When we think of quiet love stories with lasting charm, Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern top the list. Their story feels like it came straight out of a romantic movie. At Dapper Diary, we’re diving into a love story that’s as timeless as classic fashion. We’re talking about Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe on Friends, and her husband, Michel (Michael) Stern. They met by chance in the 1980s and have now shared nearly three decades together. Let’s take a walk through their romance timeline and find out what they’re up to now!
Michel Stern is originally from France, where he was born and raised. According to a 1995 interview Lisa Kudrow gave to The New York Times, Michel began his career in advertising and later continued his work in the United States. He keeps a low profile, so not much is known about him publicly. However, it’s clear he enjoys Friends. During the 2021 reunion special, Kudrow shared that they rewatched some of season 4 together. She joked, “Michel enjoys them more than I do—I get embarrassed watching myself!”
We know that every good love story has a surprising beginning, and theirs was no different. This one starts with a crush, a roommate, and perfect timing. The “Smelly Cat” singer, Lisa, met Michel for the first time in the late 1980s. He was dating Lisa’s roommate at the time. She once said, “I saw him and thought, ‘That’s the perfect man, but too bad he’s dating my roommate.’” They didn’t date right away. Lisa was respectful, and Michel stayed loyal. It was a moment of mutual admiration left on pause.
Sometimes love needs a second chance to begin. A few years later, fate decided to give them that moment. In the early 1990s, Michel Stern and Lisa’s roommate broke up. As luck would have it, they saw each other again at a birthday party. This time, things felt different. They sparked a friendship, and that quickly turned into something more. From then on, they started dating seriously.
Now, when we fast forward a few years, their story has turned into a real-life fairytale. In May 1993, they reportedly became a couple. By 1994, they were engaged and planning their future together. On May 27, 1995, Lisa and Michel tied the knot in a private beach ceremony in Malibu. It was simple, beautiful, and attended by her Friends co-stars (except David Schwimmer, who was filming). Their vows were said in English and French. And they say romance is dead!
Soon after, their family began to grow. Life was moving fast, and Lisa’s TV world was about to reflect her real one. In 1998, Lisa gave birth to their son, Julian Murray Stern, on May 7. Her pregnancy was written into Friends, where Phoebe became a surrogate. The cast supported her completely, both on and off-screen. Lisa’s real and fictional worlds came together in the sweetest way!
Though they’re a private couple, they’ve stepped out together on special occasions. Each appearance is rare and stylish. In 1998, Michel joined Lisa at the Emmys when she won Best Supporting Actress for Friends. Over the years, they’ve attended charity events and red carpets together.
In 2005–2006, they appeared at The Comeback premiere and more Emmy nights. Michel Stern and Lisa Kudrow prefer to keep things classy, but not flashy.
What makes a marriage work for so long? According to Lisa, it’s all about being a team and staying grounded. In 2014, Lisa told Glamour that they didn’t promise to “love forever.” Instead, they promised to face problems together. It’s not about perfection. In 2015, the couple appeared at a Los Angeles gala, dressed in sleek black. Their message remained the same: partnership, balance, and deep respect for each other.
We all know that the world changed in 2020, and even long-time couples had to adapt. For Lisa and Michel, their love kept going even though they were living in different cities. In 2020, they both celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary apart due to COVID restrictions. Lisa stayed in Los Angeles while Michel managed renovations in Palm Springs. She later shared that their bond had grown into something more intimate than romance, such as family, but stronger. We are glad to know that distance didn’t break their connection; it only showed how real it was.
Source Image: George Pimentel//Getty Images
Now in the present, Lisa and Michel are proud parents of a grown son. Their love story continues, just more quietly. In 2021, Julian graduated from USC. Lisa was overjoyed and even admitted to crying from pride. He’s now building his own life and career while staying out of the spotlight.
As of 2025, Lisa is still acting and producing. Michel continues to work in advertising and prefers privacy. Together, they remain one of Hollywood’s most grounded couples.
Lisa Kudrow’s fans are left wondering, “Where are they now?” Well, you’ll be glad to know that even after 30 years, Lisa and Michel continue to thrive both personally and professionally. Lisa is busy with new projects like Time Bandits and No Good Deed, keeping her place in Hollywood strong. Michel Stern stays behind the scenes, working in advertising and enjoying a private life. Julian is starting his own chapter. He’s exploring career opportunities and occasionally helps out with his dad’s work.
Source Image: Steve Granitz
If their story teaches us anything, it’s that real love doesn’t need to be flashy. It just needs honesty, patience, and trust. Their journey reminds us that timing matters. They were respectful, patient, and grew from friendship. It wasn’t fast, but it was real. They don’t rely on public praise to prove anything. Instead, they choose quiet loyalty, shared values, and a deep sense of partnership.
Source Image: Frank Trapper//Getty Images
Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern’s relationship is a perfect example of quiet strength and timeless love. Just like classic fashion, their story never goes out of style. They met when the timing was off, grew into something solid, and now have decades of shared memories. At Dapper Diary, we are all about celebrating stories that make us believe in fairytales. Lisa and Michel Stern’s relationship reminds me of just that. If you want picture-perfect celebrity romances, then bookmark Dapper Diary for the latest fashion and celebrity news!
