Lisa Kudrow made a striking appearance at the premiere of the third season of her acclaimed sitcom, *The Comeback*, on March 19, 2026. The event, held at The Wallis Centre in Beverly Hills, was a family affair as she was accompanied by her husband, Michel Stern, and their son, Julian Murray Stern. The couple have been married for three decades, and their son’s recent role in the series added an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
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At 62 years old, Kudrow showcased a stunning outfit that featured a black polka-dot patchwork dress paired with a chic blazer and comfortable Mary Jane flats. The actress, best known for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay in *Friends*, appeared to be in buoyant spirits as she shared heartfelt moments with Julian, who recently graduated from the University of Southern California and is making his mark as an actor.
Julian, now 27, has secured a recurring role in the latest season of *The Comeback*, marking his debut on HBO. The details surrounding his character have been tightly guarded, with fans left to wonder about his part until the season launches on March 22. Prior to the premiere, Kudrow spoke with *PEOPLE* on the red carpet, expressing her delight at working alongside her son and the unique experience it brought.
Reflecting on their time on set, Kudrow recalled a particularly touching moment in the cast’s holding room. Feeling a bit weary and overwhelmed, she found Julian seated with other cast members and instinctively climbed onto the couch beside him for a cuddle. “I was kind of tired, and my brain was just a little fuzzy,” Kudrow explained to *PEOPLE*. “And everyone just went… ‘Hi, Mom,’ and everyone was looking.”
The comical incident drew some amused glances from those around them, as not everyone present realised the familial bond between them. “I think some people didn’t know he was my son,” she noted, adding an amusing twist to an otherwise tender moment shared between mother and son.
Julian’s journey into acting was influenced significantly by his childhood experiences on the set of *Friends*, where he often accompanied his mother. Kudrow recounted how her son had formed a close bond with her co-star, Jennifer Aniston. “He’d fly into her lap,” she reminisced, sharing that Julian often mistook Aniston for Kudrow during his younger years, calling out “Mommy!” when he spotted her onscreen.
As he grew older, Julian developed a passion for cinematography and storytelling. He graduated in 2021 and not long after completed his first television film, titled *Doomed*, which signifies the beginning of his career in the industry. With his mother’s legacy in television and film, he is now poised to carve out his own path.
*The Comeback*, co-created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, has been an innovative addition to HBO’s slate since it first premiered in 2005. The show has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim for its unique portrayal of celebrity and the entertainment industry, all through the lens of Kudrow’s character, Valerie Cherish.
As the premiere event wrapped up, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation for what the new season would bring, especially with Julian’s involvement. The unique combination of familial bonds and professional collaboration has set the stage for an exciting exploration of their relationship within the sitcom, promising audiences a blend of humour and heartfelt moments.
Kudrow’s appearance and her son’s debut in *The Comeback* reflect not only the personal milestones of the Kudrow-Stern family but also the broader narratives of mentorship and growth within the entertainment industry. As fans gear up for the new season, it’s clear that this red carpet moment was just the beginning of an exciting chapter in both their careers.