It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 20 years since Friends aired its final episode, leaving a lasting impact on TV history and pop culture. For a decade, audiences were hooked on the lives of six friends—Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe—who made us laugh, cry, and feel like part of their tight-knit group. But what happened to these beloved characters (and the actors who portrayed them) once the show’s iconic “The One Where They Say Goodbye” came to an end in 2004?
In this article, we’ll take a look at how the Friends cast members have evolved over the years, from their personal lives to their post-show careers. You may be surprised to learn what they’ve been up to since we last saw them in the Central Perk café!
H1: The Friends Cast: Where Are They Now?
H2: Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)
H3: From Friends to Hollywood A-List
Jennifer Aniston, who played the fashionable and ever-charming Rachel Green, went on to have an incredibly successful career after Friends. Known for her roles in Marley & Me, The Break-Up, and Horrible Bosses, Aniston has become a top-tier Hollywood actress. However, it’s not just her movie career that’s thrived—her involvement in TV has soared as well.
In 2019, she made a major comeback to the small screen with The Morning Show, a drama series on Apple TV+ where she stars alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. The show earned Aniston her first Primetime Emmy win for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, proving that she still has what it takes to dominate television.
Beyond her acting career, Aniston has also focused on producing through her company, Echo Films. Her personal life, including her past marriages to Brad Pitt and Justin Theroux, has frequently made headlines, but Aniston remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for both her talent and her down-to-earth personality.
H2: Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)
H3: Monica’s Evolution Into a Horror Queen
After playing the obsessive-compulsive Monica Geller, Courteney Cox became a household name. Cox starred in the hit TV show Cougar Town, which ran from 2009 to 2015, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. But what you might not know is that Cox has also dipped her toes into the world of horror.
Cox reprised her iconic role as Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise, starring in several of the series’ sequels. Her recent appearance in Scream 5 (2022) introduced her to a new generation of fans, proving her versatility as an actress.
In addition to acting, Cox has embraced the world of directing and producing. She has a production company, Coquette Productions, and has been involved in several projects behind the scenes, including the acclaimed Shining Vale series.
H2: Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)
H3: From Quirky to Multi-Talented
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky and lovable Phoebe Buffay made her an instant fan favorite. Since the end of Friends, Kudrow has showcased her versatility, taking on a variety of roles in both television and film. She’s starred in the HBO comedy The Comeback, which garnered critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Kudrow’s performance.
Kudrow also co-created and starred in the popular web series Web Therapy, where she played a therapist offering unconventional counseling. The show’s success demonstrated Kudrow’s creative talents and her ability to bring something fresh to the table. Her voice work in animated films like Hercules and The Boss Baby further cemented her status as a multifaceted star.
Though Kudrow stays busy with her acting career, she also enjoys a quiet family life with her husband and son, keeping her personal life relatively private.
H2: Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)
H3: Joey’s Journey to Top Gear and Beyond
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Joey Tribbiani was one of the show’s highlights. After Friends, LeBlanc faced a mixed bag of roles but eventually found his groove in the hit show Episodes. The show earned him a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical.
In addition to Episodes, LeBlanc became the host of the popular British motoring show Top Gear, which proved to be a huge success. His dry humor and relatable persona made him a hit with audiences worldwide.
LeBlanc’s career post-Friends may not have reached the heights of his Friends days, but he has remained a consistent presence on TV, with his latest role in Man with a Plan, where he played a father trying to juggle family life and work.
H2: Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)
H3: Chandler’s Personal Struggles and New Beginnings
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of the sarcastic Chandler Bing made him a standout character on Friends. However, Perry’s personal life has been marred by struggles with addiction, which he’s been open about in recent years. In 2018, Perry launched the Perry House project, a treatment center designed to help people battling addiction.
In addition to his advocacy work, Perry also turned his attention to writing. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, released in 2022, provides a candid look at his personal struggles, career, and time on Friends.
Perry remains active in Hollywood, though his focus now lies on projects that can raise awareness about addiction and mental health issues.
H2: David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)
H3: Ross’ Post-Friends Journey to Direction
David Schwimmer, known for his portrayal of the neurotic paleontologist Ross Geller, has continued to shine in both acting and directing after Friends ended. Schwimmer starred in the hit miniseries American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson as Robert Kardashian, which earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination.
Schwimmer also pursued his passion for directing, having worked on several projects, including the TV series Feed the Beast and episodes of Will & Grace. His work behind the camera has showcased his versatility beyond acting.
On the personal front, Schwimmer has maintained a relatively low-key life, keeping his relationships and family life private. However, he remains active in various charitable endeavors, particularly in the areas of education and social justice.
H1: What the Cast Has in Common: Their Lasting Bond
Despite their busy careers and personal lives, the cast of Friends shares a unique bond that has lasted long after the show ended. The actors often talk about how close they became during the filming of Friends, and they continue to support one another to this day.
In 2021, the cast reunited for the Friends: The Reunion special on HBO Max, where they shared fond memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and emotional reflections on the impact the show had on their lives. Their chemistry, both on and off-screen, is a testament to the lasting friendships that were formed during the show’s 10-year run.
Conclusion: 20 Years Later – Friends is Forever
As we celebrate 20 years since Friends aired its final episode, it’s clear that the cast members have come a long way since their days at Central Perk. From blockbuster careers to personal growth, they’ve achieved incredible things—both individually and together. Even though we don’t see them together on-screen anymore, their legacy as a group of six friends who captured our hearts will never fade.
