As David Schwimmer turns 58 today, it's a bittersweet moment for fans. Nearly three decades after Friends first aired, the show's beloved cast has gone through the highs and lows of Hollywood, relationships, and unforgettable reunions that left fans wanting more.
In 2021, Friends fans were gifted with a long-awaited reunion special on HBO Max. Schwimmer, , Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry came together, reminiscing and reliving the magic that made them household names. The reunion was a tearjerker, full of nostalgia and laughter-until tragedy struck just two years later.
In October 2023, fans and castmates were heartbroken by sudden death at age 54, casting a sombre shadow over the Friends legacy. Perry's loss was felt deeply, not only by fans but also by his Friends' "family," who released an emotional statement honouring their "brother" and "friend."
As Schwimmer celebrates another year, the Friends cast remains forever tied together. Let's see where the stars are now...
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston, America's favourite girl-next-door, has had a life as full of drama off-screen as it has been on-screen. The 55-year-old played Rachel Green in the iconic show, a shopping-obsessed, runaway bride turned fashion pro who ended up with Ross, cementing herself as a TV icon. But it didn't stop there-she's headlined a string of blockbuster comedies like He's Just Not That Into You, Marley & Me, We're the Millers, and Horrible Bosses, and tackled gritty roles in Cake and The Yellow Birds.
In 2019, she made a triumphant return to TV in The Morning Show on Apple TV+, reuniting with her on-screen sister Reese Witherspoon. The role snagged her a SAG Award and two Emmy nominations.
Her love life has been as high-profile as her career, from her marriage to Brad Pitt, which famously ended just a year after Friends, to her brief but buzzworthy marriage to Justin Theroux.
Aniston has previously expressed openness to dating but has indicated no interest in remarrying. In a 2022 interview with Allure, she stated, "Never say never, but I don't have any interest."
Matt LeBlanc
Matt LeBlanc, known forever as the lovable, pizza-loving ladies' man Joey Tribbiani, has had quite the journey since his days at Central Perk. After winning hearts with his famous "How you doin'?" catchphrase, the 57-year-old took a step behind the scenes, launching Fort Hill Productions and co-producing the 2006 TV movie The Prince. But he didn't stay out of the spotlight for long. He scored big with the Golden Globe-winning role in Episodes, a Showtime comedy that ran from 2011 to 2017, where he played a hilariously exaggerated version of himself.
LeBlanc's TV charm continued as he led the CBS sitcom Man With a Plan for four successful seasons, even snagging a People's Choice Award. And if that wasn't enough, he became a gearhead icon as a Top Gear co-host from 2016 to 2019, revving up his fan base worldwide. The star was rumoured to be dating Top Gear producer Aurora Mulligan, sparking engagement rumours as they appeared close at events. However, reports in early 2022 indicated they had split after nearly six years together.
The actor divorced from Melissa McKnight in 2006 and they share daughter, Marina.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox captured hearts as Friends' neurotic Monica Geller, leaving fans emotional with her proposal to Chandler. Post-Friends, Cox starred in Cougar Town from 2009 to 2015, even directing episodes, and made her film directing debut with Just Before I Go in 2014. She embraced horror-comedy on Starz's Shining Vale in 2022, playing a writer haunted by eerie encounters.
Since 2019, Cox has kept busy with projects like hosting and producing 9 Months with Courteney Cox, and reprising her iconic role as Gale Weathers in Scream 5 (2022) and Scream VI (2023). Off-screen, she co-parents daughter Coco with ex-husband David Arquette and has been dating Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid since 2013. Her close friendship with Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston endures, with the two often celebrating milestones together, referring to each other as "sisters." Cox frequently shares her passions for home decor, cooking, and music on social media, giving fans a glimpse into her life.
David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer, forever etched in our hearts as Ross Geller, has proven he's much more than a lovesick palaeontologist off-screen. Younger fans might know him as Melman the giraffe from Madagascar, but Schwimmer has tackled everything from directing-with his 2007 debut Run, Fatboy, Run-to Broadway in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
In recent years, the 57-year-old starred as Jerry Bernstein in the British comedy Intelligence (2020-2023), playing a bumbling NSA agent in a cyber-crime sitcom alongside creator Nick Mohammed. Off-screen, Schwimmer has been a vocal advocate on social issues, standing up for women's rights and supporting the #MeToo movement, alongside work with organisations aiming to end sexual misconduct in the industry.
The Jewish star has also publicly defended Israel, using his platform to raise awareness and express support after the country was attacked on October 7th. Schwimmer was married to British artist Zoë Buckman from 2010 to 2017. They share a daughter, Cleo, 13.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow, forever beloved as quirky Phoebe Buffay from Friends, won fans over with her offbeat humour and iconic hit "Smelly Cat." But Kudrow's career has been anything but quiet since Friends wrapped.
In 2005, the 61-year-old co-created, wrote, and starred in HBO's The Comeback, playing washed-up sitcom star Valerie Cherish, a role that earned her an Emmy nod. Though it was cancelled after one season, the show made its own comeback in 2014. She also starred in Web Therapy, Grace and Frankie, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and recently joined Space Force (2020-2022) as Steve Carell's ex-wife. In 2022, she starred in Disney+'s Better Nate Than Ever, playing a supportive aunt, and continues to lend her voice to projects like the animated comedy HouseBroken.
Off-screen, the mum-of-one's personal life has been refreshingly drama-free. Married to French advertising exec Michel Stern since 1995, the two share one of Hollywood's rare, long-lasting relationships. They met in the late '80s and reconnected years later, with Kudrow describing him as her steadfast partner. The couple has one son, Julian, born in 1998, who recently graduated from the University of Southern California.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, beloved for his role as the sarcastic and lovable Chandler Bing on Friends, became a comedy icon, keeping audiences laughing while tugging at their heartstrings with sweet moments with Monica. His career spanned hit shows like Mr. Sunshine, The Good Wife, Go On, and The Odd Couple, along with memorable big-screen roles, including playing the adult version of Zac Efron's character in 17 Again (2009).
Off-screen, Perry faced personal battles, struggling with addiction and overcoming serious health challenges, including a life-threatening gastrointestinal perforation in 2018. Despite his struggles, he dedicated himself to helping others with substance abuse issues and shared his journey in his candid 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
In October 2023, Perry tragically passed away at age 54 from an apparent drowning. An autopsy revealed his death was due to the "acute effects of ketamine," with coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors. Following his death, five people, including two doctors and his personal assistant, were arrested in connection to his overdose, with some pleading guilty.
His castmates said in a statement after his death: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss." The statement continued: "In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
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