It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 30 years since the world was introduced to Friends, the sitcom that became a cultural phenomenon. Premiering on NBC in 1994, Friends captivated audiences with the relatable lives and hilarious antics of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. The show remains beloved by fans across generations, and its characters are as iconic as ever. But what are the stars of Friends up to now, three decades later? Let’s dive into their lives and careers since the show wrapped in 2004.
1. Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel Green to Hollywood A-Lister
Jennifer Aniston, who played the iconic Rachel Green, has seen her career soar after Friends ended. She has become one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood, with a string of successful movies, TV shows, and accolades.
The Morning Show: A Groundbreaking Role
In recent years, Aniston’s role in The Morning Show has earned her widespread praise. The Apple TV+ series, in which she stars alongside Reese Witherspoon, explores the world of broadcast news and the challenges faced by its anchors. Aniston’s portrayal of Alex Levy has earned her multiple award nominations and wins, showing that she’s still at the top of her game.
Movies and Other Projects
Beyond TV, Aniston has starred in films like Marley & Me, The Break-Up, We’re the Millers, and Horrible Bosses. She has also ventured into producing, co-founding the production company Echo Films. With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, Jennifer Aniston continues to impress audiences around the world.
2. Courteney Cox: Monica Geller’s Legacy and Beyond
As the meticulous and endearing Monica Geller, Courteney Cox became a fan favorite. Since Friends, Cox has kept a relatively low profile but has found her way into new acting roles, directing, and producing.
Cougar Town: The Next Big Thing
After Friends, Courteney Cox starred in Cougar Town, a sitcom where she played Jules Cobb, a woman in her 40s navigating single life and dealing with the challenges of aging. The show was well-received, and Cox’s comedic timing was praised. The series ran for six seasons, solidifying her place as a versatile actress.
Directing and Producing
Cox has also delved into directing, with her directorial debut in 2014’s Just Before I Go, where she also starred. She has since continued to direct and produce projects, including Shining Vale (2022), a horror-comedy TV series.
3. Lisa Kudrow: Phoebe Buffay’s Quirky Genius
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky, free-spirited Phoebe Buffay made her a standout on Friends. Since then, she has carved out a diverse career in both film and television.
The Comeback: Kudrow’s Brilliant Return
Lisa Kudrow’s post-Friends career highlights include her role in The Comeback, a satire about a former TV star trying to revive her career. Kudrow’s performance in the show earned critical acclaim, cementing her status as a versatile and capable dramatic actress. The series, which aired in two parts, is considered ahead of its time.
Other Roles and Projects
In addition to her work on The Comeback, Kudrow starred in the web series Web Therapy and voiced the character of Ulla in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Her work as a producer on Who Do You Think You Are?, a popular genealogical show, has also gained attention.
4. Matt LeBlanc: From Joey Tribbiani to TV Star
Matt LeBlanc’s role as Joey Tribbiani may have defined his career, but the actor’s post-Friends life has been anything but stagnant. After Friends, LeBlanc went on to star in several other series and films.
Episodes: LeBlanc’s Self-Parody
One of LeBlanc’s most notable projects after Friends was Episodes, a British-American sitcom in which he played a fictionalized version of himself. The series, which ran for five seasons, won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical. LeBlanc’s ability to poke fun at his own image as Joey Tribbiani was both funny and refreshing.
Man with a Plan: LeBlanc’s Family Comedy
LeBlanc also starred in Man with a Plan, a CBS family sitcom where he played Adam Burns, a contractor who becomes a stay-at-home dad. The series ran for four seasons before concluding, showing that LeBlanc can still entertain audiences with his charm and comedic timing.
5. Matthew Perry: Chandler Bing and His Journey
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing made him one of the most beloved characters on Friends. However, since the show’s end, Perry has faced some challenges but continues to work on his career.
The Odd Couple: A New Comedy
Matthew Perry took on a new role in The Odd Couple, a sitcom based on the classic Neil Simon play. He played the messy and sarcastic Oscar Madison, opposite Thomas Lennon’s Felix Ungar. Though the series only lasted for three seasons, Perry’s comedic skills were front and center.
A Public Struggle and Comeback
Matthew Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction, which have affected his career at various points. In recent years, he’s focused on his health and recovery, while also continuing to act. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, released in 2022, has given fans an intimate look into his life beyond the spotlight.
6. David Schwimmer: Ross Geller’s Evolution
David Schwimmer’s portrayal of Ross Geller made him a fan favorite, especially with his awkward charm and the unforgettable “we were on a break” storyline. Since Friends, Schwimmer has taken on a variety of roles in television and film.
Band of Brothers: A Dramatic Shift
One of Schwimmer’s most notable post-Friends projects was his role in Band of Brothers, the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries about World War II. Schwimmer played Captain Herbert Sobel, a demanding training officer. His performance in the series earned him praise for his ability to take on more serious and intense roles.
Other Roles and Directorial Work
Schwimmer has also taken on roles in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016), where he portrayed Robert Kardashian. Additionally, he has ventured into directing and has worked on projects like Little Britain USA and Feed the Beast.
7. The Friends Reunion: A Nostalgic Celebration
In 2021, the cast of Friends reunited for a one-time special on HBO Max. The Friends reunion was a nostalgic look back at the show’s iconic moments and allowed fans to catch up with their favorite stars. The reunion was an emotional and heartwarming event, bringing together the cast to reminisce about their time on the show.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Friends and Its Cast
As Friends celebrates its 30th anniversary, it’s clear that the cast has remained just as influential in their respective careers as they were during the show’s heyday. From Jennifer Aniston’s continued success on The Morning Show to Matthew Perry’s personal and professional journey, the stars of Friends have truly made a lasting impact.
Even though Friends ended in 2004, the influence of the show and its characters remains strong, with the cast continuing to entertain and inspire millions around the world. Here’s to another 30 years of nostalgia, laughter, and love!
