The iconic sitcom Friends ended its 10-season run in 2004, but its popularity has endured for nearly two decades since. While the show’s characters remain frozen in time, the actors who brought them to life have moved on to new projects and pursuits. Let’s catch up with the main cast and see what they’re up to now.
Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)
Jennifer Aniston’s career has continued to flourish since her days as Rachel Green. She’s successfully transitioned between comedy and drama, both on the big screen and television.
Current Projects:
- Starring in and executive producing “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+
- Set to appear in the upcoming murder mystery comedy “Murder Mystery 3” on Netflix
- Launched her own haircare line, LolaVie, in 2021
Aniston has also become known for her advocacy work, particularly in areas of health and wellness. She’s been open about her journey with IVF and continues to inspire fans with her approach to aging and self-care.
Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)
Courteney Cox has worn many hats since her time as the lovably neurotic Monica Geller, expanding her repertoire both in front of and behind the camera.
Recent Work:
- Reprised her role as Gale Weathers in “Scream VI” (2023)
- Starred in and executive produced the horror-comedy series “Shining Vale” (2022-2023)
- Directed several episodes of the TBS comedy “Cougar Town,” in which she also starred
Cox has also become something of a social media sensation, often posting humorous videos that playfully reference her Friends days or showcase her musical talents on the piano.
Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)
Lisa Kudrow has carved out a niche for herself in quirky, offbeat roles that showcase her unique comedic talents.
Notable Projects:
- Voiced Janice Templeton in “The Boss Baby: Family Business” (2021)
- Starred in the Netflix comedy series “Space Force” (2020-2022)
- Created and starred in the web series turned TV show “Web Therapy”
Kudrow has also put her producer hat on, working behind the scenes on shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?”, a genealogy documentary series.
Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)
After his Friends spin-off “Joey” ended in 2006, Matt LeBlanc took a brief hiatus from acting before returning with some surprising and successful career choices.
Recent Endeavors:
- Hosted the car show “Top Gear” from 2016 to 2019
- Starred in and produced the comedy series “Episodes” (2011-2017)
- Led the CBS sitcom “Man with a Plan” for four seasons (2016-2020)
LeBlanc has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, focusing on his personal life and selectively choosing projects that interest him.
David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)
David Schwimmer has explored diverse roles in acting and directing since hanging up his paleontologist hat as Ross Geller.
Current Work:
- Appeared in the anthology series “Extrapolations” (2023)
- Voiced Melman the giraffe in the “Madagascar” franchise
- Directed episodes of various TV shows, including “Little Britain USA” and “Growing Up Fisher”
Schwimmer has also been active in theater, both on and off-Broadway, and has used his platform to advocate for causes like sexual harassment awareness.
Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)
Matthew Perry’s post-Friends career was marked by both professional achievements and personal challenges. Sadly, Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
Final Projects:
- Published his memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” in 2022
- Starred in and executive produced a reboot of “The Odd Couple” (2015-2017)
- Appeared in the miniseries “The Kennedys After Camelot” (2017)
Perry was open about his struggles with addiction and dedicated much of his later life to helping others facing similar challenges. His passing was mourned by fans and fellow actors alike, who remembered him for his wit, kindness, and iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing.
While their individual paths have diverged since the end of Friends, the cast has remained connected through their shared experience on the show. They reunited for an HBO Max special in 2021, reminding fans of the chemistry that made their on-screen friendships so believable. As they continue to evolve in their careers and personal lives, the Friends cast remains a beloved part of pop culture history.