Nedra Kudrow Stern is mostly known as Lisa Kudrow’s mother. This article delves into her background, career, and more.
Background
Nedra Stern Kudrow was born in Brooklyn New York to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. Details of her exact date of birth are unknown to the public.
Career
Nedra Stern Kudrow was a travel agent and she was in the business for over 40 years. She owns a travel agency called Travels by Nedra. She’s traveled to over 80 countries and written several books about her travels.
Personal Life
In 1964 she married physician Lee N. Kudrow. They had two children, Lisa and her older brother David. The family moved to Los Angeles, California, when Lisa was two. Nedra also survived breast cancer at a point.
Nedra Kudrow backs her daughter’s career. And she has followed Lisa to several award shows and events.
Her Daughter, Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow, the actress best known for her role as the eccentric masseuse and folk singer, Phoebe Buffay, in the sitcom “Friends” has built a career far beyond Central Perk.
Kudrow was born in Los Angeles in 1963 to a family that was into science. Her father, Lee Kudrow, was a doctor and her mother, Nedra Stern, was a travel agent. With this scientific background came Lisa’s love of creativity. She attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, after graduating from Taft High School. There she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1985. Interesting enough, she had early career plans in medical research like her father.
However, fate had other plans. Kudrow started acting while completing her research goals. She joined The Los Angeles improvised comedy troupe, The Groundlings. This shift helped her greatly. Her comedic talent landed her roles in late 1980s – early 1990s television shows including “Cheers” and “Mad About You.” But it was her 1994 audition for a new sitcom titled Six of One Friends that made her a star.
The show became popular, and was later renamed Friends. Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe Buffay with her quirky personality, infectious optimism and offbeat musical talents won her audiences worldwide. The role garnered her ten Emmy Award nominations and established her as a comedic powerhouse.
After “Friends” ended in 2004, Kudrow showed her acting versatility. She wrote, produced and starred in the critically acclaimed but short-lived HBO series “The Comeback”, which was about a washed-up sitcom actress. She further refined her dramatic chops with films like The Opposite of Sex and Wonderland. Kudrow has also appeared on television, playing roles such as Web Therapy and voicing animated characters.
Kudrow has a net worth of around USD 90 million due to her long and successful career. She has also served as an executive producer for the genealogy documentary series “Who Do You Think You Are?” In that role she learned about her ancestry.
Lisa Kudrow married French advertising executive Michel Stern in 1995. They have a son, Julian Murray Stern.
Lisa Kudrow’s journey is an inspiration – following your creative passions can pay off – even with a scientific background. From her offbeat “Friends” days to her acclaimed filmography, she is an established actress.
