Michel Stern, a French-American advertising executive, is best known for his enduring marriage to actress Lisa Kudrow, who gained global fame for her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends. Born in France in 1958, Stern moved to the United States in the late 1980s to carve out a career in advertising. Despite being associated with a high-profile celebrity, Stern has maintained a remarkably low public profile, focusing on his professional endeavors and family life.

A Serendipitous Love Story

The love story between Michel Stern and Kudrow is nothing short of serendipitous. The two first met in the late 1980s under unique circumstances—Stern was dating a French woman who happened to be Kudrow’s roommate. Although Kudrow felt an immediate attraction, she refrained from expressing her feelings out of respect for her roommate.

Kudrow once recalled this phase, saying, “I was living with [a] French girl, and he had just moved here, and they were dating when we first met. But I’m freakishly polite, so 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 play for him].’”

After Stern’s brief relationship ended, he and Kudrow lost touch. It was only six years later, at her former roommate’s birthday party, that they reconnected and began their own relationship. The couple married on May 27, 1995, in a private ceremony in Malibu, California, with close family and friends, including Kudrow’s Friends co-stars, in attendance.

Family Life and Parenthood

In 1998, Stern and Kudrow welcomed their son, Julian Murray Stern. During Kudrow’s pregnancy, the Friends storyline adapted to incorporate her real-life situation, with her character, Phoebe, acting as a surrogate mother for her brother’s triplets. This creative choice allowed Kudrow to remain on the show without disrupting the plot.

Julian has since forged his own path, graduating from the University of Southern California in 2021. Kudrow, expressing her pride, shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Happy proud HAPPY. And a little crying. By me, not him.”

An Evolved Relationship

As of 2025, Michel Stern and Lisa Kudrow are approaching their 30th wedding anniversary. In a recent interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Kudrow offered insights into the evolution of their relationship, explaining how their bond has grown beyond traditional romance.

She stated, “This is 2025; it’ll be 30 years. It’s not a romance; it’s even more than a family member. It’s the most intimate relationship you can have. It’s different from kids, but by 30 years... I’m not going anywhere! No way! That’s how I feel about it.”

These words reflect the depth and resilience of their partnership, emphasizing a connection that has strengthened over time.

Conclusion

Michel Stern's life is a testament to a successful career in advertising and a steadfast commitment to his family. His marriage to Lisa Kudrow stands as a remarkable example of enduring love and partnership, built on respect, deep connection, and a shared journey spanning nearly three decades.