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Who Is Michel Stern? All About Lisa Kudrow’s Husband and Their 30-Year Marriage
Lisa Kudrow is known to millions as Phoebe Buffay, the eccentric and lovable character from the iconic sitcom Friends. But off-screen, Kudrow leads a much quieter life, one she shares with her longtime husband, Michel Stern. While Kudrow is a staple on television and red carpets, Stern has largely stayed out of the spotlight, despite being her partner for three decades.
As they approach their 30th wedding anniversary in 2025, curiosity about Michel Stern has grown, especially after Kudrow’s recent comments describing their marriage as “not a romance” but something even deeper. Here’s a comprehensive look at who Michel Stern is, how their love story began, and what their relationship looks like today.
Who is Michel Stern?
Michel Stern, Lisa Kudrow’s husband is a French advertising executive.
Source: Getty Images
Michel Stern is a French-born advertising executive who has spent most of his professional life in the United States. Raised in France, Stern relocated to the U.S. in the 1980s to further his career and eventually built a successful life in advertising.
Unlike his wife, who became a household name for her work in television and film, Stern has kept his life intensely private. He rarely appears in public or gives interviews, and his professional work has stayed entirely behind the scenes. Still, his support for Kudrow’s career has been quietly constant throughout their decades together.
How did Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern meet?
Michael Stern and Lisa Kudrow, pictured in 1998, the year they welcomed their son, Julian.
Source: Alex Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock
Their first encounter could easily be the plot of a romantic comedy. Kudrow met Stern under slightly awkward circumstances—he was dating her roommate at the time. In a past interview, Kudrow shared that she was living with a French woman when she first saw Stern, and he instantly caught her attention.
“I saw him and went, ‘Well, he’s the perfect man, and it’s all ruined because now they’re together and I can’t [make a move],’” Kudrow recalled. Out of respect, she kept her distance and refrained from interfering in their relationship.
It wasn’t until six years later that they crossed paths again—this time at her former roommate’s birthday party. The timing was finally right, and the two began talking. As Kudrow later put it, they “never stopped.”
When did they get married?
Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern tied the knot in 1995, the same year Friends began gaining momentum as a cultural phenomenon. Their wedding marked the beginning of a partnership that would endure Hollywood fame, parenthood, and the complexities of balancing public life with private devotion.
The couple celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2020, though not in the traditional way. Kudrow shared during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she and Stern were separated due to the pandemic lockdown at the time.
“But that house needed work… And then it got hotter, as it does in the Palm Springs area,” she explained. “So it was too hot for me.” Still, she said their bond was strong enough that celebrating apart didn’t change anything. “I love you. You still love me? Yeah. Great. We’re good.”
What has Lisa Kudrow said about their relationship?
Lisa has spoken out about the importance of maintaining independence while married.
Source: Getty Images
Kudrow has spoken sparingly but meaningfully about her marriage over the years. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, she offered insight into what keeps their relationship grounded. “When Michel and I decided to get married, we understood: 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.”
That commitment to growth over permanence has been a central theme in their marriage. “We’re committed to our marriage working,” she said. “After you have a history, there’s such a bond, and love takes another shape.”
Kudrow also emphasised the importance of independence in their relationship. She mentioned that Stern enjoys travelling and taking golf trips, while she prefers to stay home. “I think people get in trouble [when they assume they’re] supposed to be one unit, in sync about everything,” she added. “Marriage is like being on a team. Each teammate is different, but you have the same goal.”
What did Lisa Kudrow recently say that sparked rumors?
In a 2025 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Kudrow made a rare and introspective comment about her marriage. Speaking about her upcoming 30th wedding anniversary, she said, “This is 2025, it’ll be 30 years. It’s not a romance, it’s even more than a family member.”
While some interpreted the remark as signalling trouble, Kudrow clarified her meaning. She described their marriage as the “most intimate relationship you can have,” adding, “I’m not going anywhere! No way! That’s how I feel about it.”
Her honesty gave fans a rare peek into the depth and evolution of a long-term relationship. While it’s not the honeymoon phase, Kudrow made it clear that their bond has transformed into something stronger and more enduring.
Do they have children?
Michel Stern, Julian Murray Stern, and Lisa Kudrow in 2013.
Source: Donato Sardella/Getty Images
Yes, Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern share one son, Julian Murray Stern. He was born in 1998, during the height of Kudrow’s fame on Friends. In fact, Kudrow’s real-life pregnancy was written into the show, with her character Phoebe acting as a surrogate for her brother’s triplets.
Julian graduated from the University of Southern California in 2021, and Kudrow shared the news with a mix of pride and emotion. “Happy proud HAPPY. And a little crying. By me not him,” she wrote on Instagram.
Julian has mostly stayed out of the limelight, though he’s occasionally seen in family photos shared by Kudrow. It’s clear that he’s a major source of pride for both parents.
How does Michel Stern feel about Kudrow’s career?
While Michel Stern maintains a low profile, Kudrow has shared that he is a fan of her work, even more so than she is herself. When the Friends cast reunited in 2021 for their highly anticipated special, she admitted that Stern enjoyed watching the episodes far more than she did.
“Michel and I started watching some of season 4, which I thought I had watched… He enjoys them more than I do,” she said, adding, “Because I’m mortified with myself.”
His quiet encouragement has always been a part of Kudrow’s support system, even as she tackled iconic roles and emotionally charged public moments, such as her tribute to late co-star Matthew Perry in 2023.
Why they kept their marriage so private
Over the years, Kudrow and Stern have rarely been seen in public together, aside from occasional red-carpet appearances. They’ve been photographed at events like the Comeback premiere, the Emmy Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, but those moments have been few and far between.
Their privacy has helped them preserve what matters most. Their approach to fame is deliberate, Kudrow embraces her role in the public eye, while Stern remains an unwavering presence behind the scenes.
FAQs
Who is Michel Stern? Michel Stern is a French-born advertising executive and the longtime husband of actress Lisa Kudrow. The couple has been married since 1995.
How did Michel Stern meet Lisa Kudrow? Stern was dating Kudrow’s roommate when they first met. Years later, they reconnected at a birthday party and eventually began dating.
Do Michel Stern and Lisa Kudrow have children? Yes, they have a son named Julian, born in 1998. He is now 26 years old and a graduate of USC.
Is Michel Stern in the public eye? No, Stern prefers to keep a low profile. He rarely appears in the media and has built a career outside the entertainment industry.
Are Michel Stern and Lisa Kudrow still together in 2025? Yes, as of July 2025, they are still together and approaching their 30th wedding anniversary.
What did Lisa Kudrow say about their marriage recently? She described their relationship as “not a romance” but “the most intimate relationship you can have,” clarifying that she has no plans to leave.
