kelly, welcomed two daughters, Sara and Jody. Although it was a unique family situation, Kristen mentioned everyone got along well.

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Meanwhile, Lorelei married her second husband, John, with whom she had two sons, John Jr. and Matt. But Lorelei and John split when Kristen was just nine years old.

After a few years, Lorelei started dating Larry, her third and last husband. Kristen was 11 years old when the couple met. Unfortunately, the couple divorced when Kirsten was 19 years old.

Kristen Bell pictured between her step-mother Kelly and father Tom Bell at the premiere of the film "Spartan" on March 8, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell pictured between her step-mother Kelly and father Tom Bell at the premiere of the film "Spartan" on March 8, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lorelai's two ex-husbands, like Tom, are still involved in her and her children's lives. Kristen recalled that one of her stepfathers would still check in on her. She added:

"To this day, I talk to most of them. I still call Larry 'the artist formerly known as my stepdad.'"

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Kristen expressed her admiration for Larry and remembered that he had bought an album and given it to her secretly, as her mother forbade her from buying it.

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Lorelei Frygier Was Studying Cardiology and Brought Home Some Educational Videos

Kristen's mother was a dedicated health professional. Lorelei was a cardiac nurse for several years before transitioning into neonatal care and, later on, geriatrics.

As a health professional, Lorelei wanted to expose her children to her chosen field. While studying cardiology, she brought educational videos, including footage of open-heart surgeries, to share with her kids.

In a recent interview with "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Kristen revealed her mother's eccentric side.

Tom Bell, Lorelei Bell, honoree Kristen Bell at the the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 19, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Bell, Lorelei Bell, honoree Kristen Bell at the the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 19, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lorelei loved her medical profession and remains proud of her career. Kristen deeply respects her mother's work, as she witnessed how her mom cared for her patients daily.

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Kristen's respect for her mom grew during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. She realized how empowering her mother's work was, as she put the needs of others ahead of her own.

Kristen Bell visits the SiriusXM Studios on March 22, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell visits the SiriusXM Studios on March 22, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Lorelei Frygier Has Extreme Sense of Humor but Also Is a 'Born Again Christian'

Lorelei is a devoted mother who looks after her children's best interests and prioritizes their health and happiness. She supported Kristen's decision to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle.

Kristen's vegetarianism began as a child because she has a soft spot for animals. Lorelei often told her she needed a balanced diet with zinc, iron, and other minerals besides vegetables.

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Also, Lorelei, who once struggled with depression, helped Kristen deal with her own mental health struggles. Because of how open she has been about her mental illness, she encouraged the Hollywood star to seek treatment.

Kristen Bell attends the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Kristen Bell attends the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Not only did Lorelei encourage Kristen to seek treatment, but she also encouraged her daughter to embrace some quirks in her life. Lorelei has a dark sense of humor and likes to pull jokes on her daughter.

In a recent interview with "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Kristen revealed her mother's eccentric side. In high school, Kristen revealed that her mom "borrowed" from a mortician "three human hearts" and brought them to her science class.

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Her mom's quirky humor continued later in college. Lorelei sent her a dead lizard, a taxidermied crocodile she bought at a garage sale, and "Christmas cookies" that were dead cicada shells.

Kristen enjoyed the quirkiness of their relationship. She had never been offended by her mother's odd jokes, too, and she said she had inherited her mother's dark humor.

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Lorelei's sense of humor seemed to balance out her deep religious beliefs. According to Kristen in a 2018 People interview, her mother is a devout "born again Christian."

Kristen herself does not adhere to any particular religious faith, which caused some discord between them. The actress is open about discussing taboo topics without hesitation.

Even though they have different perspectives, Kristen Bell said she respects her mother's religious beliefs and would never judge or criticize her.

Like Kirsten and Lorelei, other notable celebrities like Selena Gomez and Angelina Jolie had a love-hate connection with their parents. As time passed, however, they were able to mend each of their relationships.

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