When you think of Lisa Kudrow, you probably picture Phoebe Buffay’s eccentric guitar playing or that iconic "Smelly Cat" melody. But while the world was watching Phoebe navigate life as a surrogate for her brother's triplets, the real story was happening off-camera. Lisa Kudrow was actually pregnant with her only child, Julian Murray Stern.
It’s one of those Hollywood facts that feels like common knowledge now, yet the details of their relationship are surprisingly grounded. Julian isn't your typical "nepo baby" trying to outshine his mother on the red carpet. In fact, for a long time, he wasn't even a fan of the show that made her a household name.
The Secret "Seventh" Friend
Julian Murray Stern was born on May 7, 1998. If you’re a Friends fanatic, that date might ring a bell—it’s the same night the Season 4 finale, "The One with Ross's Wedding," aired. Talk about timing.
Because his mother’s pregnancy was written into the script, Julian was basically a part of the cast before he was even born. Lisa has shared stories about the pre-show huddles where the six main actors would gather backstage. They didn't just wish each other luck; they’d include "little Julian" in the group hug.
He grew up on that set.
Literally.
There's a famous anecdote Lisa tells about Julian mistaking Jennifer Aniston for his mother because they spent so much time together. He’d see Jennifer on the TV and shout "Mommy!" Honestly, who could blame him?
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Why Lisa Kudrow and Son Chose a Different Path
Despite being the son of one of the most famous women in the world, Julian has kept things relatively low-key. He’s an only child, and apparently, he preferred it that way. Lisa once mentioned that even as a toddler, he’d thank her for not giving him a brother or sister. He liked his independence.
That independence led him to the University of Southern California (USC). He didn't just coast through on his name, though. He graduated from the School of Cinematic Arts in 2021 with a degree in Film and Television Production.
He’s a creator in his own right.
Breaking into the Industry
Julian is carving out a career as an actor and editor. You won't find him in massive blockbusters just yet, but he's been putting in the work. He has credits in short films like Seth’s Big Break 2 and has worked as an editor on projects like The Voiceless Man.
Interestingly, he didn't actually sit down to watch Friends until the pandemic hit. Before that, he’d seen a few episodes because kids at school were talking about it, but it wasn't his "thing."
When he finally watched it, his review was classic: "It’s actually really funny."
Lisa’s reaction? She joked in interviews that she wanted to tell him, "F**k you!" for being so surprised. It’s that dry, self-deprecating humor they clearly both share. It makes their bond feel a lot more real than the polished PR versions of celebrity families we usually see.
Life After the "Empty Nest"
When Julian left for college, Lisa was vocal about the "empty nest" syndrome. She’s described herself as an analytical parent who tried to "inject him with the right amount of fear" to keep him safe in the real world.
It seems to have worked.
The most touching moment between them happened after the Friends reunion in 2021. Julian attended the taping and told his mom afterward how proud he was of her. Not because she was a celebrity, but because he finally understood the impact of what she had built.
What to Watch For Next
If you're following the career of Lisa Kudrow and son, keep an eye on the indie film circuit. Julian seems much more interested in the technical, "behind-the-scenes" craft of filmmaking than the paparazzi-fueled side of Hollywood.
- Watch his early work: You can find some of his short film contributions on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.
- Follow Lisa’s interviews: She remains one of the few stars who speaks candidly about the boring, difficult, and rewarding parts of raising a child in the spotlight.
- Support indie cinema: Julian’s trajectory suggests he’ll be part of the next generation of filmmakers who value story over spectacle.
The takeaway here is simple: celebrity kids don't always have to be "brands." Sometimes, they're just film students who think their moms are "kind of" funny.