Friends is arguably one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, running for a decade and forever changing the landscape of television. While the show may have ended in 2004, the six main cast members—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer—continued to leave their mark on Hollywood and the entertainment world.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into what these actors have been up to since the final episode of Friends. Whether in movies, TV shows, or other creative endeavors, each cast member has ventured into different areas of entertainment, showcasing their talents beyond their unforgettable roles.
Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel to Hollywood Icon
A Star in the Making
After Friends ended, Jennifer Aniston’s career truly took off. She quickly became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid and most beloved actresses. From heartfelt dramas to romantic comedies, Aniston starred in an impressive list of films, including:
- Marley & Me (2008) – A heartfelt film about a couple and their mischievous dog, which became one of her biggest hits.
- The Break-Up (2006) – A romantic comedy where Aniston starred opposite Vince Vaughn in a quirky take on relationships and breakups.
- Along Came Polly (2004) – Another romantic comedy that had audiences rooting for her character as she navigated love and loss.
TV Comeback: The Morning Show
Jennifer Aniston made an impressive return to television with The Morning Show on Apple TV+. In the drama, she plays a veteran news anchor caught in a media scandal. The show has earned Aniston several award nominations and further cemented her status as one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood.
Courteney Cox: From Monica Geller to a Leading TV Star
Courteney Cox’s Post-Friends TV Career
Though Friends made her a household name, Courteney Cox didn’t rest on her laurels. She took on several notable TV roles after the show ended, including:
- Cougar Town (2009-2015) – A comedy series where Cox plays Jules Cobb, a recently-divorced woman trying to rebuild her life. The show ran for six seasons, earning a loyal fanbase.
- Shining Vale (2022) – A dark comedy series where Cox portrays a woman moving into a new home with her family, only to discover eerie things about the house and herself.
Filmmaking and Behind-the-Scenes Work
In addition to acting, Courteney Cox also ventured into producing and directing. Her production company, Coquette Productions, has been involved in several TV projects, and she’s directed episodes of Cougar Town. Cox also remains active in charity work, often participating in campaigns for children’s health.
Lisa Kudrow: From Phoebe Buffay to Critical Acclaim
Post-Friends Film Career
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky Phoebe Buffay was unforgettable, but her post-Friends career has also been full of impressive roles in both television and film. Some highlights include:
- Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997) – A cult classic comedy where Lisa plays Michele, one half of the quirky duo attending their high school reunion.
- Analyze This (1999) – A comedy film starring Lisa alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. Kudrow plays the supportive yet tough wife of De Niro’s character.
Television Success: The Comeback and More
Lisa’s most notable post-Friends TV project was undoubtedly The Comeback (2005). The HBO series, which she co-created and starred in, portrayed an actress attempting to revive her career. Though the show received a limited run, it has since gained a cult following and was praised for its ahead-of-its-time satire of Hollywood.
Matt LeBlanc: From Joey Tribbiani to a New Career Path
Matt LeBlanc’s Transition to TV and Film
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of the lovable yet dim-witted Joey Tribbiani became iconic, but after Friends, he didn’t stop there. He starred in a couple of significant projects:
- Joey (2004-2006) – A spinoff series centered on Joey Tribbiani’s life in Los Angeles. Though it wasn’t as successful as Friends, it showed LeBlanc’s commitment to his character.
- Episodes (2011-2017) – This Showtime series saw LeBlanc playing a fictionalized version of himself. The show was both a critical and commercial success, earning LeBlanc numerous accolades and Golden Globe nominations.
Matt’s Love for Cars: Top Gear
LeBlanc is also known for his love of cars. He hosted Top Gear, the long-running British motoring show, from 2016 to 2019. His time on the show was widely regarded as a success, earning him praise for his natural chemistry with the other hosts and his ability to connect with fans of all ages.
Matthew Perry: From Chandler Bing to a New Chapter
Matthew Perry’s Film and TV Career Post-Friends
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing made him one of Friends’ most beloved characters. However, his career after the show didn’t reach the same heights. Still, he took on several interesting roles, such as:
- The Whole Nine Yards (2000) – A comedy film where Perry starred alongside Bruce Willis, playing a mild-mannered dentist involved in a mafia plot.
- Fools Rush In (1997) – A romantic comedy where Perry plays a man who marries a woman after a brief encounter, leading to comedic consequences.
Struggles and Triumphs: The Odd Couple
Matthew Perry also starred in The Odd Couple (2015-2017), a TV series where he portrayed one of the two mismatched roommates. Though the show was well-received, it was canceled after three seasons. Perry has also spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and has since used his platform to advocate for mental health and recovery.
David Schwimmer: From Ross Geller to Diverse Roles
David Schwimmer’s Post-Friends Acting Journey
David Schwimmer, best known for his role as the nerdy yet loveable Ross Geller, has continued acting after Friends. He took on roles in both television and film, including:
- Band of Brothers (2001) – A critically acclaimed miniseries where Schwimmer played Captain Herbert Sobel, a role that showcased his dramatic acting skills.
- American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson (2016) – Schwimmer played Robert Kardashian in this award-winning series, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
David’s Direction: Little Britain USA and More
David has also worked behind the camera, directing episodes of shows like 30 Rock and Little Britain USA. In addition to his acting and directing career, Schwimmer is passionate about activism, particularly related to issues of racial equality.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Friends Lives On
While Friends will always remain an iconic piece of television history, the cast members have proven time and again that they are more than just their beloved characters. From Jennifer Aniston’s success in films and TV dramas to Courteney Cox’s venture into producing, each actor has made their mark in the entertainment industry in unique ways. Whether it’s in comedic roles or serious dramas, the Friends cast continues to entertain, inspire, and surprise us with their talents.
