‘Friends' Cast Then and Now: The evolution of stars of iconic show from Central Perk to stardom
From Jennifer Aniston to James Michel Tyler, the journey of the beloved 'Friends' cast over the years
Since its 1994 premiere, the venerable TV sitcom 'Friends' has had a significant influence on pop culture. The show, which ended in 2004 but is now regarded as a treasured piece of TV history, focused on the lives of six friends in New York City - Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing and Ross Geller. Thanks to their enduring catchphrases, comedy and sense of style, the characters played by Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer have had a lasting impact on viewers. They even taught the viewers that "The real world sucks. You’re gonna love it." Let's take a look at the journey of the iconic cast, from the first episode titled 'The One Where It All Began' to the tragic death of Matthew Perry.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston played Rachel Green, the most stylish character on the show. Green starts out as a waitress at Central Perk and eventually has a daughter named Emma with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Ross. Since 'Friends,' Aniston's career took off and she remains one of the best actors in Hollywood. Over the years, she has acted in a number of movies, such as 'Marley & Me,' 'Horrible Bosses,' 'Murder Mystery,' and the TV series 'The Morning Show.' According to Insider, the 54-year-old has received recognition for her charitable work with Stand Up to Cancer and St Jude's Research Hospital.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox, renowned for her role as Monica Geller in 'Friends', has had an impressive trajectory in both her professional and personal life. Post the sitcom, she has graced the screen in shows like 'Cougar Town' and 'Shining Vale.' Also, she has reprised her role as Gale Weathers in all the sequels of the 'Scream' franchise since its inception in 1996. In her personal life, Cox tied the knot with David Arquette in July 1999 and they were blessed with a daughter, Coco, before parting ways in May 2013. Beyond her acting pursuits, the 59-year-old has also made strides in the business world introducing a range of home products under the brand name Homecourt, as reported by Marie Claire.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow has captivated millions with her portrayal of Phoebe Buffet in 'Friends'. The 60-year-old is remembered for her iconic line "I Wish I Could, But I Don't Want To," which has become a go-to excuse for those who simply don't want to do something. Since 'Friends', Kudrow has had a steady acting career. Her notable roles include appearances in 'Cougar Town', 'Scandal', and 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'. She also co-created and starred in 'The Comeback', a critically acclaimed show she developed with Michael Patrick King. Additionally, she co-created the series 'Web Therapy' alongside Dan Bucatinsky and Don Roos.
Matt LeBlanc
Matt LeBlanc, known for his portrayal of the endearing Joey Tribbiani, brought a unique blend of kindness, charisma, and depth to the role. His iconic catchphrase "How you doin'?" never failed to charm. Post 'Friends', the 56-year-old headlined the spinoff 'Joey', tracing his character’s acting journey in Los Angeles. However, the show was discontinued after two seasons. LeBlanc also showcased his acting prowess in 'Episodes', which aired from 2011 to 2017. LeBlanc was married to Melissa McKnight from 2003 to 2006, and they have a daughter named Marina.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, best known for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing in the hit '90s sitcom became a household name. His character celebrated for his sarcastic humor and romantic storyline with Monica, was adored by fans. Prior to 'Friends', Perry had roles in sitcoms like 'Home Free', 'Sydney', and 'Boys Will Be Boys'. He continued to entertain fans in 'The Whole Nine Yards' and a brief revival of 'The Odd Couple' alongside Thomas Lennon. On October 28, 2023, Perry was tragically found dead due to an apparent drowning at his residence. Before this unfortunate event, Perry had been consistently active in his acting career. He also featured in the 'Friends' spinoff 'Joey' and starred in 'Episodes', which aired from 2011 to 2017. Off-screen, Perry was candid about his battles with substance abuse and addiction. He founded Perry House, a sober living facility for men, which operated for two years, People reports.
David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer, known for his role as the dinosaur-obsessed paleontologist Ross Geller in 'Friends', has had a remarkable career trajectory. Ross, who harbored feelings for Rachel since their high school days, is a character close to many hearts. Post the sitcom, Schwimmer has continued to make his mark on television. He delivered a compelling performance as Robert Kardashian in 2016's 'The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story' and had a significant role in season 10 of 'Will & Grace'. In 2020, he secured a role in 'Intelligence'. The 56-year-old actor, along with his 'Friends' co-stars, grieved the sudden loss of Perry, 54.
James Michael Tyler
James Micheal Tyler graced the sitcom 'Friends' with his portrayal of Gunther, a Central Perk coffee shop worker who harbored unexpressed feelings for Rachel Green. He was said to have appeared in over 150 episodes. His real-life barista experience apparently inspired an assistant director to position him behind the Central Perk counter, adding authenticity to the set. Over the years, Tyler participated in numerous fan events associated with the series and even made a virtual appearance at the 2021 reunion on HBO Max. Sadly, he died on 24 October 2021 at the age of 59 after losing battle with stage 4 prostate cancer.