It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since the beloved sitcom Friends wrapped up its 10-season run in 2004. Fans across the globe continue to binge-watch the iconic series, but what have the six main stars been up to since they said their final goodbyes at Central Perk? The show that defined an era and helped define TV comedy continues to be part of popular culture, but the lives of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer have evolved in fascinating ways.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what the cast members of Friends have been doing in the two decades since they left our screens. From Hollywood success to quieter lives outside the limelight, each actor has followed a unique path. Let’s explore how the Friends cast is doing today!
Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel to Hollywood A-Lister
Jennifer’s Post-Friends Career Highlights
Jennifer Aniston’s career skyrocketed after her role as Rachel Green. She quickly became one of Hollywood’s top stars, proving she was more than just a television icon. Her post-Friends success includes starring in major films like Marley & Me, The Break-Up, and The Morning Show—the latter earning her multiple awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award. Her role in The Morning Show has allowed Aniston to demonstrate her versatility, taking on more dramatic and complex roles than the comedic ones fans associated her with from Friends.
Jennifer’s Personal Life and Ventures
Off-screen, Jennifer has kept busy with her personal life, including her successful skincare line, LolaVie, and her passion for producing. She’s also become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and often uses her platform to discuss the importance of self-care. Jennifer’s personal life, particularly her marriages and public persona, has been the subject of much media attention, though she’s remained private about her personal matters as much as possible.
Courteney Cox: More Than Just Monica Geller
Courteney’s Evolution Post-Friends
Courteney Cox, who played the neurotic yet lovable Monica Geller, had already been in the public eye prior to Friends due to her role in the Scream series. However, after the show ended, she transitioned into a variety of projects. One of her most notable roles was in Cougar Town, a TV show that lasted six seasons. While the show didn’t reach the same level of fame as Friends, Cox’s performance as Jules Cobb was praised, and the series earned a loyal fanbase.
Courteney’s Personal Life and New Ventures
Courteney, much like her co-stars, has also had her share of personal life moments in the spotlight. She married actor David Arquette in 1999, and the two had a daughter, Coco. Their divorce in 2013 was amicably handled, and Courteney has continued to focus on her work and family life. In recent years, she’s ventured into producing and directing, with her production company, Coquette Productions. She’s also involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting women’s health initiatives.
Lisa Kudrow: A Career Beyond Phoebe Buffay
Lisa’s Post-Friends Work
Lisa Kudrow is best known for her quirky and lovable portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, and her unique comedic talent has allowed her to maintain a strong presence in Hollywood. After Friends, she starred in several successful TV projects, including the critically acclaimed series The Comeback, where she played a washed-up TV star looking to make a comeback. The show was ahead of its time and has since gained a cult following.
She also appeared in a range of films, including Analyze This, Easy A, and P.S. I Love You. Lisa has proven that she’s much more than Phoebe, with her versatility as an actress taking her from comedic roles to more dramatic performances.
Lisa’s Personal Life and Creative Projects
In addition to acting, Kudrow has turned her attention to producing and directing. She is a co-creator and producer of the popular documentary series Who Do You Think You Are? and has been involved in numerous philanthropic projects, particularly in the realm of educational initiatives and women’s rights.
Matt LeBlanc: From Joey Tribbiani to a New Career Path
Matt’s Transition Post-Friends
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani, the lovable and slightly dim-witted actor, made him a household name. After Friends, Matt starred in the spinoff series Joey, which focused on his character’s life in Los Angeles. While the show wasn’t a massive hit and was canceled after two seasons, Matt didn’t let that deter him.
He later found success with the hit Showtime series Episodes, where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His performance earned critical acclaim, proving that he was more than just Joey. Episodes ran for five seasons and allowed Matt to explore deeper and more complex roles.
Matt’s Personal Life and Love for Cars
Outside of acting, Matt LeBlanc has a strong passion for cars. He hosted the BBC series Top Gear for a few years, showcasing his driving skills and love for motorsports. He’s also kept a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life, preferring to stay out of the tabloid headlines.
Matthew Perry: Struggles and Triumphs After Chandler Bing
Matthew’s Post-Friends Career and Challenges
Matthew Perry, who brought to life the sarcastic yet lovable Chandler Bing, faced a more turbulent path after Friends. While he starred in several films like The Whole Nine Yards and Fools Rush In, his career didn’t see the same level of success as his co-stars. Perry also faced personal struggles with addiction, which impacted his work and public image.
In recent years, Matthew has been open about his battles and has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction and recovery. He has also worked on writing and has published a memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, where he chronicles his life, struggles, and successes.
David Schwimmer: From Ross Geller to Diverse Roles
David’s Post-Friends Acting Career
David Schwimmer, best known for his role as the lovable and occasionally awkward Ross Geller, has had a steady, though less high-profile, career post-Friends. After the show ended, he focused on both television and film. He appeared in the miniseries Band of Brothers and starred in the drama Feed the Beast, although neither project achieved lasting fame.
In recent years, David has enjoyed success behind the scenes. He has directed multiple projects, including episodes of 30 Rock and Little Britain USA, demonstrating his talent in the world of television production. He also had a starring role in the popular drama American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson, which garnered critical praise.
David’s Personal Life and Advocacy
David has maintained a relatively private life compared to some of his co-stars. He has been vocal about his advocacy for social justice causes, particularly regarding racial equality. His passion for activism has added another layer to his public persona.
Conclusion: Where Are They Now?
Over the past 20 years, the Friends cast has taken many different paths. Some of them have continued to dominate Hollywood, while others have ventured into new creative fields. What remains constant is the bond they share, which fans continue to cherish through re-runs, reunions, and their ongoing work.
As the world continues to celebrate Friends’ place in pop culture, it’s clear that the show’s influence extends far beyond the small screen. Whether it’s Jennifer Aniston’s powerful performances in drama, Courteney Cox’s steady TV career, or Lisa Kudrow’s rise as a producer and actor, the legacy of Friends continues to shape their careers.
FAQs
1. What has Jennifer Aniston done since Friends ended?
Jennifer Aniston has had a successful career with movies like Marley & Me and The Break-Up, and she has earned awards for her role in The Morning Show.
2. Did Courteney Cox star in any successful shows after Friends?
Yes! Courteney Cox starred in Cougar Town, which ran for six seasons and garnered a loyal fanbase.
3. What is Lisa Kudrow’s most notable post-Friends project?
Lisa Kudrow’s most notable post-Friends project is The Comeback, a critically acclaimed series where she played a washed-up TV star trying to regain fame.
4. How did Matt LeBlanc fare after Friends?
Matt LeBlanc starred in Episodes, a show that earned
