Lisa Kudrow was born on July 30, 1963 in Encino, CA, and was raised in Tarzana, CA. Kudrow and her husband live in Los Angeles.
Lisa Kudrow graduated from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY with a B.A. degree in biology. Intending to pursue a career in research, she returned to Los Angeles and began working with her father, a world-renowned headache specialist. In all likelihood, Kudrow would be a researcher today if she had not been inspired to perform by one of her brother's friends, actor/comedian Jon Lovitz.
Kudrow began studying with Cynthia Szigeti, a well-known improvisation teacher based in Los Angeles. In that class she met and became close friends with then-unknown Conan O'Brien. In 1989, her dream of becoming a performer became a reality when she was accepted as a member of the famed Los Angeles improv group, The Groundlings.
A recurring role as Ursula, the ditzy waitress on the comedy series "Mad About You," led to Kudrow's starring role on "Friends."
In her free time she performs with the Transformers improv group and teaches and performs at The Groundlings. Lisa Kudrow played varsity-level tennis in high school and college and is a pool shark. She grew up in a home that had a pool table and has mastered some of the more difficult trick shots.
Awards
1998 - Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, "Friends"
2000 - Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, "Friends"
2000 - American Comedy Awards: Funniest Supporting Female Performer in a TV Series, "Friends" |
