The Real Woman Behind Conan O'Brien: 5 Surprising Facts About His Wife, Liza Powel O'Brien

Despite persistent rumors and a common misconception that has circulated for years, the woman who has been by Conan O'Brien's side for over two decades is not the *Friends* star. As of December 2025, the legendary late-night host is happily married to the accomplished playwright and former advertising copywriter, Liza Powel O'Brien. Their enduring partnership is one of Hollywood's most private and stable, a refreshing contrast to the often chaotic world of celebrity relationships.

The confusion often stems from O'Brien's past romantic relationship and lasting friendship with a well-known actress. However, Liza Powel O'Brien is a formidable creative force in her own right, maintaining a low public profile while supporting her husband and raising their two children. The couple's recent appearances, including at the 2025 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, confirm their strong, long-standing bond.

Liza Powel O'Brien: The Private Playwright and Professional Profile

While Conan O'Brien is a towering figure in comedy, his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, is an intellectual and creative powerhouse who works primarily behind the scenes in the world of theater and writing. Her career is built on a foundation of rigorous academic and professional experience, setting her apart from the typical celebrity spouse.

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• Full Name: Elizabeth Ann "Liza" Powel O'Brien
• Birthplace: Bainbridge Island, Washington
• Education: She earned a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Fiction Writing from the prestigious Columbia University's School of the Arts.
• Primary Career: Playwright and Author. Her work has been developed and showcased at respected institutions like The Geffen Playhouse, the Echo Theater Company, The Blank Theatre, and the Ojai Playwrights Conference.
• Previous Career: Before dedicating herself to playwriting, she worked as a copywriter for the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding.
• Current Projects: Liza is also an occasional guest on her husband's popular podcast, *Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend*, offering a rare glimpse into their dynamic.

Liza's professional focus on playwriting highlights her deep commitment to storytelling and the arts, a passion she shares with her comedian husband, albeit in different mediums. Her background as a copywriter also reveals a sharp, articulate mind capable of crafting compelling narratives.

A Hollywood Love Story Born on *Late Night*

The origin story of Conan and Liza's relationship is a charmingly unusual one, rooted in the very world of late-night comedy that defined Conan's career for decades. It wasn't a celebrity gala or a movie set; it was an office cubicle.

The Unexpected Meeting in 1999

Conan O'Brien first met Liza Powel in 1999 while he was filming a remote segment for his show, *Late Night with Conan O'Brien*. The segment involved O'Brien visiting the offices of the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding. Liza, who was working there as a copywriter, was featured in the sketch. Conan has openly recounted that he was immediately smitten with her, describing the meeting as love at first sight.

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The Wedding and Two Decades of Marriage

After their initial meeting and a courtship that began shortly after, the couple married on January 12, 2002. The wedding ceremony took place in Liza’s hometown of Seattle, Washington, at the historic St. James Cathedral. Their marriage has been a cornerstone of stability in O'Brien's life, supporting him through major career transitions, including his move from *Late Night* to *The Tonight Show* and eventually to his TBS show, *Conan*, and his successful podcast venture.

The O'Brien Children: Neve and Beckett

Conan and Liza are proud parents to two children, a daughter and a son. Their daughter, Neve O'Brien, was born in October 2003. Their son, Beckett O'Brien, followed in November 2005. Both children have been kept largely out of the public eye, reflecting the couple's desire for a private family life away from the intense media scrutiny that often follows celebrity families. Neve and Beckett are now young adults, with Neve currently attending college.

The Lisa Kudrow Connection: Dispelling the Biggest Rumor

The search term "Conan O'Brien wife" often generates confusion because of a well-documented past relationship that Conan had with a major celebrity: *Friends* star Lisa Kudrow. This is the source of the most common misconception about his marital status.

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A Brief Romantic "Blip"

Conan O'Brien and Lisa Kudrow first met in 1986 in an introductory improv class taught by Cynthia Szigeti. They were longtime friends who both came up through the Los Angeles comedy and improv scene. While they dated briefly in the early 1990s, the relationship did not last, with Kudrow later referring to the romantic period as a "weird blip" in their long friendship.

The Enduring Friendship

Crucially, Conan and Lisa Kudrow remained close friends after their brief romance ended. Kudrow was even a guest at Conan and Liza Powel O'Brien's wedding in 2002, demonstrating the maturity and lasting nature of their bond. The fact that two major celebrities with the same first name (Lisa/Liza) have been connected to Conan O'Brien is the primary reason the rumor persists, but it is unequivocally Liza Powel O'Brien who is his current and long-time wife. This enduring friendship between Conan and Lisa Kudrow is a testament to their mutual respect and shared comedic history.

From a copywriter who caught his eye during a comedy bit to an accomplished playwright and mother of two, Liza Powel O'Brien has been the quiet, steadfast anchor in Conan O'Brien's life for over 23 years. Their story is a reminder that some of the most successful and enduring relationships in Hollywood are those that choose to remain private, focusing on family, mutual respect, and shared creative pursuits.