Julian Murray Stern is an American actor, filmmaker, and editor best known as the only son of Lisa Kudrow, the award-winning actress famous for playing Phoebe Buffay in Friends, and her husband, advertising executive Michel Stern. Born on May 7, 1998, Julian grew up in Los Angeles and later graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2021. He has developed experience in editing, writing, directing, and acting, including his 2026 television role in HBO’s The Comeback alongside his mother.
Although his family connection introduced him to the entertainment industry, Julian has worked to develop his own creative identity.
He studied film production, participated in independent projects, and received recognition for his editing skills.
His professional experience includes the short film Wish Upon a Disco Ball, which earned him an editing award at USC’s First Look Festival in 2022.
In 2026, Julian appeared as Evan in the third season of The Comeback.
The role became particularly meaningful because it allowed him to act with Lisa in a major television production.
He also accompanied his mother to the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards.
As of October 2026, Julian Murray Stern is 28 years old and is continuing to build his career in the entertainment industry.
Quick Bio: Julian Murray Stern
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julian Murray Stern |
| Professional Name | Julian Stern |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1998 |
| Age in 2026 | 28 years |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, filmmaker, editor, writer |
| Mother | Lisa Kudrow |
| Father | Michel Stern |
| Siblings | None |
| University | University of Southern California |
| School | USC School of Cinematic Arts |
| Graduation Year | 2021 |
| Field of Study | Film and television production |
| Known Television Series | The Comeback (2026) |
| Character | Evan |
| Notable Editing Credit | Wish Upon a Disco Ball |
| Award | 2022 USC First Look Faculty Jury Award for Editing |
| Other Creative Interests | Directing, comedy, storytelling |
| Relationship Status | Not publicly confirmed |
| Net Worth | Not independently verified |
Who Is Julian Murray Stern?
Julian Murray Stern is a young American entertainment professional whose work includes acting and filmmaking.
He became known to the public because his mother is Lisa Kudrow, one of the six original stars of Friends.
However, Julian did not immediately pursue the same career path as his mother.
Instead, he developed an interest in what happens behind the camera.
He studied film and television production at USC, where he learned about directing, editing, writing, and the practical process of creating films.
After graduating, he worked on independent productions.
He gained recognition as an editor before appearing on HBO’s The Comeback in 2026.
The series introduced him to a much larger television audience.
Julian has also shown an interest in comedy and creating original stories.
His professional choices reflect a desire to understand several aspects of filmmaking rather than focus only on performing.
Julian Murray Stern’s Early Life
Julian was born on May 7, 1998, in Los Angeles, California.
His mother, Lisa Kudrow, was already internationally famous when he was born.
She was appearing in the fourth season of Friends, one of the most popular television programs of the 1990s.
Growing Up in Los Angeles
Julian spent his childhood in a city closely connected to film and television.
His mother worked as an actress, writer, and producer.
His father worked in advertising.
This exposed him to both the creative and business aspects of entertainment.
Childhood Around Television
Lisa sometimes brought Julian to the sets of her television productions.
He met actors and production workers at a young age.
However, he did not begin a high-profile career as a child star.
Instead, he focused on school and eventually developed his own interest in filmmaking.
A Private Family Life
Despite Lisa’s international fame, she and Michel generally protected their son’s privacy.
Julian occasionally appeared at public events with his mother, but much of his childhood remained outside the media spotlight.
His more frequent public appearances began after he reached adulthood.
Julian Murray Stern’s Parents
Julian’s parents are Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern.
They married on May 27, 1995, approximately three years before Julian was born.
Their marriage has lasted more than three decades.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa was born on July 30, 1963, in Los Angeles.
She gained worldwide recognition through Friends.
She later worked on numerous films and television projects, including The Comeback, Web Therapy, and The Opposite of Sex.
Michel Stern
Michel Stern is a French-born advertising executive.
He has generally remained outside Hollywood’s public spotlight.
Although his wife is internationally famous, Michel prefers a private professional life.
How Lisa and Michel Met
Lisa has explained that she first met Michel while he was dating her roommate.
She was attracted to him but did not pursue a relationship at that time.
They later reconnected.
Their relationship developed into a marriage in 1995.
Raising Julian Together
Lisa and Michel welcomed Julian in 1998.
He became their only child.
Both parents supported his education and later creative ambitions.
Their family relationship has occasionally been visible through interviews and public appearances.
Julian Murray Stern Is Lisa Kudrow’s Only Child
Julian does not have brothers or sisters.
He is the only child of Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern.
Growing Up as an Only Child
Julian spent much of his childhood around adults who worked in creative professions.
He was also able to observe how his mother balanced family responsibilities with a demanding entertainment career.
His Relationship With Lisa
Lisa has frequently expressed pride in Julian.
She celebrated his college graduation and later praised his acting ability.
Their affectionate relationship became especially visible during their work on The Comeback.
His Relationship With Michel
Julian also maintains a close connection with his father.
In March 2026, all three family members attended the premiere of The Comeback.
They posed together for photographers, creating a relatively rare public family appearance.
Julian Murray Stern Was Born During Friends
One of the most interesting facts about Julian is that Lisa Kudrow was pregnant with him while filming Friends.
The writers incorporated her real pregnancy into the show’s storyline.
Phoebe’s Pregnancy Story
Lisa played Phoebe Buffay.
During the fourth season, Phoebe agreed to become a surrogate for her half-brother Frank Jr. and his wife Alice.
She later gave birth to triplets in the series.
A Real Pregnancy Behind the Fiction
Lisa was carrying Julian during the filming of this storyline.
The writers adapted the character’s circumstances to accommodate her pregnancy.
Was Julian in Friends?
Julian was not a credited child actor on the show.
His connection is that Lisa was pregnant with him while portraying Phoebe.
He was also born during the show’s successful run.
Why Fans Remember This Story
The storyline remains one of Phoebe’s most memorable moments.
Many viewers are interested to learn that it was influenced by Lisa’s real-life pregnancy.
Julian therefore has a unique connection to television history, even though he did not personally perform in the sitcom.
Julian Murray Stern and Jennifer Aniston
Julian developed a special connection with Jennifer Aniston during his childhood.
Jennifer played Rachel Green on Friends and worked closely with Lisa for ten seasons.
Visiting the Friends Set
Lisa sometimes brought Julian to work.
He spent time around Jennifer and the other cast members.
Jennifer was affectionate toward him and helped him feel comfortable.
Calling Jennifer Mommy
During a 2021 interview with Conan O’Brien, Lisa remembered that Julian was especially fond of Jennifer.
He sometimes ran toward Jennifer and sat on her lap.
Lisa also recalled that, when Julian was very young, he occasionally referred to Jennifer as “Mommy” while watching television.
A Funny Family Memory
Lisa discussed the story with humor.
It reflected the warmth Julian experienced around her colleagues.
It did not mean he was genuinely confused about who his mother was.
The anecdote remains one of the most widely shared stories about his early childhood.
Julian Murray Stern’s Education
Julian attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
He studied at its School of Cinematic Arts.
USC is known for its film, television, animation, and entertainment programs.
Choosing Film Production
Julian became interested in creating films, rather than concentrating only on acting.
He wanted to understand how stories develop from scripts into finished productions.
Film production allowed him to explore several creative disciplines.
Learning Practical Skills
Students at film schools often work together on short productions.
They develop skills involving camera equipment, sound, editing, producing, and directing.
Julian participated in projects that helped him understand different aspects of filmmaking.
Graduation in 2021
Julian graduated from USC in May 2021.
Lisa celebrated his achievement by sharing a photograph on social media.
She expressed pride in his academic accomplishments.
His graduation also marked the beginning of his professional career outside university.
Julian Murray Stern’s Career as a Filmmaker
Julian has developed experience working both behind and in front of the camera.
His creative interests include editing, acting, writing, and directing.
An Interest in Comedy
Several of Julian’s projects involve comedy.
He has shown an interest in stories built around unusual situations, personal relationships, and humor.
His television role in The Comeback also reflects this creative direction.
Working Independently
Julian has participated in smaller film projects outside major Hollywood studios.
Independent filmmaking allows developing artists to experiment with ideas.
It also provides opportunities to collaborate with other young professionals.
Learning Different Roles
Working as both an editor and performer can provide useful perspectives.
An editor understands how performances are arranged into scenes.
An actor learns how dialogue and physical movement communicate character.
Julian’s experience in both areas helps him approach storytelling from multiple directions.
Julian Murray Stern and Wish Upon a Disco Ball
An important achievement in Julian’s early career was his editing work on Wish Upon a Disco Ball.
The musical-comedy short film was directed by Anabel Iñigo.
What Is the Film About?
The story follows two sisters learning what it means to grow older while preserving their relationship.
The film combines comedy, music, and family themes.
Julian’s Contribution
Julian served as the editor.
His responsibilities involved arranging footage and shaping the rhythm of the finished movie.
Editing plays an important role in comedy because timing can influence how jokes and emotional moments affect viewers.
Winning an Award in 2022
Julian received the Faculty Jury Award for Editing at USC’s 2022 First Look Festival.
The film also won the festival’s industry jury award in the comedy category.
The award recognized Julian’s individual technical and creative work.
This achievement is confirmed by USC’s official School of Cinematic Arts festival records.
First Look 2022
Julian Murray Stern’s Other Creative Projects
Julian’s professional work includes several smaller productions.
His credits have included acting, editing, and writing.
Mind Made Up
Julian has been associated with the short film Mind Made Up, an early creative project developed during his filmmaking education.
It reflects his interest in writing and directing comedy.
Doomed
Julian has an acting credit in the 2022 production Doomed.
He portrayed a character named Seamus.
Tacenda
His filmography also includes the 2024 short film Tacenda.
This added to his experience performing in independent productions.
The Voiceless Man
Julian has also been associated with The Voiceless Man, a 2024 creative project.
The production reflects his continued interest in writing and filmmaking.
Why These Projects Matter
Although smaller productions do not always receive significant mainstream publicity, they allow young professionals to build experience.
Julian’s work before The Comeback demonstrated that he had been developing his skills rather than entering the entertainment industry without preparation.
Julian Murray Stern in The Comeback (2026)
One of Julian’s biggest acting opportunities arrived in 2026.
He joined the cast of HBO’s comedy series The Comeback, starring Lisa Kudrow.
The third season premiered on March 22, 2026.
What Is The Comeback?
The series follows Valerie Cherish, a fictional actress attempting to revive and maintain her Hollywood career.
Lisa Kudrow portrays Valerie.
The comedy explores the entertainment industry, celebrity culture, television production, and professional embarrassment.
The Third Season
The third and final season contains eight episodes.
It follows Valerie as she becomes involved with a fictional television sitcom developed using artificial intelligence.
This storyline allowed the series to explore changes in the television industry.
Julian’s Character, Evan
Julian portrays Evan, a technology specialist involved with the AI system used on the fictional production.
Evan helps explain how the technology works.
His character also experiences awkward situations involving the people working on the show.
How Many Episodes Did Julian Appear In?
Julian appeared in five episodes of the third season.
The role was more substantial than his earlier television appearances.
A Major Professional Moment
The opportunity introduced Julian to HBO viewers and gave him the chance to work alongside established performers.
HBO’s official February 2026 announcement included Julian among the third season’s cast members.
Pressroom
Working With Lisa Kudrow on The Comeback
Julian’s experience became especially meaningful because he was working with his mother.
Although he had visited television sets during childhood, this was a new professional experience.
Their First Major Acting Collaboration
Julian’s first appearance in the series came during the fourth episode, which aired on April 12, 2026.
He performed opposite Lisa’s character, Valerie Cherish.
Julian’s Nervousness
In an April 2026 interview, Julian admitted that he felt nervous about acting with his mother.
He worried about becoming distracted by their real-life relationship.
However, he found it easier once filming began.
Separating Lisa From Valerie
Julian explained that his mother and Valerie Cherish felt like different people.
Lisa’s performance helped him respond naturally to the fictional character.
Lisa’s Reaction
Lisa described working with her son as a wonderful experience.
She praised his performance and expressed excitement about having him on set.
A Shared Television History
An especially interesting detail is that The Comeback filmed on a soundstage previously used for Friends.
Julian had visited the same studio location as a young child.
Returning years later as a professional actor gave the experience additional meaning.
He discussed these memories in an interview published by TV Insider in April 2026.
TV Insider
Julian Murray Stern at The Comeback Premiere
Julian attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Comeback on March 19, 2026.
The event took place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
A Family Appearance
Julian attended with Lisa and Michel Stern.
The family posed together for professional photographers.
His Red-Carpet Outfit
Julian wore a navy-blue suit with an open-collar white shirt.
Lisa wore a black outfit with a patterned blouse.
Their photographs appeared in entertainment publications.
An Important Celebration
The premiere marked an important achievement for Julian.
He was attending as a cast member rather than simply accompanying his famous mother.
The appearance also reflected his growing public profile as an actor.
Julian Murray Stern at the 2026 Emmy Awards
Julian accompanied Lisa Kudrow to the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14, 2026.
The ceremony was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Matching Black Outfits
Julian wore a black suit with a white shirt and black tie.
Lisa wore a black satin gown with a matching jacket.
Their coordinated appearance attracted entertainment coverage.
Lisa’s Nominations
Lisa received two Emmy nominations connected to the third season of The Comeback.
One recognized her performance as Valerie Cherish.
The other recognized her writing work.
A Special Family Moment
Julian’s appearance was particularly meaningful because he had also worked on the series.
The pair posed together for photographers, celebrating a project that had become part of their shared professional lives.
People covered their appearance in September 2026.
People.com
Julian Murray Stern’s Relationship With His Parents
Julian appears to share a close relationship with Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern.
Both have supported his education and creative career.
Lisa as a Mother
Lisa has spoken affectionately about raising Julian.
She has described the experience of balancing motherhood with her acting responsibilities.
She also values his independence as an adult.
Supporting His Career
Lisa encouraged Julian to consider the role in The Comeback.
However, his earlier film education and independent projects demonstrate that his interest in filmmaking existed before the television opportunity.
Michel’s Influence
Michel’s advertising background provided Julian with another perspective on creative industries.
Although Michel rarely discusses his family in interviews, he has attended important events with Lisa and Julian.
Is Julian Murray Stern Married?
Julian’s relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
There is no verified announcement that he is married.
He has also not made widely documented statements identifying a current romantic partner.
Does Julian Have Children?
There is no verified public announcement that Julian has children.
Does He Use Social Media?
Julian has maintained a relatively private public profile compared with many young entertainers.
He occasionally appears in photographs and interviews associated with his projects.
However, readers should avoid assuming that every account using his name is official.
Julian Murray Stern’s Net Worth in 2026
Julian’s individual net worth has not been independently verified.
Some celebrity biography websites publish estimated figures, but they generally lack financial documentation.
Income From Acting
Julian has worked on independent productions and HBO’s The Comeback.
His exact acting contracts and compensation have not been disclosed.
Income From Editing
He has also received professional recognition for film editing.
Editing projects may provide income through contracts or other arrangements.
However, his earnings are private.
Lisa Kudrow’s Wealth
Lisa has earned substantial income through her acting and producing career.
Nevertheless, her financial success should not be treated as Julian’s personal net worth.
Where Is Julian Murray Stern Now in 2026?
As of October 2026, Julian is 28 years old and developing his career as an actor and filmmaker.
His most prominent recent television project is The Comeback.
His professional background also includes writing, editing, and independent productions.
Is Julian Still Acting?
Yes. His five-episode appearance in The Comeback during 2026 established a recent professional acting credit.
Does Julian Want to Direct?
His education and creative projects demonstrate an interest in directing and filmmaking.
However, no major new feature film directed by Julian has been announced with a verified release date.
Will Julian Work With Lisa Again?
No additional collaboration has been officially confirmed.
Their work together on The Comeback demonstrated that they can share a professional set while maintaining their family relationship.
Interesting Facts About Julian Murray Stern
1. He is Lisa Kudrow’s only child. His father is Michel Stern.
2. He was born on May 7, 1998. Julian is 28 years old in 2026.
3. His birth influenced Friends. Lisa’s real pregnancy was included in Phoebe’s storyline.
4. He visited the Friends set. He spent time around the cast when he was young.
5. He was close to Jennifer Aniston. Lisa has shared a funny childhood story about their relationship.
6. He graduated from USC. Julian completed his film studies in 2021.
7. He won an editing award. USC recognized his work on Wish Upon a Disco Ball in 2022.
8. He acted with his mother. The pair appeared together in HBO’s The Comeback in 2026.
9. He played a technology specialist. His character Evan worked with an artificial intelligence system.
10. He attended the 2026 Emmys. Julian accompanied Lisa to the ceremony in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julian Murray Stern
1. Who is Julian Murray Stern?
Julian Murray Stern is an American actor, filmmaker, and editor best known as Lisa Kudrow’s only son.
2. How old is Julian Murray Stern in 2026?
He is 28 years old.
3. When was Julian Murray Stern born?
He was born on May 7, 1998.
4. Where was Julian Murray Stern born?
He was born in Los Angeles, California.
5. Who is Julian Murray Stern’s mother?
His mother is actress Lisa Kudrow.
6. Who is Julian Murray Stern’s father?
His father is advertising executive Michel Stern.
7. Does Julian have siblings?
No. He is Lisa and Michel’s only child.
8. Was Lisa Kudrow pregnant with Julian during Friends?
Yes. The show’s writers incorporated her pregnancy into Phoebe’s storyline.
9. Did Julian appear in Friends?
No. He was not a credited actor in the original series.
10. Did Julian know Jennifer Aniston?
Yes. He spent time with Jennifer during childhood and was very affectionate toward her.
11. Where did Julian Murray Stern attend college?
He attended the University of Southern California.
12. When did Julian graduate?
He graduated in 2021.
13. What did Julian study?
He studied film and television production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.
14. What does Julian do for a living?
He works in acting, editing, writing, and filmmaking.
15. Did Julian win a filmmaking award?
Yes. He received a faculty jury award for editing at USC’s 2022 First Look Festival.
16. Which film earned Julian an editing award?
Wish Upon a Disco Ball.
17. Was Julian Murray Stern in The Comeback?
Yes. He appeared in the show’s third season in 2026.
18. What character did Julian play?
He portrayed Evan, a technology specialist.
19. How many episodes of The Comeback featured Julian?
He appeared in five episodes.
20. Did Julian work with Lisa Kudrow?
Yes. They acted together in The Comeback.
21. Did Julian attend the Emmy Awards in 2026?
Yes. He accompanied Lisa to the ceremony in September.
22. Is Julian Murray Stern married?
There is no verified public announcement that he is married.
23. Does Julian have a girlfriend?
His current romantic relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
24. What is Julian Murray Stern’s net worth?
His personal net worth has not been independently verified.
25. What is Julian Murray Stern doing now?
As of October 2026, he is developing his entertainment career following his acting appearance in The Comeback and earlier filmmaking projects.
Final Thoughts
Julian Murray Stern has grown up with a strong connection to Hollywood, but he is gradually building his own professional career.
Born on May 7, 1998, he is the only child of Lisa Kudrow and Michel Stern.
His childhood coincided with the enormous success of Friends, and Lisa’s pregnancy was famously incorporated into Phoebe Buffay’s storyline.
However, Julian eventually developed a creative path of his own.
He attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2021 with training in film and television production.
His early work included editing short films and exploring writing, directing, and performance.
In 2022, he won a faculty jury award for editing Wish Upon a Disco Ball.
The achievement provided recognition for his own creative abilities.
Four years later, Julian appeared alongside Lisa in the third season of HBO’s The Comeback.
He portrayed Evan, a technology specialist involved in the show’s fictional artificial intelligence project.
Their collaboration attracted attention because it brought mother and son together professionally.
In September 2026, Julian also accompanied Lisa to the Emmy Awards.
At 28 years old, he continues to establish his identity as an actor and filmmaker.
His story illustrates how growing up in a famous family can provide exposure to entertainment while still leaving room for individual talent, education, and professional development.
For more political biographies, family histories, and fascinating personality stories, visit Topper Magazine.
