7 Shocking Facts About Julian Murray Stern: Lisa Kudrow's Filmmaker Son Who Grew Up On The 'Friends' Set
Julian Murray Stern has quietly forged his own path in Hollywood, stepping behind the camera rather than in front of it, despite being the only child of one of television's most iconic actresses, Lisa Kudrow. As of December 25, 2025, the 27-year-old is building a solid career as a director and editor, a deliberate move away from the massive spotlight that followed his mother's role as Phoebe Buffay on the global phenomenon *Friends*.
The young filmmaker has been making waves in the independent scene, recently showcasing his talents through award-winning short films and professional editing credits. This article dives into the most current and unique details about Julian Murray Stern’s life, his academic achievements, his professional projects, and the unforgettable connection he shares with the legendary *Friends* cast.
Julian Murray Stern: Full Biography and Profile
Julian Murray Stern is the only child of actress Lisa Kudrow and her husband, French advertising executive Michel Stern. He has consciously chosen to pursue a career in the technical and creative side of filmmaking, focusing on directing and editing, rather than acting.
- Full Name: Julian Murray Stern
- Date of Birth: May 7, 1998
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 27 years old
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Lisa Kudrow (Mother, Actress) and Michel Stern (Father, Advertising Executive)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Education: Crossroads High School; University of Southern California (USC), School of Cinematic Arts (Graduated 2021)
- Degree: Films and TV Production
- Known For: Son of Lisa Kudrow; Budding filmmaker, director, and editor
- Notable Projects: Short film *Mind Made Up*, short film *Seth's Big Break 2*, TV movie *Doomed*, TV series *Presley & Brock* (as editor)
The Filmmaker Path: USC, Directing, and Award-Winning Work
Unlike many children of Hollywood royalty who jump straight into acting, Julian made a strategic move to master the craft of filmmaking from behind the lens. His career is marked by a strong academic foundation and early professional recognition, establishing him as a serious creative force in his own right.
A Solid Foundation at USC School of Cinematic Arts
Julian Murray Stern is an alumnus of the prestigious University of Southern California (USC), School of Cinematic Arts, graduating in 2021. He earned a degree in Films and TV Production, a path that emphasizes the technical and logistical aspects of moviemaking, including directing, editing, and cinematography.
His time at USC was not spent idly. He used his junior thesis to produce a significant piece of work that would soon garner attention.
The Acclaimed Short Film: *Mind Made Up*
Julian’s directorial and editing talents first gained public recognition with his short film, *Mind Made Up*. This project was his USC junior thesis and served as a powerful showcase of his creative vision.
- Role: Director and Editor.
- Recognition: The film won a 2022 First Look faculty jury award for his work as an editor.
- Screenings: *Mind Made Up* was screened at various festivals, including the Portland Comedy Film Festival, signaling his entry into the independent film circuit.
Following his graduation, Julian has expanded his professional portfolio. He has been credited as an editor on the TV series *Presley & Brock* and has taken on acting roles, including starring in the short film *Seth's Big Break 2* (2023) and the TV movie *Doomed*.
The Ultimate 'Friends' Connection: Growing Up on Set
Julian Murray Stern’s entire life is interwoven with the legacy of *Friends*, a fact that provides some of the most fascinating and heartwarming details of his biography. His mother, Lisa Kudrow, was pregnant with him during the filming of the show’s fourth season, leading to one of the most memorable storylines in television history.
Phoebe Buffay’s Surrogacy Storyline
The writers of *Friends* decided to incorporate Lisa Kudrow’s real-life pregnancy into the show. The result was the iconic storyline where Phoebe Buffay agrees to be a surrogate for her half-brother, Frank Jr., and his wife, Alice.
Julian was literally a part of the show’s history, as he was the baby bump that Phoebe carried while she was pregnant with triplets. This unique circumstance means that Julian’s earliest moments were shared with millions of viewers worldwide, making him the only "Friends Baby" to be written into the show’s narrative.
Mistaking Jennifer Aniston for 'Mummy'
Due to the long hours his mother spent on set, Julian spent much of his early childhood in the presence of the *Friends* cast—Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), and David Schwimmer (Ross Geller).
In a charming anecdote that highlights the family-like bond of the cast, Lisa Kudrow once revealed that as a young child, Julian would sometimes confuse Jennifer Aniston for his own mother. He would call out "Mummy!" to Aniston while on set, a moment that Lisa Kudrow recalls with great fondness, showing how closely the cast members were integrated into his early life.
The Future: What’s Next for Julian Murray Stern?
As of late 2025, Julian Murray Stern is firmly established in the entertainment industry as a creative professional. His focus remains on building a directorial and editing portfolio that reflects his unique vision, one that is distinct from his mother's comedic roots.
While specific new projects for 2026 have not been widely announced, his graduation from USC and his immediate success with *Mind Made Up* suggest a promising future. He is part of a new generation of filmmakers who are technically proficient and creatively ambitious, ready to make their mark on both the big and small screens. Fans of Lisa Kudrow and film enthusiasts alike are eagerly watching to see what the young director will create next.
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