While Lisa Kudrow has made her name portraying slightly ditsy, even flaky characters on the small screen, she has also proven to be a strong actress in features. While capable of projecting the quintessential “Valley girl” persona (in fact she was raised in the San Fernando Valley), this intelligent woman holds a degree in biology from Vassar. Although she had initially harbored dreams of a medical career (following in her father’s wake), Kudrow turned to show business partly at the urging of her brother’s friend Jon Lovitz. Lovitz encouraged her to audition for the famed L.A. improv group The Groundlings and while she did not make the cut on her first try, Kudrow was impressive enough to be referred to acting teacher Christine Szigeti. Eventually, the then-brunette actress was accepted as a member of the troupe where she honed her impeccable deadpan delivery and comic timing.
