Friends was a television phenomenon that changed the landscape of sitcoms, turning its cast into household names. For over a decade, we laughed, cried, and celebrated with Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. But what happened after the show ended in 2004? Well, the Friends cast moved on to various exciting, and sometimes unexpected, career paths.
In this article, we take a closer look at what each of the iconic Friends cast members has been doing since the show wrapped up. From acting in films and TV series to producing and advocating for causes, the Friends stars have done it all. Let’s dive into the post-Friends journeys of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
1. Jennifer Aniston: Hollywood A-List Actress and Producer
The Rise of Jennifer Aniston Post-Friends
Since her role as Rachel Green, Jennifer Aniston has become one of the most recognized actresses in Hollywood. After Friends, Aniston’s career took off with a slew of successful movies, including Marley & Me (2008), The Break-Up (2006), and We’re the Millers (2013). Her charming, relatable persona quickly transitioned from TV sweetheart to movie star.
Beyond acting, Aniston also ventured into producing. In 2019, she co-starred in and executive produced the Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show, which earned her an Emmy Award nomination. Her involvement behind the camera further solidified her place in Hollywood.
Aniston is also known for her work with the female-led production company Echo Films, where she’s championed new talent and stories. Her commitment to staying relevant and exploring new career avenues continues to make her a trailblazer in the industry.
2. Courteney Cox: The Scream Queen and Director
Courteney Cox’s Thrilling Post-Friends Journey
While Courteney Cox’s Monica Geller character will always be loved by fans, Cox has ventured into some thrilling and unexpected roles since leaving Friends. Most notably, she reprised her role as Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise. Her character has remained central in this series, helping to anchor the film’s success as a horror and pop culture staple.
But it’s not just about acting for Cox. In recent years, she’s also turned to directing. She made her directorial debut with Just Before I Go (2014), which she also produced. Additionally, she’s starred in the popular TV series Cougar Town, which ran for six seasons, and she’s received critical acclaim for her performance as Jules Cobb, a recently-divorced woman finding herself in her 40s.
Cox has also made waves in the world of social media, becoming quite the Instagram sensation, often sharing behind-the-scenes looks at her career, personal life, and even her friendship with her Friends co-stars.
3. Lisa Kudrow: Comedy Genius and Advocate
Lisa Kudrow’s Evolving Career Post-Friends
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky and lovable Phoebe Buffay captured hearts worldwide, but after Friends, she became a force to be reckoned with in both television and film. She starred in the hit comedy Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997) and later brought her comedic talents to the TV series The Comeback (2005–2007). The Comeback was a satirical series that saw Kudrow as a faded television actress attempting to make a career comeback, showcasing her remarkable comedic timing and depth.
Kudrow has also delved into voice acting, notably voicing characters in animated films like The Simpsons Movie (2007) and Hotel Transylvania (2012). Beyond her acting career, Kudrow is a passionate advocate for mental health and women’s rights, and she has used her platform to bring attention to various important causes.
In addition to acting, Kudrow has worked as a producer and co-created the popular web series Web Therapy (2011–2014). Her career continues to evolve, and she remains an influential figure in both the entertainment and advocacy spaces.
4. Matt LeBlanc: Joey Tribbiani Turns Into a TV Star
Matt LeBlanc’s Reinvention After Friends
Matt LeBlanc’s post-Friends journey took an interesting turn, especially when he took on a role as a fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Episodes (2011–2017). The show, which parodies the entertainment industry, earned LeBlanc critical acclaim, and he won a Golden Globe Award for his performance. Playing a somewhat exaggerated version of himself, LeBlanc’s career took a meta turn, allowing him to explore new facets of his comedic talent.
LeBlanc also made waves in the BBC series Top Gear, where he became one of the show’s hosts, showing off his love for cars and his down-to-earth personality. Although he faced some ups and downs in his post-Friends career, LeBlanc proved that he could continue to entertain audiences in both comedy and reality TV.
5. Matthew Perry: From Friends to Advocacy
Matthew Perry’s Rollercoaster Journey After Friends
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing was one of the most beloved aspects of Friends, known for his witty one-liners and his sometimes painful, often humorous journey through relationships. After Friends, Perry starred in several TV series and films, including The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and its sequel, The Whole Ten Yards (2004), as well as the short-lived show Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007).
However, Perry’s post-Friends career was marked by personal struggles, particularly with addiction. In recent years, he has turned his life around and used his experiences to help others. He opened a rehabilitation center and became an advocate for addiction recovery, using his platform to educate and support others dealing with similar challenges.
Perry also ventured into writing, releasing his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022), where he opened up about his battle with addiction and the impact it had on his life and career.
6. David Schwimmer: A Director and Voice Actor
David Schwimmer’s Shift to Behind-the-Scenes Work
David Schwimmer, famous for playing the neurotic yet endearing Ross Geller, has made significant strides in both acting and directing after Friends. He starred in the critically acclaimed drama Band of Brothers (2001) and directed several episodes of the hit series 15 to 1. Schwimmer has also focused on voice acting, lending his talents to animated films such as Madagascar (2005) and its sequels, where he voices Melman the giraffe.
In recent years, Schwimmer has focused on directing, including directing the miniseries The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016). His portrayal of Robert Kardashian in the series received praise, showing that Schwimmer’s talents go beyond the screen as he navigates both behind-the-scenes and on-screen roles.
7. The Friends Reunion Special: A Return to the Set
The Iconic Friends Reunion: A Look Back at the Show’s Legacy
In 2021, the cast of Friends reunited for a highly anticipated special, Friends: The Reunion, streaming on HBO Max. The reunion wasn’t a new episode, but rather a nostalgic, emotional return to the set where they reminisced about their time on the show. It allowed fans to see the cast as they are today—still incredibly close and reflective on the impact Friends has had on their lives.
The special was a hit, drawing millions of viewers and reminding us all of the unforgettable chemistry between the cast members. The reunion also shed light on what each of the cast members had been up to, offering insights into their lives and careers post-Friends.
Conclusion: The Friends Cast—A Legacy That Continues to Evolve
The Friends cast will always be remembered for their iconic roles on one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. However, their post-Friends careers have proven that their talent extends far beyond the confines of Central Perk. From starring in blockbuster films to creating groundbreaking TV shows, advocating for causes, and finding success in new roles, each member of the Friends cast has carved out a unique and exciting path for themselves.
Even though their characters may have left us years ago, the Friends stars continue to be relevant in Hollywood, using their platforms to shape new trends, entertain us, and make a lasting impact in various industries.
