The year was 2004, and after 10 seasons, Friends aired its final episode, leaving fans heartbroken but satisfied by the conclusion of the beloved show. It was the end of an era, but also the beginning of new chapters for the show’s six iconic stars—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
Since the series wrapped, each actor’s career has taken a different path, from dramatic roles to producing projects and pursuing personal ventures. But how did these stars fare after the spotlight of Friends? Let’s catch up with them and dive into their post-Friends journeys, where we’ll find some surprising twists, incredible success stories, and some challenges along the way.
1. Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel Green to Hollywood Royalty
Jennifer Aniston, known for her portrayal of the lovable and ever-stylish Rachel Green, quickly became one of Hollywood’s top actresses after Friends. Post-Friends, Aniston’s career skyrocketed, making her a household name and solidifying her position as one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
A Transition to Drama and Comedy
After the show ended, Aniston made a successful transition from sitcom star to leading lady in films. She starred in a variety of movies, including romantic comedies like The Break-Up (2006) and Marley & Me (2008), as well as more dramatic roles in films such as The Good Girl (2002) and Cake (2014), which earned her critical praise.
In 2019, she took on a major television project with The Morning Show, an Apple TV+ drama about morning news anchors, alongside Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. Her performance earned her several award nominations, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, reaffirming her acting prowess.
Behind the Scenes: A Producing Powerhouse
Not just a talented actress, Aniston also found success behind the scenes as a producer. Her production company, Echo Films, has produced several notable projects, including the Netflix series Dumplin’ (2018) and the aforementioned The Morning Show.
Jennifer Aniston’s career trajectory has been a testament to her versatility and staying power in an ever-changing industry.
2. Courteney Cox: From Monica Geller to Director and Producer
Courteney Cox, who portrayed the meticulous yet loving Monica Geller, has continued to build an impressive career since Friends wrapped. Known for her impeccable comedic timing, Cox has found a successful balance between acting, directing, and producing.
A New Chapter with TV and Film Roles
Following Friends, Cox starred in the Scream film franchise, reprising her role as the sharp-tongued reporter Gale Weathers in several sequels. She also appeared in TV shows like Cougar Town (2009–2015), for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, and Dirt (2007–2008).
Venturing Into Directing and Producing
Cox’s talents expanded beyond acting, as she took on roles behind the camera. In recent years, she has directed and produced a range of projects. Her production company, Coquette Productions, has been behind multiple successful ventures, including the sitcom Cougar Town and the drama series Shining Vale (2022).
Personal Life: An Open Look at Family and Relationships
Courteney has also been very open about her personal life, including her experiences as a mother to her daughter, Coco, and her relationships. She’s maintained a strong presence on social media, where she engages with fans and gives them a glimpse into her life.
3. Lisa Kudrow: Phoebe Buffay’s Ever-Evolving Legacy
Lisa Kudrow, beloved for her role as the quirky yet lovable Phoebe Buffay, has had a fascinating journey after Friends. Known for her comedic brilliance, Kudrow has continued to make waves in both television and film, exploring a wide range of roles.
A Multi-Faceted Career
Following Friends, Kudrow transitioned seamlessly into both TV and film. She starred in the popular HBO series The Comeback (2005 and 2014), a show that became a cult hit, where she played a washed-up TV star attempting to make a comeback. The show’s unique format and her fearless performance earned her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations.
Kudrow also appeared in a variety of films such as Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997), Analyze This(1999), and P.S. I Love You (2007), among others. Her comedic timing and range have made her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
Behind the Camera: Producing and Podcasting
Lisa also explored the world of producing and podcasting. In addition to producing The Comeback, she has been involved in projects like Who Do You Think You Are? (2010–2019), a genealogy series. Moreover, she co-hosts the popular podcast Grown-Up Woman, where she discusses everything from career challenges to personal growth.
4. Matt LeBlanc: From Joey Tribbiani to a Top Gear Host
Matt LeBlanc, the charming and hilarious Joey Tribbiani, has carved out an interesting post-Friends career. While he found success with TV series Joey (2004–2006), which was a spin-off of Friends, his true post-Friends transformation came when he took on a very different role in the entertainment world.
The Top Gear Host and Television Appearances
LeBlanc’s most notable post-Friends project came in 2016, when he became the host of the British car show Top Gear. His chemistry with the other hosts and his laid-back yet engaging style quickly won over audiences. LeBlanc hosted the show until 2019, bringing a touch of humor and relatability to a typically serious genre.
Other TV Roles: A Critical Shift
In addition to Top Gear, LeBlanc starred in Episodes (2011–2017), a critically acclaimed Showtime series in which he played a fictionalized version of himself. His performance in Episodes earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV series, proving that LeBlanc could shine in more dramatic roles.
5. Matthew Perry: Chandler Bing’s Road to Recovery
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, the sarcastic and lovable character who often provided comic relief, struck a chord with audiences. However, Perry’s post-Friends journey has been more tumultuous, marked by both successes and personal challenges.
Career Struggles and Comebacks
After Friends, Perry starred in a number of projects, including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007) and Mr. Sunshine (2011), but neither achieved the same level of success as Friends. Despite this, Perry’s comedic chops remained evident, and he continued to work on various TV and film projects.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction, which affected both his career and personal life. His journey of recovery has been an inspiration to many, and he has used his platform to advocate for addiction recovery, writing a memoir that delves into his experiences.
6. David Schwimmer: Ross Geller’s Growth in Drama and Directing
David Schwimmer, who made Ross Geller one of the most relatable characters on TV, has seen his career evolve significantly since Friends. Schwimmer moved beyond sitcom roles and began working on more dramatic projects, both in front of and behind the camera.
Breaking Away from Ross Geller
Schwimmer took on a variety of roles post-Friends, starring in movies like Apt Pupil (1998) and Picking Up the Pieces(1999), and landing a prominent role in the popular series American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson (2016), where he played Robert Kardashian. His performance earned him multiple award nominations, showing a different side of the actor.
Directorial Success
In addition to acting, Schwimmer has also delved into directing. He directed several episodes of Friends and later went on to direct films and TV shows, including episodes of Joey and the hit series Feed the Beast (2016).
7. The Friends Legacy: A Continuing Cultural Influence
While the individual journeys of the Friends cast have been unique, the legacy of the show continues to live on. From streaming platforms like Netflix and HBO Max introducing the show to new generations of fans, to the recent Friendsreunion special, the influence of Friends is far from over.
