'Friends': From Jennifer Aniston to Matt LeBlanc, here's what cast members of hit sitcom are doing now
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Known as 'the staple comfort show,' 'Friends' delighted viewers for ten seasons with a lot of humor, life lessons, and an abundance of Joey Tribbiani's (Matt LeBlanc) and Chandler Bing's (Matthew Perry) antics.
The sitcom, which premiered on NBC on September 22, 1994, follows a group of six friends as they navigate their personal and professional lives, including love, friendship, career, and growing up.
The sitcom boasts an iconic star-studded ensemble, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
Curious about what they're up to these days? Let's take a look at these famous stars' recent endeavors.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston's portrayal of Rachel Green is still considered a fashionista today owing to her iconic style.
Following the popularity of 'Friends', the actress pursued a successful career in movies and television and appeared in several blockbuster films, including 'The Break-Up' in 2006, 'Marley & Me' in 2008, 'The Switch' in 2010, 'Horrible Bosses' in 2011, 'We're the Millers' in 2013, and 'Cake' in 2014.
She reunited with her close friend and 'Friends' co-star Courteney Cox in 'Cougar Town'. Her personal life has also been the center of attention, following a sensational divorce from Brad Pitt in 2005. She later married actor Justin Theroux in 2015, but the pair split in 2017.
She recently appeared in and produced the 2023 movie 'Murder Mystery 2'.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox portrays the perfectionist Monica Geller in the hit sitcom. Following her iconic role in 'Friends', Cox avidly explored a variety of acting opportunities.
In 2007, Cox landed the main part in the FX drama series 'Dirt', in which she portrayed a merciless editor, cementing her reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
She also appeared in the 2009 ABC/TBS comedy 'Cougar Town', where she showcased her directorial abilities as well.
In a surprise shift, Cox appeared in horror and featured in 'Scream 4' portraying the iconic character of Gale Weathers, which she reprised in 'Scream' in 2022. Her most recent appearance was in 'Scream VI' in 2023, for which she also acted as executive producer.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry portrayed a charming and sarcastic character Chandler Bing, in the popular sitcom. Following the enormous popularity of 'Friends', Perry found a place in sitcoms and ventured in variety of acting productions.
He developed, co-wrote, executive produced, and acted in the ABC comedy 'Mr. Sunshine' in 2011. However, the series was short-lived, lasting only one season.
He eventually won the main part in the NBC comedy 'Go On', but despite its excellent response, the show was canceled after just one season.
Perry later moved into drama with recurrent roles on 'The Good Wife' and its spin-off, 'The Good Fight.' He reunited with his 'Friends' cast for the highly anticipated HBO Max special 'Friends: The Reunion,' marking his last appearance; the actor died on October 28, 2023, breaking the hearts of millions of fans.
David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer portrayed a nerdy paleontologist with a PhD Ross Geller, in the popular show.
Schwimmer who also directed 10 episodes of 'Friends', demonstrated his curiosity by stepping behind the camera, and his directing interests increased after the program ended.
He made his feature film directing debut with 'Run Fatboy Run', followed by a successful theatre career, appearing in shows such as 'The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial' on Broadway.
Schwimmer did not completely shy away from television, as he made guest appearances in programs such as 'Entourage' and 'Web Therapy'. His most recent film, 'Little Death', debuted at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and earned the Next Innovator Award.
Matt LeBlanc
Matt LeBlanc portrayed the charming and food-loving Joey Tribbiani, whose iconic pick-up line 'How You doing?', is still etched in the minds of millions. Following the success of 'Friends' LeBlanc had problems finding his next iconic role.
Immediately after 'Friends', LeBlanc sought to capitalize on Joey Tribbiani's success with a spin-off program dubbed 'Joey', but it failed to capture the fans' attention and was canceled after two seasons.
Following that, he took a break from acting and in 2011, LeBlanc returned to television with the series 'Episodes,' for which he got four Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
In 2016, LeBlanc took a surprise but successful turn as a co-presenter for the iconic motoring program 'Top Gear' and returned to the comedy genre with 'Man with a Plan' on CBS.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow portrayed the character of Phoebe Buffay, the singer of the iconic 'smelly cat'. Following the success of 'Friends', Kudrow won the main role in the highly praised HBO dark comedy series 'The Comeback'.
She also ventured into dramatic territory with 'Wonderland' and 'P.S. I Love You'. She then appeared in the ABC sitcom 'Cougar Town' with her old 'Friends' co-star Courteney Cox as a newly single mother navigating the dating scene.
Kudrow also voiced animated characters in the hit comedy 'Bob's Burgers'. She has also featured as a guest on series such as 'Web Therapy' and 'BoJack Horseman'.
'Friends' is now streaming on Netflix.
