It’s been nearly two decades since Friends wrapped up its final season, yet the iconic sitcom continues to captivate audiences. Fans still can’t get enough of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, and naturally, curiosity about the cast’s lives after the show has never been higher.
So, what have the stars of Friends been up to since the show’s finale in 2004? In this article, we’ll explore the latest updates on each of the six main cast members, including their careers, personal lives, and how they’ve stayed connected with their fans.
Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green): A Hollywood Powerhouse
It’s impossible to talk about Friends without mentioning Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of Rachel Green. A breakout role for Aniston, Rachel became a fashion icon, and her on-and-off romance with Ross kept fans glued to their screens.
What Has Jennifer Aniston Been Up To?
After Friends, Jennifer Aniston became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. She starred in hit films like Marley & Me, The Break-Up, and Horrible Bosses. Her career in film and television has been incredibly diverse, ranging from romantic comedies to drama roles.
Most recently, Jennifer has found success with The Morning Show, a drama series that she co-produces and stars in alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. The show has earned her Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, proving that she’s just as talented behind the scenes as she is in front of the camera.
Personal Life: Jennifer’s Heartfelt Moments
In terms of her personal life, Jennifer Aniston has faced her fair share of media scrutiny, especially regarding her relationships. She has been married twice, first to actor Brad Pitt and later to actor Justin Theroux. Though both marriages ended in divorce, Jennifer remains one of the most beloved stars in Hollywood, known for her down-to-earth personality.
Courteney Cox (Monica Geller): From TV to Directing
Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller, was known for her neurotic, yet lovable, character who had a passion for cooking, cleaning, and, of course, her friends. Since leaving Friends, Courteney’s career has taken some interesting turns.
Courteney Cox’s Career Post-Friends
Cox has remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, starring in the Scream movie franchise and appearing in several other films and TV shows. But her true passion in recent years has been directing. She made her directorial debut with the film Just Before I Go, and she has since directed multiple episodes of the hit TV series Shameless.
In 2020, Courteney starred in the Facebook Watch series 9 Months with Courteney Cox, where she documents her experiences with friends and family. This was a perfect way for her to connect with fans on a more personal level.
Personal Life: Courteney and David Arquette
Courteney Cox was married to actor David Arquette for over 10 years, and together, they have a daughter, Coco. Despite their divorce in 2013, Courteney and David have remained on good terms and co-parent their daughter. Courteney has also been in a relationship with musician Johnny McDaid since 2013, and they are often spotted together at events.
Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay): Staying Quirky and Creative
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe Buffay, the eccentric musician with a heart of gold, quickly became one of the most loved characters on Friends. With her offbeat sense of humor and iconic songs like “Smelly Cat,” Phoebe captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Lisa Kudrow’s Career After Friends
After Friends, Lisa Kudrow continued her career with notable roles in television and film. She starred in the HBO series The Comeback, where she portrayed a washed-up sitcom star, which earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. Lisa also worked as an executive producer on the series.
She has also appeared in films like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and lent her voice to various animated TV shows. Recently, she’s been seen in Space Force alongside Steve Carell and continues to thrive in both comedy and drama.
Personal Life: Family and Friends
In her personal life, Lisa Kudrow has kept a relatively low profile compared to her Friends co-stars. She married French advertising executive Michel Stern in 1995, and they have a son together, Julian. Kudrow’s close bond with her Friends co-stars remains strong, and they often share supportive messages for one another.
Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani): A New Chapter in TV
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani, the lovable but dim-witted aspiring actor, was a major part of Friends’ charm. Since the series ended, Matt has kept busy with various projects.
Matt LeBlanc’s Career Post-Friends
LeBlanc’s post-Friends career includes starring in the CBS sitcom Man with a Plan, which ran for four seasons. The show showcased his comedic talent, and while it didn’t reach the same iconic status as Friends, it earned LeBlanc a loyal fanbase. He also reprised his role as Joey Tribbiani in the Friends spin-off Joey, though the show was short-lived.
More recently, Matt LeBlanc gained international recognition for hosting Top Gear, a popular British car show. His witty commentary and genuine love for cars made him a fan favorite on the program.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Matt LeBlanc was married to model Melissa McKnight from 2003 to 2006, and they have a daughter together. Since then, LeBlanc has kept his personal life fairly private. Despite the ups and downs in his relationships, he continues to enjoy a successful career.
Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing): Overcoming Personal Struggles
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, the sarcastic and self-deprecating friend, was beloved by fans. But behind the jokes and witty one-liners, Matthew’s personal life has been full of struggles, particularly with addiction.
Matthew Perry’s Journey to Recovery
Matthew Perry has been open about his battles with addiction, particularly during his time on Friends. After the show ended, Perry faced several setbacks, but in recent years, he’s been dedicated to his recovery. He has used his platform to speak out about addiction and its effects on mental health, and he even launched a rehab facility to help others dealing with similar issues.
Personal Life: Matthew’s Love for Advocacy
Perry remains active in advocating for those dealing with addiction, and he has shared his experiences in his memoir, which has become a source of inspiration for many. Although he continues to stay out of the spotlight, his commitment to helping others has earned him widespread respect.
David Schwimmer (Ross Geller): A Focus on Directing and New Ventures
David Schwimmer’s portrayal of Ross Geller, the neurotic paleontologist, made him a household name. Since Friends, Schwimmer has pursued various career paths and focused more on behind-the-scenes work.
David Schwimmer’s Career Since Friends
David Schwimmer has kept busy with acting, directing, and producing. He starred in the popular miniseries American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, for which he received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Robert Kardashian.
In addition to acting, Schwimmer has directed several projects, including episodes of Joey and Band of Brothers. He’s also taken on roles in a number of theater productions, maintaining his connection to the stage.
Personal Life: David’s Family and Reflections
David Schwimmer has been married twice and has one daughter. Though he’s more private than some of his Friends co-stars, Schwimmer maintains a strong bond with his fellow cast members, and their reunion in 2021 was a testament to their enduring friendship.
Conclusion: The Friends Cast Continues to Shine
Even though Friends ended nearly two decades ago, its cast has continued to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. From acting to directing, advocating for important causes, and maintaining close friendships, the Friends stars have proven that their impact on the world extends far beyond the TV screen.
While we’ll always love the characters they brought to life, it’s clear that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer are all still going strong in their own unique ways. As fans, we can only be grateful for the laughter and memories they’ve shared with us over the years.
