When Friends wrapped up its 10-season run in 2004, the world was left saying goodbye to some of the most iconic characters in television history. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey became household names, with fans worldwide continuing to follow their journeys through reruns, streaming services, and social media. But what has the Friends cast been up to since the show’s finale? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the six main cast members have done in their careers and personal lives since they said goodbye to Central Perk.
The Friends Cast: Then and Now
Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) – From Sitcom Star to A-List Hollywood Actress
Jennifer Aniston’s portrayal of Rachel Green made her a household name, and since Friends ended, she’s become one of Hollywood’s leading ladies.
Post-Friends Career:
Aniston seamlessly transitioned from TV to film, starring in numerous successful movies. From romantic comedies like Marley & Me and The Break-Up to drama roles in The Good Girl and Cake, Jennifer has proven her versatility as an actress. She also made waves with her role in The Morning Show on Apple TV+, earning multiple Golden Globe nominations and wins.
Business Ventures:
Beyond acting, Aniston co-founded the hair care brand Living Proof, which was later sold to Unilever. She also co-founded the production company Echo Films, producing shows like The Morning Show.
Personal Life:
Jennifer’s personal life has also been in the spotlight, with highly publicized relationships and marriages, including her marriage to actor Brad Pitt and later Justin Theroux. As of recent years, she’s been an advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to discuss the importance of self-care and therapy.
Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) – From Friends to Producer and Director
Courteney Cox, best known for her role as the neurotic yet lovable Monica Geller, has had a varied and successful post-Friends career.
Post-Friends Career:
After the end of Friends, Courteney took on the role of the lead in the Scream movie franchise, reprising her role as Gale Weathers in the iconic horror series. She also starred in the sitcom Cougar Town, which ran for six seasons and earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Behind the Camera:
Courteney made the transition to producing and directing. She directed several episodes of Cougar Town and has worked behind the scenes on other projects, including Shining Vale on Starz, where she plays a pivotal role as well.
Personal Life:
Courteney’s personal life has been just as high-profile, with her marriage to actor David Arquette, which ended in divorce. She is also an advocate for mental health and has spoken openly about her struggles with self-image and confidence.
Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay) – Comedy Queen and Producer
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky Phoebe Buffay made her a fan favorite, and her career post-Friends has only continued to shine.
Post-Friends Career:
Lisa transitioned easily into both comedic and dramatic roles. She starred in the hilarious The Comeback (which she also co-created and produced), a cult-favorite series about a fading TV star trying to regain her career. Lisa has also had notable roles in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and voiced various animated characters in shows like Family Guy and American Dad.
Producing Success:
As a producer, Lisa co-created and produced Who Do You Think You Are?, a successful genealogy-based reality series.
Personal Life:
Lisa has been relatively private about her personal life, but she is married to Michael Stern, a prominent businessman, and they have one son. She’s also actively involved in charitable causes and often speaks about her experiences working in the entertainment industry as a woman.
Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) – Finding Success in TV and Beyond
Matt LeBlanc, the lovable and often hilarious Joey Tribbiani, has had a range of opportunities since his time on Friends.
Post-Friends Career:
After Friends, Matt starred in his own spinoff show, Joey, which ran for two seasons but wasn’t quite as successful as its predecessor. However, he found major success as the star of the hit show Episodes, where he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. This role earned him multiple Golden Globe awards and critical acclaim for his comedic timing and range.
Other Projects:
Matt also co-hosted the BBC’s Top Gear for several seasons, where he impressed viewers with his natural charisma and driving skills.
Personal Life:
Matt has been more low-key with his personal life. He has one daughter from his marriage to actress Melissa McKnight, and in 2006, he announced that they had separated.
Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) – From Comedy Icon to Mental Health Advocate
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing made him one of the most beloved sitcom stars of all time.
Post-Friends Career:
Matthew’s career after Friends was a mix of television and film roles. He starred in several sitcoms like Mr. Sunshine and Go On, but neither became a major hit. He also appeared in films like Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards.
Mental Health Advocacy:
Matthew has been open about his struggles with addiction, and he’s used his platform to advocate for mental health and sobriety. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, delves into his personal battles and his time on Friends.
Personal Life:
Matthew’s personal life has been rocky, with relationships, addiction, and health issues in the spotlight. However, he continues to work on his recovery and has become a strong advocate for those struggling with addiction.
David Schwimmer (Ross Geller) – A Career of Variety and Activism
David Schwimmer’s portrayal of Ross Geller, the paleontologist with a complicated love life, has led him down a variety of career paths post-Friends.
Post-Friends Career:
David Schwimmer found success in both television and film. He starred in the drama series American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Robert Kardashian. He also directed several episodes of Friends and other projects and appeared in films like Apt Pupil and Picking Up the Pieces.
Activism and Advocacy:
David has become increasingly involved in social activism, particularly in regard to issues of racial equality and sexual harassment. He has spoken out about systemic racism in Hollywood and worked on projects aimed at improving the representation of women and minorities in the industry.
Personal Life:
David has had a quieter personal life compared to some of his co-stars. He married British photographer Zoe Buckman in 2010, and they share a daughter. In 2017, the couple announced they had separated but remained on good terms.
What’s Next for the Friends Cast?
The Friends cast has left a significant mark on pop culture, and their post-Friends lives have been just as varied as the characters they portrayed. Each member of the cast has found their own path, whether it’s in acting, directing, producing, or advocacy.
Although there are no major Friends reunion plans at this time (besides the recent reunion special), it’s clear that the cast will continue to shine in their own unique ways.
Conclusion: The Friends Cast Continues to Inspire
The journey of the Friends cast after the series ended is proof that these talented actors have a lot more to offer beyond their iconic roles. From film careers to activism and producing, the cast has proven that they are more than just their Friends personas—they are multifaceted, resilient, and committed to making a difference. While we may never get a full-on reunion or new seasons of Friends, their individual stories are more than enough to keep us invested in their post-show lives
